From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Livermore, 28 January 1798
To Samuel Livermore
Jan. 28. 98
Dear Sir
Having found it necessary, for my own government, to [consult?] the writers on Parliamentary law, a Summary of their proceeding in […] I have thought it might not be unuseful to put it into the hands of one of the Committee to which the bill on impeachment is referred. I take [the] liberty therefore of inclosing it to you. it may serve to refresh your me[mory] on a subject in which you probably have not your books with you to […] and to enable you to judge on what points […] stands, and to keep up analogies where changes are necessary. [within a?] paragraph of a new law, we should ask ourselves these questions. How [reads the?] law now? is a change necessary? what changes would be best? [if?] it is to be our guide in the impeachment now […] and be upon us before the bill can be passed which [warrants? so]ber conside[ration.] that bill will probably undergo far [more study? than others do. considering] this, [it] would be adviseable to [take up the bill?] […] […]tially […] these [situa]tions. […] my [provision?] being order […] should be accomplished […] that subject. accept assurances of […] Dear Sir
Your most obedt. hum[ble servt.]
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); faint, with several illegible phrases of three or more words; at foot of text: “Judge Livermore.” Enclosure not found but see note below.
Writers on parliamentary law, a summary of their proceeding: TJ probably enclosed paragraphs from his “Parliamentary Pocket-Book” which described the impeachment process in the British Parliament (, 12–13, 153–7). For other members of this committee appointed on 23 Jan. to consider a bill on impeachment procedures, see TJ to Henry Tazewell, 27 Jan. 1798.