The New Hampshire Gazette

G. JONES STORY REFUTED.

HAD Gabriel Jones, told the whole truth concerning the money transactions between him and Mr. Jefferson, we are confident in saying it would have displayed the conduct of the latter as both honorable, and deserving the approbation of every man. But Mr. Jones has stated only such parts as would gratify the malice of his own heart, and be most likely to injure a character, which he, as well as others, is very much disposed to slander.

Mr. Jefferson having received large sums of paper money in payment of debts due him, might very justly think that he had a right to dispose of it as he received it; but we do not find him taking this legal advantage of Jones. He enclosed the principal and interest of what was due Jones, and sent it to him by Mrs. Harvey, with a verbal message, requesting him to accept it in payment of the bond, if he had an opportunity of disposing of it without loss; but that if he did not choose to receive it, he might return it, and the bond should be paid in specie, as soon as it was to be obtained. At that time no property would command specie in Virginia, it was not to be had; as every man acquainted with the times must recollect. Jones knows perfectly well that such a verbal message was sent him, and that the reason why Mr. Jefferson did not commit it to paper was the delicacy of his situation as Governor of Virginia. It would not do for him to doubt the credit of the bills issued by government, and express such doubt in a letter to a known tory, who might make use of it against him. But to convince Jones that he did not intend to take any legal advantage of him, he sent him the verbal message above stated. But it seems he was offended at the mere proposal of paying him in paper money; and knowing Mr. Jefferson's honesty and high sense of honor, very insultingly returned him the money and bond. He sends him back the bond again, (which by the way does not look like the conduct of a knave,) and when specie was to be had, paid it.--If the most prejudiced eyes can see any thing in this transaction injurious to his character, it must be through prejudice indeed.

The part of the verbal message, by Mrs. Harvey, can be substantiated at any time. Some of the near relations of Jones can and have lately testified to it.

It is well known that Mr. Jefferson received during the war, large sums of paper money at the nominal value, both from government and individuals. If he had in one instance disposed of it to pay his debts, I should not think it very blamable :-It was no more than what every man did, and what the agents of government did. But it seems his enemies cannot accuse him even of this, without a perversion of the truth.