[Confidential] Philadelphia 10^th Nov. 1799. My Dear Sir: my attention, for some time past, has been so completely engrossed, that notwithstanding my earnest wish to communicate with you on several subjects, I could not without neglecting some urgent business devote any moments to that purpose. In truth, the stone, however can I may seem to get [undecipherable] to the summit of the mountain, is perpetually [undecipherable] upon the recoil, and demands constant [undecipherable] and labours to keep it from descending. I have much to say to you; many things to interest to your bosom. Take them with[out] order and as [undecipherable], you will arrange them in your own [undecipherable] and supply the results. The prevailing rumours has no doubt reached you of [undecipherable] in the cabinet, that a difference of [undecipherable] exists between the President and heads of departments relative to the mission to France. I am sorry to inform you that there is too much foundation for this report. Last [undecipherable] of Congress the President made the [nomi]nation of M^r Murray, to treat with the Republic of France, without any consultation, or apprising the [undecipherable] intimation of his intentions to any of the heads of departments. This step, admitting the measure [undecipherable] to have been [undecipherable] and the dictate of profound [undecipherable], was nevertheless such a departure from established practice [undecipherable] could not fail to excite considerable [undecipherable] independent [undecipherable] of [undecipherable] circumstances [undecipherable] next practice it seemed intended to establish [undecipherable] policy and wisdom of the mission, was [undecipherable] doubted or condemned by most if not all of the federal members of Congress; in consequence of which the nomination received modification by a second message to the [undecipherable] from the President, in which they concurred. Notwithstanding this modification, it was very evident that most of the federal members of both branches of Congress carried home with them a settled dislike to the measures, as ill timed [and] [undecipherable] upon too slight grounds, and [therefore] conciliating to the United States, as calculated to revive French principles, strengthen the party against government, and produce changes in the sentiments and conduct of some of the European powers, that might materially affect our interests and growing commercial prospects. [not some of] these apprehensions [have] already [been fulfil]ed? You must have perceived observations [and] suggestions in the news-papers of different [states], tending to censure [undecipherable] mission, which I [consider] as having proceeded from these [apprehensions]. The great and important successes [of] allies engaged against France, the changes in the directory, and the rapidity with which [all] matter and things in France seemed [tending] to a restoration of monarchy, indicated [to the] heads of departments, the propriety of an extension of the mission. [We] accordingly, [when] he was at Quincy, presented the idea to the President, as a subject for his consideration [the subject of the]. Without taking any notice of [the subject], a few days [succeeding] his arrival at [undecipherable], he convened us, to confer upon the [questions], and shortly after gave his final [decision] for the departure [of the] commissioners, [who] have accordingly [sailed] from Rhode [Island] in the Frigate United States on the [undecipherable] inst. Shall we have a treaty with [France] in consequence of this mission? [undecipherable] finds it necessary [undecipherable] certain [extraordinary] instances. Will a Treaty, which [shall] [undecipherable] [undecipherable] upon any [right], acquired by, [give advantage] to, England? It is certain no good [reason] can be [assigned] why it should[.] [Is it] not also [proper that] the policy of the mission may be [judged] by [undecipherable] such a [general peace] in [Europe undecipherable] [supporting] republican [form] of government [undecipherable] naming to France [undecipherable]. The [undecipherable] believed and with good reason, that [the] heads of departments [undecipherable] viewed the mission as impolitic and unwise. [He] does not [undecipherable] imagine [else] that many of the [opposition] among [its] disapprobation[s], [though] he joined [in] [undecipherable] the mission. I find [that he] is particularly [dissatisfied with undecipherable] M^r. [Pickering] and M^r. [Wolcott], [thinking] they have encouraged opposition [to the mission] to the Eastern [undecipherable], commencing [undecipherable] like so the me; and not [at] all with M^r. [undecipherable] [the] attorney general, who appears to enjoy [his] [confidence]; and yet [though] he is so displeased [with him] still [receives] and [treats] him with apparent cordiality. Whether he will think it expedient to [dismiss] any, or how many of us, is a problem. [However], the attorney general has [said to] some of [those] who are of opinion he ought, and would advise to the dismissal [at] least of one. There are however powerful personal reasons, especially at this juncture, to forbid it, and it is more than probable that these chiefly respect the Eastern quarter of the Union, they will prevail. But in my view of the subject [it] will does not [bring about] a change of [undecipherable] never [brought about] as there [is] nothing [in] the good and able [undecipherable] [that the] mission [undecipherable] such as far as my [undecipherable] extends, is to be an appeal [of undecipherable] the federal [undecipherable] that [undecipherable] co-operate upon [undecipherable] the [undecipherable] question [undecipherable] President as to put in jeopardy, the [profits] of their past labours, by concurring to men, devoted to French innovations and demoralizing principles, the reins of government. It is this dreaded consequence which affects, and calls for all the wisdom of the federalists. It is evident, from the late election in Pennsylvania, that there is a [undecipherable] solid army of antifederalists ready to [take] the field for a President of their own principles, and equally conspicuous, from the news-papers and movements among that description of men throughout the Union, that at the same [spirit] and intention actuates the others. The aim of these [men] or their leaders has been, to produce a change in the public opinion, which is to overthrow present power and perhaps institutions. In this work they have not been [deterred] by defeats, and have certainly made considerable progress. They skilfully [seize] on every circumstance, which can be [turned] by comparison to their object. A word said by a [undecipherable] against any law or measures of [undecipherable] government is carefully noted and adroitly used to give a false colouring to the intentions of government. Nothing in [escapes] them that can be perverted or [dis]honestly applied to this purpose. It is among [their] things to be asserted, that certain recent measures of the [customs] administration, were of such a nature as to offer an appearance [undecipherable] of favouring individual merchants, [undecipherable] without [undecipherable] injury to the [undecipherable] explained, and that some of the gentlemen of the administration have not by their [undecipherable] on the subject, [undecipherable] assisted to remove [undecipherable] suspicions industriously propagated by the [undecipherable]. I allude particularly to the mission to [Toussaint] [undecipherable], and the [measures] about [undecipherable] which accrued [undecipherable]. To open with S^t Domingo a free trade, to put an effectual stop to [threatening] from that quarter, [and] to set an example that might extinguish [undecipherable] [French] [undecipherable], it was necessary to accompany the report, with certain articles, which appeared [undecipherable] acceptable [undecipherable] in the [situation] of his affairs and wants [undecipherable]. The law, which enabled the President to open as well any part of the French possessions, did authorize him to procure such means as [appeared] to be indispensable, in this case, to give [undecipherable] to the attempt. There was no appropriation for the purpose, and to have taken the means from existing funds, appropriated to distinct objects, would have required a communication to Congress, [and] [undecipherable] investigation into the circumstances by the opposition. Thus situated, it was determined to permit the owners [of] the vessel, [which] was to carry out the [goods], to ship the articles wanted, by [Toussaint] at their own risk and account, [limiting] their profit, to such a sum, as would repay them for the expense of the voyage [undecipherable]. This was procuring for [Toussaint], articles which he most wanted, at a price [undecipherable] below [what undecipherable] any other way [undecipherable] no from the [undecipherable] [arrangements] which would [have] been attended [with undecipherable] of the public money for that [purpose]. This [undecipherable] has been made an [undecipherable] instrument of against administration. It has been [undecipherable] accused of granting partial favours which [could] not [possibly] have been intended. There has also been confounded with the measures, to sow dissatisfaction among the merchants, the [undecipherable] which the agent is said to have made [of his] estimation to purchase on his arrival at S^t Domingo large quantities of its produce, thereby enhancing the prices upon the [manufac]turers when the [trade] was [formed]. [As for the foundation, it may be] founded I cannot say [undecipherable] the person [that undecipherable the agent], the same complaints could [not] have been made. The merchants, I understand also complain; [the undecipherable] is either a merchant, or [closely connected with undecipherable] merchants, which gives [undecipherable] [his] conduct. If he discovers partial [undecipherable] in [executing] the duties he is charged [with], it is a cause for his removal; but your [undecipherable] has been to vest merchants with the consular office. I have learned from the Secretary of State, that Doctor Stevens has the ear and confidence of Toussaint in a very high degree. To retain [him] is important, but should [he have] made an improper use of his situation, [we] ought not to prevent his being superseded. Another point on which opposition dwells with uncommon [energy] and perseverance, is the charge [of] British influence adverted to in your letter [undecipherable] of the [date] of [undecipherable] last alluded. I am informed [that] M^r. [Pickering] has in his possession, a letter from M^r. [Adams] to M^r. [Pinckney], written at the time, [and] on the occasion of the appointment of M^r. [undecipherable] to London, as [undecipherable] minister plenipotentiary, in which he ascribes his appointment [to] British influence, and adds, that [undecipherable] the administration he should [undecipherable] [attentively] the course of [undecipherable] to that effect. This letter I understand [is] to be produced in the trial [undecipherable] and [undecipherable] his defense rested upon [such] [undecipherable] charge. It is also said to [be intended] to lay upon you and the President to [give] information in the case. When I consider the differences in opinion, between his ministers and the President, [effects, this] has produced on the public mind particularly among federalists; the different opinions entertained by federalists relative [to the] policy and wisdom of the mission; the [additional] strength, which the calumny of [British] influence must [arise] from the [undecipherable] alluded to, in the minds of the [ignorant], [indolent] and undiscerning multitude, and join to all this the growth of French principles, I confess, I see more danger to the cause [of] order and good government at this moment, than has at any time heretofore threatened — [the] Country. What ought to be done? Will [it] produce more harmony of action among the friends of government [were] the President to dismiss those ministers he seems most displeased with? I think not. The Secretary of State I believe to be an upright man, who has served the United States faithfully and to the utmost of his abilities; and the Secretary [of] the treasury, a very able, prudent discreet honest man, whose place could not better filled. Ought the President to conciliate his [ministers] by a conduct whereby does not reduce [undecipherable] in the government, and by [such] means endeavour at least to restore [mutual] confidence and harmony of action? [Is] this the wisest [course]? [undecipherable] [undecipherable] his mind [undecipherable]. [No] flatter [him] or [undecipherable] thinks [permit] his judgement to [peruse] all [forming] this course? I really know not. I [see] [undecipherable] quicksands on [undecipherable], and administration [in] the attitude of [undecipherable] ship. It will, I imagine, depend very much upon the President, [and] [whether] he is, to weather the storm or [go] down. [Then with the truest undecipherable] yours truly and affectionately James McHenry Geo Washington Es^qr.