Econlib

The Library

Other Sites

 Front Page arrow Titles (by Subject) arrow TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1 J. MSS. - The Works, vol. 7 (Correspondence 1792-1793)

Return to Title Page for The Works, vol. 7 (Correspondence 1792-1793)

Search this Title:

Also in the Library:

Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES 1 J. MSS. - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 7 (Correspondence 1792-1793) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 7

Part of: The Works of Thomas Jefferson, 12 vols.

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES1J. MSS.

Monticello, Sep. 18, 1792, 2 o’clock p.m.

Dear Sir,—

Your express is this moment arrived with the Proclamation on the proceedings against the laws for raising a revenue on distilled spirits, and I return it herein inclosed with my signature. I think if instead of the words “to render laws dictated by weighty reasons of public exigency & policy as acceptable as possible” it stood “to render the laws as acceptable as possible” it would be better. I see no other particular expressions which need alteration. I am sincerely sorry to learn that such proceedings have taken place; and I hope the proclamation will lead the persons concerned into a regular line of application which may end either in an amendment of the law, if it needs it, or in their conviction that it is right. If the situation of my daughter (who is in the straw) admits it, I propose to set out about a week hence, & shall have the honour of taking your commands for Philadelphia. I have now that of being with great & sincere respect & attachment, Dr. Sir, Your most obdt. & most humble servt.

P. S. The express is detained out about twenty minutes.

[1 ]This letter is printed in Hamilton’s Works of Hamilton, IV., 314, as written to Hamilton, and the termination slightly changed.