Observations on the Writings of Thomas Jefferson (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1839. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... LETTER XI. Proceeding to the second division of Mr. Jefferson's public life, and confiding in his own estimate of his services, it appears that in May, 1782, the blast of indignation to which he bent like a reed, having overblown, the Legislature of Virginia more sensible of his political talents than of his military demerits, appointed him again, one of their delegates to Congress. While a member of that body, he proposed, as an amendment to Morris's report on the currency, the decimal notation of money now in use. In 1784, he was commissioned by Congress to negotiate in conjunction with Dr. Franklin and Mr. Adams, treaties of commerce with such of the governments of Europe as might be disposed to establish relations of the kind with the United States; and in the year following he succeeded Dr. Franklin, as minister to the court of France. In this situation, which was well suited to his mind, he displayed diligence and ability, which, however creditable to himself as a diplomatist, effected no important negotiation, for his country.* In the autumn of 1790, he returned home, and in the spring following, as we have already seen, at the instance of Gen. Washington, took charge of the department of State. In this station also his abilities were conspicuous, and until he became the patron of those designing individuals and deluded multitudes who endeavoured to force the government of the United States into an alliance with France and a war with England, it may be said, they were * The ability for which Mr. Jefferson is commended in the text, was evinced only in executing instructions. As an adviser upon subjects about which his avocation supposes peculiar information and profound knowledge, he was far from able. When Mr. Jay, then President of Congress, inquired of...