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duce and manufactures of this country, many of which are as good, some better, and most of them cheaper than in England, would establish a rivalship for our commerce, which would have happy effects in all the three countries. Whether this end will be best effected by giving out these propositions to our merchants, and exciting them to become candidates with the Farmers General for this contract, or by any other means, your Excellency will best judge on the spot.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of due respect, your Excellency s

most obedient and

most humble servant,

TH: JEFFERSON.,

P. S. 1 have written on the last subject to the Governor of Maryland also.

LETTER LXIV. TO COLONEL MONROE.

Paris, Juno 17, 1785. DEAR SIR,

I received three days ago your favor of April the 12th. You therein speak of a former letter to me, but it has not come to hand, .nor any other of later date than the 14th of December. My last to you was of the llth of May, by Mr. Adams, who went in the packet of that month. These conveyances are now be coming deranged. We have had expectations of their coming to Havre, which would infinitely facilitate the communication between Paris and Congress ; but their deliberations on the subject seem to be taking another turn. They complain of the expense, and that their commerce with us is too small to justify it. They there fore talk of sending a packet every six weeks only. The present one, therefore, which should have sailed about this time, will not sail till the 1st of July. However, the whole matter is as yet un decided. I have hopes that when Mr. St. John arrives from New York, he will get them replaced on their monthly system. By the bye, what is the meaning of a very angry resolution of Con gress on his subject? I have it not by me, and therefore cannot cite it by date, but you will remember it, and oblige me by ex plaining its foundation. This will be handed you by Mr. Otto, who comes to America as Charge des Affaires, in the room of Mr. VOL. i. 30