Page:Memoir, correspondence, and miscellanies, from the papers of Thomas Jefferson - Volume 2 - 2nd ed.djvu/13

 CORRESPONDENCE. LETTER, I. TO RICHARD HENRY LEE. London, April 22, 1786. Dear Sir, In your letter of October the 29th, you desired me to send you one of the new lamps. I tried at every probable place in Paris, and could not get a tolerable one. I have been glad of it since I came here, as I find them much better made here. I now dehver one, with this letter, into the hands of Mr. Fulwar Skipwith, a merchant from Virginia, settled here, who promises to send it to you, with one for Mr. C. Thomson. Of this be pleased to ac- cept, from me. It is now found, that they may be used with almost any oil. J expect to leave this place in about three days. Our public letteis, joint and separate, will inform you what has been done, and wdiat could not be done here. With respect to a commercial treaty w^th this country, be assured, that this government not only has it not in contemplation at present to make any, but that they do not conceive that any circumstances will arise, which shall ren- der it expedient for them to have any pohtical connection with us. They think we shall be glad of their commerce on their own terms. There is no party in our favor here, either in power or out of power. Even the opposition concur with the ministry and the nation in this. I can scarcely consider as a party, the Marquis of Lansdowne, and a half dozen characters about him, such as Dr. Price, he, who are impressed with the utility of a friendly con- nection with us. The former does not venture this sentiment in parliament, and the latter are not in situations to be heard. The Marquis of Lansdowne spoke to me affectionately of your brother, Doctor Lee, and desired his respects to him, which I beg leave to communicate through you. Were he to come into the ministry VOL. II. 1