James Madison Papers
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To James Madison from William Eustis, [ca. 2 February 1815]

From William Eustis

(private)

[ca. 2 February 1815]

Dear Sir,

The mail of this day brings your Letter enclosing that of Mr Everett whose appointment is universally well received.1 There is in this case an adaptation of character which commands approbation & is peculiarly gratifying to friends. Perceiving the objections to asking a passport from the enemy it remains for us to embrace the first opportunity which affords a probability of avoiding him.

The result of the mission from the State Legislature excites considerable interest.2 Two considerations have occupied my mind as most important. The first is whether in the event of a refusal, they will dare to seize on the public revenues. The second is the policy of keeping them in the state of poverty in which, by refusing the militia to the U States and throwing the expences of the last summer at the State Govt, they have involved themselves, and from which they cannot emerge but by a direct tax which, to the amount required, they dare not lay. On the first there are various opinions. Our friends are strong in the belief that they dare not—will not—such also is the opinion to which I am inclined. On the other hand I have received a communication from one of our firm and discreet friends, stating that the leaders are pledged to their party, in case of being refused, to lay hold of the taxes, and suggesting the expediency of disarming them by a partial compliance. His means of information are good; but it has occurred to me that an impression was intended on his mind which should produce an effect. Admitting that the chances were equal, policy would then dictate a non-compliance—but as they are not, in my judgement equal, taking all events & contingencies into consideration, the expediency of non-compliance is proportionately strengthened. From this view of the subject are intentionally excluded all legal, constitutional and other objections. On the second consideration—it is evident from the change in the conduct of the faction that the exhaustion of their means has abated their insolence. This is human nature. They literally drew their own teeth the last summer—and any policy which should restore their means would be felt by its reaction on the federal government. They have crippled all the banks from which they had a right to borrow. The boasted capital of the head quarters of good principles in money or that which would immediately command money, does not exceed one million of Dollars; of which the owners would loan no considerable part even to their political friends.

Should we be mistaken & should they strike, if beaten in the contest, as they must be first or last, there is an end of opposition. If they succeed & triumph in the state, what do they conquer? the loyalty of their own subjects—no taxes, either continental or state, will be paid, private debtors (and they are numerous) will take the example, an end of law and order & of govt necessarily follow. Seeing & knowing all this can they be so blinded as to commit the overt act. The subject is endless—and I am happy in learning from a friend that a course will be probably pursued by the Govt which will without conceding to their insolent demand, put them in the wrong, and keep them in the pit which they have digged for themselves. In their poverty is our strength.

The clouds in Europe begin to gather—may our sun shine arise out of them and may the blessings of peace restoring harmony to our country relieve and reward, the toils the labours and the distressing solicitudes with which you are oppressed. Mrs E unites in our best respects to yourself & to Mrs. Madison.

W. Eustis.

RC (DLC: Rives Collection, Madison Papers). Undated; docketed “1815” by JM and dated accordingly in the Index to the James Madison Papers. Conjectural date assigned here based on evidence in nn.

1The letter from JM to Eustis returning Alexander Everett’s letter has not been found. For the Senate’s 24 Jan. 1815 confirmation of Everett’s appointment and for his letter, see Eustis to JM, 14 Jan. 1815, and n. 1. The appointment was reported in the Boston New-England Palladium & Commercial Advertiser on 31 Jan. 1815, and in other Boston newspapers on the three days following.

2Eustis referred to the delegation of Harrison Gray Otis, Thomas H. Perkins, and William Sullivan in accord with a 24 Jan. 1815 resolution of the Massachusetts legislature authorizing the governor to appoint commissioners to proceed to Washington and there request of the federal government that Massachusetts be allowed “separately, or in concert with neighbouring States … to assume the defence of their territories against the enemy; and that to this end a reasonable portion of the taxes collected within said States may be paid into the respective treasuries thereof, and appropriated to the payment of the balance due to the said States, and to the future defence of the same” (Boston Daily Advertiser, 25 Jan. 1815). The appointments of Otis, Perkins, and Sullivan were reported in the Boston Gazette on 2 Feb. 1815. One day earlier, the state legislature had passed a further resolution requesting that the Massachusetts senators and representatives in Congress present the constitutional amendments recommended by the Hartford Convention for adoption by the states (Boston Daily Advertiser, 2 Feb. 1815). Otis and Perkins did not arrive in Washington until 13 Feb. 1815, with their mission already made moot by the first tidings of peace (Georgetown Federal Republican, 14 Feb. 1815).

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