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me it is the most favorable scene for business with the Count de Vergennes, because he is then more abstracted from the domestic applications. Count d Aranda is not yet returned from the waters of Vichy. As soon as he returns, I will apply to him in the case of Mr. Watson. I will pray you to insure Houdon s life from the 27th of last month till his return to Paris. As he was to stay in America a month or two, he will probably be about six months absent : but the three per cent, for the voyage being once paid, I suppose they will insure his life by the month, whether his absence be longer or shorter. The sum to be insured is fifteen thousand livres tournois. If it be not necessary to pay the money immedi ately, there is a prospect of exchange becoming more favorable. But whenever it is necessary, be so good as to procure it by sell ing a draft on Mr. Grand, which I will take care shall be honored. With compliments to the ladies,

I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

TH: JEFFERSON.

.,! ;; LETTER LXXXVIII.

TO MRS. SPROWLE.

Paris, August 10, 1785. MADAM,

In your letter of June the 21st, you asked my opinion whether yourself or your son, might venture to go to Virginia, to claim your possessions there ? I had the honor of writing you, on the 5th of July, that you might safely go there ; that your person would be sacredly safe, and free from insult. I expressed my hopes, too, that the As sembly of Virginia would, in the end, adopt the just and useful measure of restoring property unsold, and the price of that actually sold. In your s of July the 30th, you entreat my influence with the Assembly for retribution, and that if I think your personal pre sence in Virginia would facilitate that end, you were willing and ready to go. This seems to propose to me to take on myself the solicitation of your cause, and that you will go, if I think your per sonal presence will be auxiliary to my applications. I feel my-- self obliged to inform you, frankly, that it is improper for me to so licit your case with the Assembly of Virginia. The application can only go with propriety from yourself, or the minister of your court to America, whenever there shall be one. If you think the sentiments expressed in my former letter will serve you, you are free to exhibit it to members individually ; but I wish the letter not