Benjamin Galloway to Thomas Jefferson, 2 June 1815
From Benjamin Galloway
Hagers Town June 2d 1815.
Dear Sir.
I was detained some weeks longer in Ann Arundel than I expected, when I wrote the letter to you and which was dated 9th of April last past. On my return homewards; I called at Washington: when I was told by mr Tench Ringgold, that he had forwarded to me at Hagers Town, your letter: supposing that I was still there. It afforded strong presumptive proof that you were in the enjoyment of good health, as you informed me that you should in a few weeks, commence a journey of 90 Miles to the Southward of Monticello. Of the “mens sana” I had before me a plain and positive proof: but, I was rendered doubly happy to learn, that the “in corpore sano” was not wanting: the two choicest blessings, that can attend any person: but more especially One, in So advanced a stage of life, as that, to which, you, Sir, have arrived—
The near approach of that ever-memorable day of the year, July 4th has induced me to postpone my intended visit to you: I now propose to leave home on the 22d or 23d of June: and will probably arrive at your Mansion on the 27th or 28th—I shall not travel more than about 35 miles per day: and as I am informed, that the distance from Hagers Town to Monti Cello is not more than 152½ miles: should the weather not be unfavourable, I shall probably accomplish my Journey in the time above mentioned.
To say, that I was well pleased to hear, that Napoleon had re-ascended the French Throne, would not be making use of language sufficiently strong, to convey an adequate idea of the feelings I experienced, on the receipt of the glorious Tidings.
The United States, were, at that very moment (I so declared my opinion; and I verily thought so) placed in as perilous a situation, as they had almost ever been at any period of the war of the revolution—That, Napoleon, is ambitious: that, he may desire to extend his conquests; (tho he is said to have published a declaration in the most1 positive terms, counteracting the effects of such a suspicion) may be All true: but, nevertheless:2 I still rejoice de die in diem; and am exceeding glad that the Bourbon family have been obliged, once more, to retreat, pede cito—When peace was established among the european belligerents, I was greatly apprehensive least the Prince Regent of England, might possess that degree of influence in the French Councils, as to prevail on Lewis the 18th to assist him with a very formidable body of Land Forces, for the diabolical purpose of trying to subjugate our beloved Country; and, of re-annexing to the British Crown: nor, have I particle of doubt on my mind; that such a combined force, would be most cheerfully aided, and assisted, by a considerable body of that description of people among us, who have been pleased to nick-name themselves “The Friends of Peace.”3 I hope, and pray, that I may have formed an erroneous judgment: but certain and very many appearances and notions to the Eastward, and elsewhere, have powerfully strengthened and amply justified a suspicion at Least;4 that so abominable, so infamous a line of conduct, would be pursued by the Hartford5 Convention Men, and Their Setters On: that I trust, and believe, it argues no want of charity to think, the Pickle Herrings and Co; would go all lengths, sooner than not wreck their vengeance on the now dominant Party. I presume that I shall pass thro Milton in my way to Monticello? I mean to travel the road from Hagers Town to Winchester, then to Woodstock where I am instructed that a road will present itself, which leads direct to Monticello, and abounding with good and convenient Stages. General Ringgold informs me, that he expects Mr Geo Hay, the father of Mrs R at fountain rock in a few days—
I am with great deference, respect and a lively regard
Benjamin Galloway
RC (DLC); addressed: “Thomas Jefferson Esquire”; endorsed by TJ as received 14 June 1815 and so recorded in SJL.
de die in diem: “from day to day” ( ). pede cito: “with swift foot.” pickle herrings: “clowns; buffoons” ( ). Samuel ringgold had married George Hay’s daughter Maria A. Hay on 16 Feb. 1813 (Baltimore Patriot, 18 Feb. 1813).
1. Word interlined.
2. Manuscript: “neverthess.”
3. Omitted closing quotation mark editorially supplied.
4. Manuscript: “Eeast.”
5. Manuscript: “Harford.”
Index Entries
- aging; B. Galloway on search
- Federalist party; partisans in search
- Fountain Rock (Samuel Ringgold’s Md. estate) search
- France; and Great Britain search
- France; Bourbon dynasty restored search
- Galloway, Benjamin; letters from search
- Galloway, Benjamin; on aging search
- Galloway, Benjamin; on European affairs search
- Galloway, Benjamin; political opinions of search
- Galloway, Benjamin; proposed visit to Monticello search
- Galloway, Benjamin; travels of search
- George, Prince Regent (later George IV, king of Great Britain); American perceptions of search
- Great Britain; and France search
- Hartford, Conn.; Federalist convention at search
- Hay, George; family of search
- Louis XVIII, king of France; American perceptions of search
- Monticello (TJ’s estate); public roads to search
- Napoleon I, emperor of France; returns to power search
- New England; politics in search
- politics; in New England search
- Ringgold, Maria A. Hay (Samuel Ringgold’s wife) search
- Ringgold, Samuel; estate of search
- Ringgold, Samuel; family of search
- Ringgold, Tench; forwards letter search
- roads; in Va. search