.OTkw.NjM5MjM

Washington 10th Dec. 1811 Dear Sir The President's unclear has taken us somewhat by surprise. The seizure of the Western part of West Florida has excited some degree of astonishment, especially among the Eastern Members, who are extremely jealous of all acquisitions to the Southward. This measure will in all probability be severely censured by the Federalists, unless they should believe that it will involve us in difficulty with France. So far as I have heard the opinion of the Friends of the administration they generally wish that the step had not been taken; but as it is past they are determined to stand by the execution. The claim that we set up to this part of country is of so flimsy? a texture, in my estimation, that as the measure has been taken, I should have liked it better, if it had extended both to East