154
men, agonizing under the loss of pre-eminence, have, sometimes, ventured their sarcasms on our political metamorphosis. ‘They have been thought fitter objects of pity, than of punishment. We are, at present, in the complete and quiet exercise of well organ- ised government, save only, that our courts of justice do not open till the fall. I think nothing can bring the security of our conti- ent and its cause, into danger, if we can support the credit of our paper. ‘To do that, I apprehend, one of two steps, must be taken. Either to procure free trade by alliance with some naval power able to protect it; or, if we find there is no prospect of that, to shut our ports totally, to all the world, and turn our colonies into manufactories. ‘The former would be most eligible, because most conformable to the habits and wishes of our people. Were the British Court to return to their senses in time to seize the little advantage which still remains within their reach, from this quarter, I judge, that, on acknowledging our absolute independence and sovereignty, a commercial treaty beneficial to them, and perhaps even a league of mutual offence and defence, might, not seeing the expense or consequences of such a measure,.be approved by our people, if nothing, in the mean time, done on your part, should prevent it. But they will continue to grasp at their desperate sovereignty, till every benefit short of that, is forever out of their reach. J wish my domestic situation had rendered it possible for me to join you in the very honorable charge confided to you. Residence in a polite Court, society of literati of the first order, a just cause and an approving God, will add length to a life for which all men pray, and none more than Your most obedient, and humble servant, Tu: JEFFERSON.
LETTER V. e TO HIS EXCELLENCY PATRICK HENRY.
Albemarle, March 27, 1779. Sir,
A report prevailing here, that in consequence of some powers from Congress, the Governor and Council have it in contemplation to remove the Convention troops,* either wholly or in part, from their present situation, I take the liberty of troubling you with
[* The troops under Burgoyne, captured at Saratoga.]
