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

TO J. P. REIBELT - Thomas Jefferson, The Works, vol. 10 (Correspondence and Papers 1803-1807) [1905]

Edition used:

The Works of Thomas Jefferson, Federal Edition (New York and London, G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 1904-5). Vol. 10.

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

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TO J. P. REIBELT

j. mss.

Washington Dec. 21, 05.

Sir,

—During the sitting of the legislature, & especially at it’s commencement it is rare that I can find a moment for my private correspondence. Hence my tardiness in acknoleging the receipt of your favors of the 3d 16th & 19th.

I had often thought on the subject you propose as to the mode of procuring German emigrants to take the place of our blacks. To this, however, the state legislatures are alone competent, the general government possessing no powers but those enumerated in the Constitution, and that of obtaining emigrants at the general expense not being one of the enumerated powers. With respect to the state governments, I not only doubt, but despair, of their taking up this operation, till some strong pressure of circumstance shall force it on them. The same may be said as to the Merino sheep. Congress could not, by our Constitution give one dollar for all in Spain, because that kind of power has not been given them. It is probable that private exertions will transplant & spread them. I have possessed the breed several years, and have been constantly distributing them in my neighborhood. Colo. Humphreys brought over 50 from which stock he is furnishing great numbers.