Draft Letter

French Principles and Wild Democracy, Etc.

Governor Davie has been appointed an envoy to replace Patrick Henry and will go with Mr. Ellsworth to France unless the change of circumstances brought on by the successes of the allied powers induce the President to suspend the mission. Special care must also be taken not to enter into arrangements that might entangle the U.S. in a quarrel with England. McHenry appreciates the sacrifices Tracy must have made to serve the public and the chagrin he must have felt at the prospect of the door being opened to French principles and wild democracy.

1799

09

16

Trenton

Uriah Tracy

James McHenry

Patrick Henry

Ellsworth

Governor Davie

Trenton

England

France

rash determination

dignity of the country

rapidity with which things seem to be hurrying the people of that country [France]back to monarchy

Good men like yourself must not desert the ship till she gets to rights.

1799091600001

1

2

16 Sepr 1799
To Uriah Tracy
Private
Trenton 16 Sept 1799
My Dear Sir
It is too true that Governor Davis is appointed is appointed a FrenchStrike-through text envoy in the room of Patrick Henry, and that Mr. Elsworth and he will are expected to destined toStrike-through text go to Euro France; unless, the recent changes in circumstances ????? the Indians? The successes of the allied powers, and the rapidity north which things seem to be hurrying the people of that country back to monarchy will induce the President to suspend the mission. If all these should prove are unavailing, will not some unavailing, we must then go honestly to work, insist on no acc[oun]t ????? give it up but expected upon our own and take care of the dignity of the country & special care not to enter into any arrangements, that some of the shall be calculated to entangle us with Euro in a quarrel with England.
Do not my dear friend let us despair Does the case admit of any other procedure if the mission must proceed? It it does not, good men like yourself much not desert the ship till she gets to rights, and then I am may well aware of the sacrifices you mush have made to serve the public and the chagrin you must have felt at the in consequence with at the prospect of the door being opened which Congress had just closed shut to French principles and their wild democracy.
Make no rash determination and believe me truly & aff[ectionate]ly your friend.
Uriah Tracy