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

TO JOHN FRANCIS MERCER 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 JOHN FRANCIS MERCERJ. MSS.

Philadelphia Dec. 19, 1792.

Dear Sir,—

I received yesterday your favor of the 13th. I had been waiting two or three days in expectation of vessels said to be in the river & by which we hoped more particular accounts of the late affairs in France. It has turned out that there were no such vessels arriving as had been pretended. However I think we may safely rely that the D of Brunswick has retreated, and it is certainly possible enough that between famine, disease, and a country abounding with defiles, he may suffer some considerable catastrophe. The Monocrats here still affect to disbelieve all this, while the republicans are rejoicing and taking to themselves the name of Jacobins which two months ago was affixed on them by way of stigma. The votes for Vice President, as far as hitherto known stand thus:

ADAMS.CLINTON.
N Hampshire6
Massachusetts16
Rhode island4
Connecticut9
New York12
Pennsylvania141
Delaware3
Maryland8
Virginia21
6034

Bankrupt bill is brought on, with some very threatening features to landed & farming men, who are in danger of being drawn into it’s vortex. It assumes the right of seizing & selling lands, and so cuts the knotty question of the Constitution whether the general government may direct the transmission of land by descent or otherwise.—The post office is not within my department, but that of the treasury.—I note duly what you say of Mr. Skinner, but I don’t believe any bill on Weights & measures will be passed. Adieu. Dr. Sir, Yours affectionately.