I received an hour ago your message. But I had read it already. It was published more than a week ago in all the English papers, and circulated throughout all this kingdom & the continent. Never has a President had such a story to tell; and, what I think still more to your honor, never has a President presented the unadulterated principles of democracy with more clearness or more fidelity. Here the world is astonished at the extraordinary results of your administration, & only wonder how in America there can be two opinions about it. England acquiesces in all you have done; and had you even purchased Cuba, England would have submitted quietly.

And now I want your advice. Had I better resign on the 4th of March, or wait. It is all a matter of very little importance to me except as I wish to act rightly & to act wisely.

I have recd Johnson’s report which is excellent all but close. A Postmaster General removable only by impeachment with postmasters holding office during good behavior, would make the Post Office the most complete whig electioneering machine that can be imagined. That advice of Johnson’s is all wrong; how he came to adopt such a thoroughly whig project I cannot imagine. It is diametrically opposed to all our democratic doctrines. But the separation of the Postmaster General from the Cabinet, & his appointment for a term of years not exceeding four, are good practical measures.

You wished a copy of the Mecklenburg Resolves of May 1775.1 I send you a copy of these today, together with copies of such other papers as show plainly the grave importance attached to those resolves by the Partisans of Great Britain.2