to collect witnesses till the trial. But the judges here have decided,
that conclusive evidence of guilt must be ready in the moment of arrest,
or they will discharge the malefactor. If this is still insisted on,
Burr will be discharged; because his crimes having been sown from Maine,
through the whole line of the western waters, to New Orleans, we cannot
bring the witnesses here under four months. The fact is, that the
federalists make Burr's cause their own, and exert their whole influence
to shield him from punishment, as they did the adherents of Miranda. And
it is unfortunate that federalism is still predominent in our judiciary
department, which is consequently in opposition to the legislative and
executive branches, and is able to baffle their measures often.

Accept my friendly salutations, and assurances of great esteem and
respect.

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XLIII.--TO WILLIAM B. GILES, April 20, 1807


TO WILLIAM B. GILES.

Monticello, April 20, 1807.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of the 6th instant, on the subject of Burr's offences, was