On June 7, 1798, Thomas Jefferson, at that time vice president of the United States, wrote to President James Madison about the bill presented in the Senate three days earlier by the Federalist opposition that contained the preliminary version of the bills. Acts of Sedition and Foreigners.
In this letter he explains why the application of these laws would be unconstitutional and even criminal.
"... they have brought into the lower house a sedition bill, which among other enormities, undertakes to make printing certain matters criminal, tho 'one of the amendments to the constitution ..."
It also explains the origin of these measures in a conflict between the French and English in the matter of reciprocal capture of ships that also involved American ships.
The Sedition and Foreigners Acts were approved by Madison as a sign of respect for the Congress.
This fact was seen as a grievance on the part of the Federals to the Republican-Democrats, but the latter were rewarded with great popular support.
