Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from John Ramsey, 4 November 1806

4 Nov. 1806

At a very respectable meeting of the Democratic Republicans of Chester County Commonwealth of Pennsylva. convened at West Chester the 4th. day of November, 1806.

After appointing a Chairman and Secretary, the following resolutions were unanimously agreed to.—

Resolved that impressed by an early interest and pride in the great cause of American Independence, and from a necessary regard to the great and eminent services of Thomas Jefferson, the author of the great Charter of American rights, and especially from the Successful realization of the principles therein contained during his administration as President of the United States, the Citizens of Chester County here assembled feel a most sincere respect for the great and eminent qualities of the man and for the uniform consistency between his early principles as a private citizen, his declarations as a Statesman and his conduct as the Chief Magistrate of this Nation.—

Resolved therefore that it is with extreme regret that the Citizens of Chester County, have heard of an intention on the part of Thomas Jefferson to refuse to render his Services for another period to his Country as President of the United States.—

Resolved that it is the opinion of this meeting, that the will of the people is the supreme law of the land, and against which will, on matters of public political concernment, no individual has the right to oppose his private personal wishes, when the public may be endangered by such opposition to the public wishes; that therefore, as the Citizens here assembled are impressed with the full and perfect belief, that many serious injuries would follow the refusal of Thomas Jefferson to serve, so many good effects would result from his submitting his personal feelings and convenience once more to the good and Glory of his Country and the wishes of his fellow Citizens.—

This Meeting is of opinion, that the services of Thomas Jefferson, for another period is necessary completely to destroy the pernicious principles and influence which had so nearly caused the national ruin under former administration. This meeting consider his services as indispensible to the furtherance of his pacific system of policy, so congenial to our principles of government.—

This meeting consider the further continuance of Thomas Jefferson in the Executive Chair, as indispensible to preserve in the opinions of foreign nations that respectable Station which his wise measures and policy hath obtained for the United States.—

This meeting consider his continuance in office, as essential to the preservation of the representative principle, which during his administration, has been proved to be more effective and wise than at any former period.—

This meeting consider his continuance in office as necessary to the frustration of faction and to the defeat of vast schemes of fraud, speculation, and intrigues for power, lest under any new Organization of parties the principles of Democracy might be compromised with federalism, or that countenance might be given to great Schemes of land speculation as the price of interest for elevation to power.

This meeting conceive his continuance in power as necessary to the obtainment of the Floridas and the establishment of the Boundaries of Louisiana, which no other person however able or well qualified can be so likely to pursue or to obtain.

Resolved therefore, for the foregoing and for numerous other reasons that this meeting do on their own behalf, on that of their common Country request and entreat Thomas Jefferson not to decline Serving his Country for another Presidential period.—

Resolved that the foregoing Resolutions be fairly drafted, signed by the Chairman attested by the Secretary, and transmitted through the hands of the Representative of this District in Congress, to be by him presented to the President of the United States.—

Signed John Ramsey Chairman

Attest Charles Kenny Secretary

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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