Page:Memoir, correspondence, and miscellanies, from the papers of Thomas Jefferson - Volume 1.djvu/283

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LETTER LXXXIV.

TO CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.

- Paris, August 3, 1785. Sir,

I received yesterday your favor of the 29th, and have written on the subject of it to the Marechal de Castries this morning. You shall have an answer as soon as | receive one. Will you be so good as to make an enquiry into all the circumstances relative to Peyrouse’s expedition, which seem to ascertain his destination. Particularly what number of men, and of what conditions and vo- cations, had he on board? What animals, their species and number? What trees, plants or seeds? What utensils? What merchandise or other necessaries? This enquiry should be made with as little ap- pearance of interest in it, as possible. Should you not be able to get satisfactory information without going to Brest, and it be in- convenient for you to go there, I will have the expenses, this shall occasion you, paid. Commit all the circumstances to writing, and bring them when you come yourself, or send them by a safe hand.

I am, with much respect, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant, Th: JEFFERSON.

LETTER LXXXV.

TO, JOHN ADAMS.

Paris, August 6, 1785. Dear Sir,

‘T now enclose you a draught of a treaty for the Barbary States, together with the notes Dr. Franklin left me. I have retained a press copy of this draught, so that by referring to any article, line and word, in it, you can propose amendments, and send them by the post, without any body’s being able to make much of the main subject: I shall be glad to receive any alterations you may thnk necessary, as soon as convenient, that this matter may be in readi- ness. I enclose also a letter containing intelligence from Algiers. I know not how far it is to be relied on. My anxiety is extreme indeed, as to these treaties. We know that Congress have de- cided ultimately to treat. We know how far they will go. But