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

TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE (EDMUND RANDOLPH) J. MSS. - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 8 (Correspondence 1793-1798) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 8

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

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TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE

(EDMUND RANDOLPH)J. MSS.

Monticello, Sep 7, 1794.

Dear Sir,—

Your favor of Aug 28. finds me in bed, under a paroxysm of the Rheumatism which has now kept me for ten days in constant torment, & presents no hope of abatement. But the express & the nature of the case requiring immediate answer, I write to you under this situation. No circumstances, my dear Sir, will ever more tempt me to engage in anything public. I thought myself perfectly fixed in this determination when I left Philadelphia, but every day & hour since has added to it’s inflexibility. It is a great pleasure to me to retain the esteem & approbation of the President, and forms the only ground of any reluctance at being unable to comply with every wish of his. Pray convey these sentiments, & a thousand more to him, which my situation does not permit me to go into. But however suffering by the addition of every single word to this letter, I must add a solemn declaration that neither Mr. J.1 nor mr. — ever mentioned to me one word of any want of decorum in mr. Carmichael, nor anything stronger or more special than stated in my notes of the conversation. Excuse my brevity, my dear Sir, and accept assurances of the sincere esteem & respect with which I have the honor to be, your affectionate friend and servant.

[1 ]Probably an allusion to Jaudenes and Viar, the Commissioners from Spain.