which govern my conduct on this
occasion.[106]

I have received a letter from Mr. Thomas Brannagan, ...
Philadelphia, asking my subscription to the work announced in the
enclosed paper.[107] The cause in which he embarks is so holy,
the sentiments he expresses in his letter so friendly, that it is
highly painful to me to hesitate on a compliance which appears so
small. But that is not its true character, and it would be
injurious even to his views, for me to commit myself on paper by
answering his letter. I have most carefully avoided every public
act of manifestation on that subject. Should an occasion ever
occur in which I can interpose with decisive effect, I shall
certainly know and do my duty with promptitude and zeal. But, in
the meantime, it would only be disarming myself of influence to
be taking small means. The subscription to a book on this subject
is one of those little irritating measures, which, without
advancing its end at all, would, by lessening the confidence and
good will of a description of friends composing a large body,
only lessen my powers of doing them good in the other great
relations in which I stand to the public. Yet, I cannot be easy
in not answering Mr. Brannagan's letter, unless he can be made
sensible that it is better I should not answer it; and I do not
know how to effect this, unless you would have the goodness ...
to enter into an explanation with him.[108]

We have received with great satisfaction notification of the
orders of his Catholic Majesty, not to permit that persons, held
in slavery within the United States, introduce themselves as free
persons into the Province of Florida.... As a consequence of the
same principles of justice and friendship, we trust that your
Excellency will permit, and aid the recovery of persons of the
same description, who have heretofore taken refuge within your
government.[109]

The governor of East Florida informs me that he has received the
King's orders, not to permit, under any pretext, that persons
held in slavery in the United States introduce themselves as
free, into the province of East Florida. I am happy that this
grievance, which had been a subject of great complaint from the
citizens of Georgia, is to be removed.[110]

Jefferson thought that the Negro