Page:Memoir, correspondence, and miscellanies, from the papers of Thomas Jefferson - Volume 1.djvu/161

 145

But grateful as your acceptance of this commision would be to me, [ aim, at the same time, desirous to accommodate your wishes, and I have, therefore, forborne to nominate your successor at the court of Versailles, until I should be informed of your determination.

Being on the eve of a journey through the Eastern States, with a view to observe the situation of the country, and in a hope of per- fectly re-establishing my health, which a series of indispositions has much impaired, I have deemed it proper to make this communi- cation of your appointment, in order, that you might lose no time, should it be your wish to visit Virginia during the recess of Con- gress, which will probably be the most convenient season, both as it may respect your private concerns, and the public service.

Unwilling, as I am, to interfere in the direction of your choice of assistants, I shall only take the liberty of observing to you, that, from warm recommendations which I have received in behalf of Roger Alden, Esq. assistant Secretary to the late Congress, I have placed all the papers thereunto belonging, under his care. ‘Those papers which more properly appertain to the office of Foreign Affairs, are under the superintendence of Mr. Jay, who has been so oblig- ing as to continue his good offices, and they are in the immediate charge of Mr. Remsen. -

With sentiments of very great esteem and regard,

I have the honor to be, Sir, Your most obedient servant, Georce WaAsHINGTON.

The Honorable Thomas Jefferson.

[ take this occasion to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors, of the 4th and 5th of December of the last, and 10th of May of the present year, and to thank you for the communica- tions therein. G.

- New York, November 30, 1789.

Dear Sir,

You will perceive by the enclosed letter, (which was left for you at the office of Foreign Affairs, when J made a journey to the Eastern States,) the motives, on which I acted with regard to yourself, and the occasion of my explaining them at that early period.

Having now reason to hope, from Mr. 'Trumbull’s report, that you will be arrived at Norfolk before this time, (on which event I would most cordially congratulate you) and having a safe convey-

VOL. I. 19