To Thomas Jefferson from George Logan, 10 June 1803
From George Logan
Stenton June 10th. 1803
Dear Sir
My apprehensions respecting our late valuable friend Mason have been realised; his Family whilst sensible of his loss, have less occasion to lament the event of his death from home, as every attention of eminent Physicians and sincere friends was given to him. I only regret that on his arrival in Philadelphia, he did not immediately come to Stenton.
The proceedings of some men in Philadelphia intended to influence the official conduct of yourself & of the Governor of this State, are condemned by our best republican characters. Should events of this kind not be checked by a proper degree of firmness on the part of our executive magistrates we may expect that the same spirit will in a short time dictate the proceedings of our Legislatures
It is proposed to address a public Letter to you on the subject of removals from office—should this be the case I trust you will give them a public answer, honorable to yourself as first magistrate of a free Nation
The combinations & intrigues of a few desperate men destroyed the fair prospect of liberty in france, after having by the most sanguine prosecutions removed some of the best men in their Country. I do know that some active fœderal characters look forward to a similar termination to the american revolution. On my seeing you at Washington I will take the liberty of speaking to you more fully on this subject.
Mrs. Logan presents her best respects
I am your obliged Friend
Geo: Logan
RC (DLC); at foot of text: “Thos. Jefferson”; endorsed by TJ as received 15 June and so recorded in SJL.
late valuable friend: Senator Stevens Thomson Mason died late on 9 May, a week after he arrived in Philadelphia. His funeral was held the next day with William White, bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church, presiding. According to the Aurora, the funeral procession was led by the militia unit commanded by General John Shee “with reversed arms, in advance of the whole.” Governor McKean and officers of the city, state, and federal governments, Spanish minister Carlos Martínez de Irujo, state militia officers, clergy of every denomination, and private friends were in attendance. The Aurora concluded: “there has seldom been witnessed in this city, a more solemn and effecting scene, evincing a general testimonial of respect for the exalted virtues, public and private, which so conspicuously marked the character of the deceased” (Aurora, 10, 14 May; New York Commercial Advertiser, 12 May). On 31 Oct. 1803, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution to go into mourning for one month in respect to the memory of their late colleague (, 3:305). eminent physicians: Benjamin Rush and James Reynolds (Rush to TJ, 5 May).
A growing number of Philadelphia Republicans proposed to send a public letter of protest to the president (see Gallatin to TJ, 21 Mch.). For those in support of TJ’s removal policies, see Joseph H. Nicholson to TJ, 10 May.