Thomas Jefferson Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Jefferson/01-33-02-0568

To Thomas Jefferson from James Monroe, 29 April 1801

From James Monroe

Richmond 29. April 1801

Dear Sir

I am inclined to think the mode by which a certain end is to be accomplished, refering to a subject in discussion when I last saw you, is of less importance than I then thought it. A gradual operation will not offend republicans, nor will an off-hand entire one, make friends of the tories. Sooner or later that party will rally and make another effort. That course which best preserves, at the height the spirits of the republicans, and gives the tories least hold, is the soundest. The point in question is a subaltern one of no great importance any way. There is another object to which I found the attention of the republicans here, comprizing many from the country who are attending our ct. of appls. & the federal ct., drawn with much more anxiety; that is the propriety of continuing Mr. K. at the British ct. I will endeavor to communicate some thing on that head in my next. I am at present too much indisposed with the consequences resulting from my late journey. Your friend & servt

Jas. Monroe

RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received 4 May 1801 and so recorded in SJL.

Will endeavor to communicate: Monroe drafted a letter to TJ dated Richmond, 30 Apr., but did not send it. In it, Monroe reported that John Taylor and others strongly advocated the recall of Rufus King from London: “They think nothing is done unless that is done.” Monroe, deeming the subject “an important question difficult to be decided,” contrasted the possible consequences of retaining King, and thereby attempting to make the Federalists responsible for good relations with Britain, with the effects of sending a new minister to demonstrate that the new Republican administration had confidence “in its strength & the purity of its views” (Dft in DLC: Monroe Papers; in Monroe’s hand, including note at head of text: “This letter was not sent”; on the final page Monroe also drafted a version of the opening portion of his letter to TJ of 4 May).

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