Page:Memoir, correspondence, and miscellanies, from the papers of Thomas Jefferson - Volume 1.djvu/272

 256 ;

of justice, and especially of so high a one as that of the King’s Council, obliges us to presume that circumstances arose which j Justi- fied’ this part of their order. It is only in cases where justice is palpably denied, that one nation, or its ministers, are authorised to complain of the courts of another. I hope you will see, therefore, that an application from me as to the damages for detention, would be improper. I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, Tu: Jerrerson.

LETTER LXXVII.

TO MESSRS. FRENCH AND NEPHEW.

<

Paris, July 13, 1785. GENTLEMEN,

I had the honor of receiving your letter of June the 21st, en- closing one from Mr. Alexander of June the 17th, and a copy of his application to Monsieur de Calonnes. 1 am very sensible that no trade can be on a more desperate footing than that of tobacco, in this country ; and that our merchants must abandon the French markets, if they are not permitted to sell the. productions they bring, on such terms as will enable them to purchase reasonable returns in the manufacwres of France. I know but one remedy to the evil; that of allowing a free vent: and I should be very hap- py in being instrumental to the obtaining this. But while the pur- chase of tobacco is monopolised by a company, and they pay for that monopoly a heavy price to the government, they doubtless are at liberty to fix such places and terms of purchase, as may enable them to make good their engagements with government. I see no more reason for obliging them to give a greater price for tobac- co than they think they can afford, than to do the same between two individuals treating for a horse, a house, or any thing else. Could this be effected by applications to the mmister, it would only be’a palliative which would retard the ultimate cure, so much to be wished for and aimed at by every friend to this country, as well as to America.

I have the honor to be, Gentlemen, your most sie humble servant, Tu: JEFFERSON.