t any rate, it has permitted
me, for a moment, to abstract myself from the dry and dreary waste
of politics, into which I have been impressed by the times on which I
happened, and to indulge in the rich fields of nature, where alone I
should have served as a volunteer, if left to my natural inclinations
and partialities.

I salute you at all times with affection and respect.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LVI.--TO MR. BOWDOIN, July 10, 1807

TO MR. BOWDOIN.

Washington, July 10, 1807.

Dear Sir,

I wrote you on the 10th of July, 1806; but supposing, from your not
acknowledging the receipt of the letter, that it had miscarried, I sent
a duplicate with my subsequent one of April the 2nd. These having gone
by the Wasp, you will doubtless have received them. Since that, yours
of May the 1st has come to hand. You will see by the despatches from the
department of State, carried by the armed vessel the Revenge, into what
a critical state our peace with Great Britain is suddenly brought, by
their armed vessels in our waters. Four vessels of war (three of them
two-deckers) closely blockade Norfolk at this instant. Of the authority
under which this aggression is committed, their minister here is
unapprized. You will see by the proclamation of July the 2nd, that
(while we are not omitting such measures of force as are immediately
necessary) we propose to give Great Britain an opportunity of disavowal
and reparation, and to leave the question of war, non-intercourse, or
other measures, uncommitted, to the legislature. This country has never
been in such a state of excitement since the battle of Lexington. In
this state of things, cordial friendship with France, and peace at
least with Spain, become more interesting. You know the circumstances
respecting this last power, which have rendered it ineligible that you
should have proceeded heretofore to your destination. But this obstacle
is now removed by their recall of Yrujo, and appointment of another
minister, and, in the mean time, of a _charge des affaires_, who has
been received. The way being now open for taking your station at Madrid,
it is certainly our wish you should do so, and that this may be more
agreeable to you than your return home, as is solicited in yours of May
the 1st. It is with real unwillingness we should relinquish the benefit
of your services. Nevertheless, if your mind is decidedly bent on that,
we shall regret, but not oppose your return. The choic