f our
merchants. It is supposed that the paper in circulation in and around
Philadelphia amounts to twenty millions of dollars, and that in the
whole Union, to one hundred millions. I think the last too high. All
the imported commodities are raised about fifty per cent. by the
depreciation of the money. Tobacco shares the rise, because it has
no competition abroad. Wheat has been extraordinarily high from other
causes. When these cease, it must fall to its ancient nominal price,
notwithstanding the depreciation of that, because it must contend in
market with foreign wheats. Lands have risen within the vortex of the
paper, and as far out as that can influence. They have not risen at all
here. On the contrary, they are lower than they were twenty years ago.
Those I had mentioned to you, to wit, Carter's and Colle, were sold
before your letter came. Colle at two dollars the acre. Carter's had
been offered me for two French crowns (13s. 2d.) Mechanics here get from
a dollar to a dollar and a half a day, yet are much worse off than at
the old prices.

Volney is with me at present. He is on his way to the Illinois. Some
late appointments, judiciary and diplomatic, you will have heard,
and stared at. The death of R. Jouett is the only small news in our
neighborhood.

Our best affections attend Mrs. Monroe, Eliza, and yourself. Adieu
affectionately.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXCVI.--TO THE PRESIDENT, June 19, 1796

TO THE PRESIDENT.

Monticello, June 19, 1796.

In Bache's Aurora of the 9th instant, which came here by the last post,
a paper appears, which having been confided, as I presume, to but few
hands, makes it truly wonderful how it should have got there. I cannot
be satisfied as to my own part, till I relieve my mind by declaring, and
I attest every thing sacred and honorable to the declaration, that it
has got there neither through me nor the paper confided to me. This has
never been from under my own lock and key, or out of my own hands.
No mortal ever knew from me, that these questions had been proposed.
Perhaps I ought to except one person, who possesses all my confidence,
as he has possessed yours. I do not remember, indeed, that I
communicated it even to him. But as I was in the habit of unlimited
trust and counsel with him, it is possible I may have read it to him; no
more: for the quire of which it makes a part was never in any hand but
my own, nor was a word ever copied or taken down from it, by