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satisfy their minds。 Something sensible therefore was become
necessary； and indeed our object of purchasing N。 Orleans and the
Floridas is a measure liable to assume so many shapes； that no
instructions could be squared to fit them； it was essential then to
send a minister extraordinary to be joined with the ordinary one；
with discretionary powers； first however well impressed with all our
views and therefore qualified to meet and modify to these every form
of proposition which could come from the other party。 This could be
done only in full and frequent oral communications。 Having
determined on this； there could not be two opinions among the
republicans as to the person。 You possess the unlimited confidence
of the administration and of the western people； and generally of the
republicans everywhere； and were you to refuse to go； no other man
can be found who does this。 The measure has already silenced the
Feds。 here。 Congress will no longer be agitated by them： and the
country will become calm as fast as the information extends over it。
All eyes； all hopes； are now fixed on you； and were you to decline；
the chagrin would be universal； and would shake under your feet the
high ground on which you stand with the public。 Indeed I know
nothing which would produce such a shock； for on the event of this
mission depends the future destinies of this republic。 If we cannot
by a purchase of the country insure to ourselves a course of
perpetual peace and friendship with all nations； then as war cannot
be distant； it behooves us immediately to be preparing for that
course； without； however； hastening it； and it may be necessary （on
your failure on the continent） to cross the channel。
We shall get entangled in European politics； and figuring more；
be much less happy and prosperous。 This can only be prevented by a
successful issue to your present mission。 I am sensible after the
measures you have taken for getting into a different line of
business； that it will be a great sacrifice on your part； and
presents from the season and other circumstances serious
difficulties。 But some men are born for the public。 Nature by
fitting them for the service of the human race on a broad scale； has
stamped with the evidences of her destination and their duty。
But I am particularly concerned that in the present case you
have more than one sacrifice to make。 To reform the prodigalities of
our predecessors is understood to be peculiarly our duty； and to
bring the government to a simple and economical course。 They； in
order to increase expense； debt； taxation； and patronage tried always
how much they could give。 The outfit given to ministers resident to
enable them to furnish their house； but given by no nation to a
temporary minister； who is never expected to take a house or to
entertain； but considered on a footing of a voyageur； they gave to
their extraordinary missionaries by wholesale。 In the beginning of
our administration； among other articles of reformation in expense；
it was determined not to give an outfit to missionaries
extraordinary； and not to incur the expense with any minister of
sending a frigate to carry him or bring him。 The Boston happened to
be going to the Mediterranean； and was permitted therefore to take up
Mr。 Livingstone and touch in a port of France。 A frigate was denied
to Charles Pinckney and has been refused to Mr。 King for his return。
Mr。 Madison's friendship and mine to you being so well known； the
public will have eagle eyes to watch if we grant you any indulgencies
of the general rule； and on the other hand； the example set in your
case will be more cogent on future ones； and produce greater
approbation to our conduct。 The allowance therefore will be in this
and all similar cases； all the expenses of your journey and voiage；
taking a ship's cabin to yourself； 9；000 D。 a year from your leaving
home till the proceedings of your mission are terminated； and then
the quarter's salary for the expenses of the return as prescribed by
law。 As to the time of your going you cannot too much hasten it； as
the moment in France is critical。 St。 Domingo delays their taking
possession of Louisiana； and they are in the last distress for money
for current purposes。 You should arrange your affairs for an absence
of a year at least； perhaps for a long one。 It will be necessary for
you to stay here some days on your way to New York。 You will receive
here what advance you chuse。 Accept assurances of my constant and
affectionate attachment。
CIVILIZATION OF THE INDIANS
_To Benjamin Hawkins_
_Washington； Feb。 18； 1803_
DEAR SIR； Mr。 Hill's return to you offers so safe a
conveyance for a letter； that I feel irresistibly disposed to write
one； tho' there is but little to write about。 You have been so long
absent from this part of the world； and the state of society so
changed in that time； that details respecting those who compose it
are no longer interesting or intelligible to you。 One source of
great change in social intercourse arose while you were with us； tho'
it's effects were as yet scarcely sensible on society or government。
I mean the British treaty； which produced a schism that went on
widening and rankling till the years '98； '99； when a final
dissolution of all bonds； civil & social； appeared imminent。 In that
awful crisis； the people awaked from the phrenzy into which they had
been thrown； began to return to their sober and ancient principles； &
have now become five…sixths of one sentiment； to wit； for peace；
economy； and a government bottomed on popular election in its
legislative & executive branches。 In the public counsels the federal
party hold still one…third。 This； however； will lessen； but not
exactly to the standard of the people； because it will be forever
seen that of bodies of men even elected by the people； there will
always be a greater proportion aristocratic than among their
constituents。 The present administration had a task imposed on it
which was unavoidable； and could not fail to exert the bitterest
hostility in those opposed to it。 The preceding administration left
99。 out of every hundred in public offices of the federal sect。
Republicanism had been the mark on Cain which had rendered those who
bore it exiles from all portion in the trusts & authorities of their
country。 This description of citizens called imperiously & justly
for a restoration of right。 It was intended； however； to have
yielded to this in so moderate a degree as might conciliate those who
had obtained exclusive possession； but as soon as they were touched；
they endeavored to set fire to the four corners of the public fabric；
and obliged us to deprive of the influence of office several who were
using it with activity and vigilance to destroy the confidence of the
people in their government； and thus to proceed in the drudgery of