To Thomas Jefferson from Peregrine Fitzhugh
25 March 1797
This letter is written from Fitzhugh to Jefferson. You will notice that Fitzhugh’s style in this letter is businesslike and to the point as opposed to his often very flowery language and being very circumspect.
Historical Background for this letter
Col. Fitzhugh still lives in Ann Arundel, Maryland, and resided there until he moved to Geneva, N.Y., in 1799. The first part of the letter is all about farming and has Fitzhugh sending Jefferson Cumberland corn seed through the mail and a pint via a messenger and is hopeful that Jefferson will return the favor by sending him some special peas that Jefferson got from France.
The second part of the letter is all politics. Here Fitzhugh is concerned that Jefferson’s friend (James Madison who will ultimately be the 4th President of the United States, 1809-1817) is opposing a part of the draft constitution hammered out at the Constitutional Convention (1787-1789). James Madison is rumored to oppose the House of Representatives being left out of the Treaty making process which is the domain of the President with Senate approval. Ultimately this resistance by James Madison will prove to be futile.
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http://founders.archives.gov/?q=Peregrine%20Fitzhugh%20Author%3A%22Fitzhugh%2C%20Peregrine%22&s=1111311111&sa=&r=5&sr=
