Also, why did Jefferson, when referring to the Jay Treaty scandal and the possibility of the Western states leaving say that if they were to do so, “We are incapable of a single effort to retain them.” and that “it cannot be done.”?
Am I correct in interpreting that to mean that, in light of the rest of the quote and his comments in his inaugural address that, he disapproved of efforts to “retain” seceding states, and was just stating the fact that it was impossible as a practical matter?
Thank you!!
