Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1827-07-21
From, the National Lntelhgeneer.
ACQUISITION OF LOUISIANA

ACQUISITION Of LOOlSlANH.
The Letter of Mr.. JEFFERSON, which we CO.
Nv to-day, sheds light, entirely new TO US, up
on the opinions OF Mr.. JEFFERsos, touching the
admission OF Louisiana into the Union. II has
been made subject Of grave charge against
President ADAMS, that, whilst Member of the
Senate of the United States, he expressed con-
stitutional scruples on this subject. 1t now ap-
nears that his opinions were those also Of Mr..
JEFFERSON, and it is quite possible that he may
have derived them from that ilustrious States
man. We learn from this historical fact, more
over that Mr. JEFFERSON had not that belief IN
his own infalliblity which others affect 20 have
had in it: for his constitutional scruples, what
ever they were, did no, prevent his eventual as
Sc nj 10, if not recommendation OF, the accession
of Louisiana 10 the Union. In that case, as in
the case Of the Cumberland Road, he sacrificed
speculative opinion for the sake OF great prac.
teal good We do not specially commend this
rule Of action; but we see that the wlsest and best
men must sometimes exhibit an inconsis-
tency between their acts and their OPINIONS
Certain it is, that what Mr. JEFFERSON though,
right, it was no great sin in Mr.. ADAMS to do.
We feel ourselves particularly called upon to
make this acknowledgment, because we have
ourselves inclined to the opinion that Mr.. AD-
ANS course OF that question was an error in
his political life.
POLITICAL HISTORY.
Cam off letter from Thomas JEFFERSON uhibi
president of the United Slates) 10 WILLMM
DUNBAR, Esq., no,v published III is believed E.
The first lime J in tile Naiche= Ariel, by permis
sion Of The son of Mr.. Dunbar.
Letter from Thos, Jefferson to VIM Dunbar.
WASHINGTON, July 18th, 1905.
DEAR SIR: Before you receive this you will
have heard, through the channel Of the public
papert, Of the cession Of Louisiana by France
10 the y. States, the terms as stated in the Ma
lional Intelligencer are accurate. That the
treaty may be ratified in time, / have found it
necessary TO convene Congress on the 18th Of
October: anc il is very important for the hap.
pness of the country, that they should possess
all the information which can be obtained re-
speeding il, that they make the best arrange
ment practicable for its good government; it is
the more necessary because they will be oblig-
ed 10 ask from the People an amendment Of the
Constitution, authorizing their receiving the
province into the Union, and providing for its
government; and the limitations of power,which
shall be given by that amendment, will be unal
terabe but by the same authority. have, there
fore, sent some queries to Mr.. Clark, Of New
leans, TO be answered by such person as he
shall think best qualified, and 10 be returned to
me before the meeting Of Congress; and know.
ing that you have turned your attention to ma
by ofshe subjects, enclose you copy of them
and ask the favor OF you 10 give me what infor
nation you can in answer 10 such of them as
you shall select as lying within the scope of
your information. l am encouraged 10 pro-
pose thus to trouble you by thorough persua-
Sion Of your readiness and desire 10 serve the
public cause by whatever shall be in your pow
en- and by the belief that you ave one Of those
VINO viii sincerely re Dice at our success in re-
lieNing you, by pc aceable means, from pow
ertul and enerprisins neighbor; and establish
ing on permanent basis the tranquility, secu
rity, and prosperity, of that interesting country
tender you my friendly salutations aud assur
ances of great esteem and respect.
THOMAS JEFFERSON.
WILLIAM DUNBAR, Esq.
IS. July ls.--Since writing the preceding,
your favour Of June 10, has been received. The
exchange Of peaceable for warning neigh
bour at New Orleans, was undoubtedly ground
OF just and great disquietude on our part: and
the necessity of acquiring the country could not
be unperceived by any. The question which
divided our Legislature (but not the nationl
was, whether we should take it at once, and EN-
ter single handed into war with the most pow
erlul nation on earth, or place things on the
best footing practicable for the present, and a.
vail ourselves Of the first war in Europe (wlch
it was clear was at no great distance) to obtain
the country as the price Of our neutrality, or as
reprisal for wrongs which we were suree-
nough to receive. The war happened some.
what sooner than was expected: but our mca.
sures were previously taken, and The thing tool.
the best turn for both parties. Those who
were honest in their reasons for preferring i'm.
mediate war; will, in their candour, re ioice tina,
their opinion was not followed. They may in
deed still believe it was the best opinion accor-
ding to probabilities. We, however, believed
otherwise, and they, l am sure, will now be
glad that we did. The letter Of yesterday will
show you my desire Of receiving information
from you, and shall always be thankful for il.
My wish is 10 have every thing, compare all to.
gelhcr, ard to do what, on the whole, consci.
eni'ousiy think for the best. repeat my salts
faction and esteem.
NySNNNSio