The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
BRITAIN / REPORTS BY THOMAS PAINE
It is true that I received, very long ago, your favors of September
the 9th and 15th, and that I have been in daily intention of answering
them, fully and confidentially; but you know, such a correspondence
between you and me cannot pass through the post, nor even by the
couriers of ambassadors. The French packet boats being discontinued, I
am now obliged to watch opportunities by Americans going to London, to
write my letters to America. Hence it has happened, that these, the
sole opportunities by which I can write to you without fear, have been
lost, by the multitude of American letters I had to write. I now
determine, without foreseeing any such conveyance, to begin my letter
to you, so that when a conveyance occurs, I shall only have to add
recent occurrences. Notwithstanding the interval of my answer which
has taken place, I must beg a continuance of your correspondence;
because I have great confidence in your communications, and since Mr.
Adams' departure, I am in need of authentic information from that
country.
to Thomas Paine, 23 December 1788
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