To Thomas Jefferson from William Esenbeck, 8 January 1808

Sir!	Jan 8th. 1808

It would be a great Presumtion in any Subject and Citzen of the U.S. to say, and not prove what I said in my 2 Leters to the President. This Sir! will be the last address, and I will be no more troublesom to the Pr: only to say that I will prove it before the 4 Secretaries of the Departments, and that no body shall have the Key to this my delegraphical Language except the Presid: Thomas Jefferson of the US. and all Captains comissioned by him. I will prove, that it is a Stratagem & will strike Terror in the hearts of the Enemies. if it is applied to the Gun-boats it will have the Power to reach in five minutes, as far as the Eye can see, the Ear can hear and human understanding can concieve. I am with the gretest respect Sir! your faithfull Subject

Wm. Esenbeck

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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