a third negotiator was not at this time advisable. For the present,
therefore, the question must rest. Mr. Bowdoin, we know, is anxious to
come home, and is detained only by the delicacy of not deserting his
post. In the existing temper between him and his colleague, it would
certainly be better that one of them should make an opening for
re-composing the commission more harmoniously. I salute you with
affection and respect.

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER L.--TO GEORGE HAY, June 12, 1807


TO GEORGE HAY.

Washington, June 12, 1807.

Dear Sir,

Your letter of the 9th is this moment received. Reserving the necessary
right of the President of the United States to decide, independently of
all other authority, what papers, coming to him as President, the public
interests permit to be communicated, and to whom, I assure you of
my readiness, under that restriction, voluntarily to furnish, on all
occasions, whatever the purposes of justice may require. But the letter
of General Wilkinson, of October the 21st, requested for the defence
of Colonel Burr, with every other paper relating to the charges against