as never been
mentioned to me. If not mentioned in either way, it is rather an
indecent proceeding, considering that this right of free port is founded
in treaty. I shall ask of M. de Montmorin, on the first occasion,
whether he has communicated this to you through his minister; and if he
has not, I will endeavor to notice the infraction to him in such manner,
as neither to reclaim nor abandon the right of free port, but leave our
government free to do either.

The gazettes of France and Leyden, as usual, will accompany this. I am
in hourly expectation of receiving from you my leave of absence, and
keep my affairs so arranged, that I can leave Paris within eight days
after receiving the permission.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble

servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXCIX.--TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, May 10, 1780

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Paris, May 10, 1780,

Sir,

I am now to acknowledge, the honor of your two letters of November the
27th and February the 13th, both of which have come to hand since my
last to you of December the 4th and 5th. The details you are so good as
to give me on the subject of the navigation of the waters of the Potomac
and Ohio, are very pleasing to me, as I consider the union of those two
rivers, as among the strongest links of connection between the eastern
and western sides of our confederacy. It will, moreover, add to the
commerce of Virginia, in particular, all the upper parts of the Ohio and
its waters. Another vast object, and of much less difficulty, is to add
also, all the country on the lakes and their waters. This would enlarge
our field immensely, and would certainly be effected by an union of
the upper waters of the Ohio and lake Erie. The Big Beaver and Cayahoga
offer the most direct line, and according to information I received from
General Hand, and which I had the honor of writing you in the year 1783,
the streams in that neighborhood head in lagoons, and the country is
flat. With respect to the doubts which you say are entertained by
some, whether the upper waters of Potomac can be rendered capable of
navigation, on account of the falls and rugged banks, they are answered,
by observing, that it is reduced to a maxim, that whenever there is
water enough to float a batteau, there may be navigation for a batteau.
Canals and locks may be necessary, and they are expensive; but I