The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
UNITY / POLITICAL PARTIES / INFLUENCE OF BRITISH
It was to be expected that the enemy would endeavor to sow tares
between us, that they might divide us and our friends. Every
consideration satisfies me you will be on your guard against this, as
I assure you I am strongly. I hear of one stratagem so imposing and so
base that it is proper I should notice it to you. Mr. Munford, who is
here, says he saw at New York before he left it, an original letter of
mine to Judge Breckenridge, in which are sentiments highly injurious
to you. He knows my handwriting, and did not doubt that to be genuine.
I enclose you a copy taken from the press copy of the only letter I
ever wrote to Judge Breckenridge in my life: the press copy itself has
been shown to several of our mutual friends here. Of consequence, the
letter seen by Mr. Munford must be a forgery, and if it contains a
sentiment unfriendly or disrespectful to you, I affirm it solemnly to
be a forgery; as also if it varies from the copy enclosed. With the
common trash of slander I should not think of troubling you; but the
forgery of one's handwriting is too imposing to be neglected. A mutual
knowledge of each other furnishes us with the best test of the
contrivances which will be practised by the enemies of both.
to Aaron Burr, 1 February 1801
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