Thomas Jefferson Papers

II. From Gideon Granger, [31 December 1801]

II. From Gideon Granger

[31 Dec. 1801]

G Granger presents his compliments to The Presidt. and assures him he has carefully & attentively perused the inclosed Address & Answer—The answer will undoubtedly give great Offence to the established Clergy of New England while it will delight the Dissenters as they are called. It is but a declaration of Truths which are in fact felt by a great Majority of New England, & publicly acknowledged by near half of the People of Connecticut; It may however occasion a temporary Spasm among the Established Religionists yet his mind approves of it, because it will “germinate among the People” and in time fix “their political Tenets”—He cannot therefore wish a Sentence changed, or a Sentiment expressed equivocally—A more fortunate time can never be expected.—

RC (DLC); undated; endorsed by TJ as received 31 Dec. and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures: (1) Danbury Baptist Association to TJ, [after 7 Oct. 1801]. (2) Document I.

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