Thomas Jefferson Papers

To Thomas Jefferson from Gideon Granger, 8 September 1807

Suffeild Septer: 8th 1807

Dear Sir

I have to acknowledge yours of the 24th. & 26th. ultimo. Immediately after the receipt of the former I went to Hartford where the Supreme Court was in session to consult with the Distt Attorney. It appeared prudent to attempt to procure the dismission of the prosecutions on general principles, without suggesting a single circumstance peculiarly applicable to any particular case. I accordingly assumed this ground and suggested to those decided & disinterested freinds to the Administration in confidence, those general principles of Law and policy which were calculated to produce the desired Event. I found that reflection had so far enabled Truth and principle to congress the [. . . .] of instrument and revenge as to leave our friends free to acknowledge that they detested the Idea of introducing the Doctrines of the Common Law as our criminal Code, and that they did not beleive in the legality of the prosecutions. But as to policy, they thought that the Severe persecutions under which they labored, required the measure. To this opinion they adhered and from hence resulted the necessity to open to these Gentlemen and the Atty. for the District the circumstances and State of the Case—They all agreed that it was most judicious to let not only that but all the prosecutions die—because to withdraw one in order to avoid the investigation and press the others would manifestly be injurious—The time and manner of killing the prosecutions became a serious question—To dismiss them suddenly might affect the approaching election. To do it without cause assignd might excite or give countenance to Injurious Suggestions, to assign the just and legal cause, viz, “that the Constitution and Laws of the United States did not warrant a prosecution of common Law for a libel” would doubtless offend the Judge and Attorney, which all felt extremely desirous to avoid—Yet under the circumstances I recommended the latter course because correct in principle and in my opinion furnished the only firm ground on which we could meet the Enemy & repel the attacks which are certainly to be expected.

I however had to leave the time and manner undecided and for the present to be contented with assurance that the prosecutions should be discontinued.

On my return to this place I received yours of the 26th. and concluded it was desirable to have a further conference with the Prosecutor before I informed you of the result. It was not in my power to procure an Intervue till last Evening. The Subject was lengthily discussed, the Attorney feels distressed at the [. . . .] misunderstanding with the Judge, yet determined to do his duty correctly. I urged the necessity of living up to our principles, of maintaining the maxims of civil liberty, of an inflexible discharge of public duty, at the hazard of temporary passion—and unjust reflections: and the evils which would result to the administration from indirectly discussing these prosecutions & the principles on which they are attempted to be supported before Congess on a bill to compel the attendance of Witnesses from other States before the federal Court and from the unpleasant suspicions which would be created, by suffering the prosecutions to remain untill after the Witnesses were summoned under such Laws as would compel an Attendance.

The Attorney acknowledged the Utility of an early dismission, and suggested that it was most probable he should follow my advice. Be assured, Sir, the prosecutions will be dismissed. Tho I am convinced of the Integrity of most of those, who have favored these prosecutions Yet Sir, I have always feared there were among the warmest Advocates some whose views were not genrally understood. I am on the wing for Boston Ever Your Affectte friend

G Granger

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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