Thomas Jefferson Papers

XIV. To Levi Lincoln, 27 November 1801

XIV. To Levi Lincoln

Nov. 27. 1801.

Th:J. to mr Lincoln.

I inclose you the message on the state of the nation to be sent to Congress on their meeting. I will ask the favor of you to give it serious perusal & to favor me with such observations, corrections & queries as you may think expedient: to observe also on any negligences of style, which may be corrected without weakening expression: for wherever by a small sacrifice of the rigorous rules of grammar, circumlocution may be saved, & expression condensed, I hold it right to give up grammar. but the habit of doing this has produced an inattention which occasions grammatical incorrectness sometimes where it is of no advantage. I require watching in this therefore.

The message to the Senate respecting the Nolle prosequi will shew you the footing on which I shall place that subject before them. you will then the better judge of the manner of presenting the Sedition law to both houses. health & affection.

RC (MHi); addressed: “The Attorney G,” with remainder clipped; endorsed by Lincoln: “Mr Jefferson’s Letter on his message respecting the State of the nation.” Enclosures: (1) Document xiii. (2) A version of the draft message to the Senate about prosecution of William Duane (see TJ to Gallatin, 12 Nov.).

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