Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from William Duane, 29 January 1808

Phil. Jan 29. 1808

Respected Sir,

The letter enclosed has just come to my hands; I have no acquaintance with the Gentleman who writes it; [but] have had, he appears to [know?] received a number of communications more voluminous, but not so concise as this; all of them concur in making representations as strong and some even stronger than the Enclosed. That there has been a most nefarious scheme of speculation carried on there appears to me beyond doubt. I think it my duty to send this letter, aware at the same time that much must depend on the character of the accuser and his motives: but there is certainly a very general concurrence in his opinions.

Judge Woodward has written me a letter intimating a desire to reply to a series of papers on the concerns of Michigan which will give the other side of the question.

Mr. Hervey’s letter is of course communicated in confidence

I am with the utmost respect

Wm Duane

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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