Jefferson, Thomas, 1743-1826 to John W. Eppes

Written as Vice-President to his son-in-law. Jefferson discusses the Logan incident, in which George Logan, a Philadelphia Quaker, attempted to negotiate differences between the United States and the French Directory on his own initiative (the Logan Act of 1799 made it illegal). Jefferson thinks the Federalists forged documents "to ensnare Logan" in order to pass the act (he later in this letter writes that Logan's "enthusiastic enterprise" prevented war). Jefferson turns to revenue and expenses, which he lists, in order to show that additional army and navy will consume any budget surplus. He concludes with a discussion of foreign relations with France (Gerry's discussions with Talleyrand), Napoleon Bonaparte's military ventures in Egypt and (his incorrect estimate of) the Irish rebellion. Eppes had married Jefferson's youngest daughter Maria. George Logan, a Philadelphia Quaker, attempted to negotiate differences between the United States and the French Directory on his own initiative. The Logan Act, enacted 30 January 1799, forbade any private citizen from undertaking diplomatic negotiations without official sanction. Jefferson's guess about Napoleon Bonaparte's Egyptian expedition proved accurate, but his belief about the strength of the Irish rebellion was false.