Autograph letter : Philadelphia, to [Elbridge Gerry], 1799 Jan. 26.

Discussing the visit by Dr. Logan to Paris and explaining that he was "led to consider his object as relative to his private affairs; and tho', from an intimacy of some standing, he knew well my wishes for peace and my political sentiments in general, he nevertheless received then no particular declaration of them, no authority to communicate them to any mortal, nor to speak to any one in my name, or in anybody's name, on that, or on any other subject whatever;" discussing, at length and in detail, his view on the objectives of the federal government and the role of the States relative to it; adding that he "was a sincere well-wisher to the success of the French revolution, and still wish it may end in the establishment of a free & well-ordered republic; but I have not been insensible under the atrocious depredations they have committed on our commerce;" offering his opinion on the results of the work of Marshall, Pinckney and Gerry in Paris and his hopes for a reconciliation with France; urging him to give a full account of his negotiations as "Your fellow-citizens think they have a right to full information, in a case of such great concern to them. It is their sweat which is to earn all the expences of the war, and their blood which is to flow in expiation of the causes of it. It may be in your power to save them from these miseries by full communications and unrestrained details, postponing motives of delicacy to those of duty;" adding that he has been very forthright with him in sharing his confidences and hopes that he will receive the same in return; adding that "Integrity of views more than their soundness, is the basis of esteem."