ays in Barbary, searching out the captives of their country,
and redeem, I believe, on better terms than any other body, public or
private. It occurred to me, that their agency might be obtained for the
redemption of our prisoners at Algiers. I obtained conferences with the
General, and with some members of the order. The General, with all
the benevolence and cordiality possible, undertook to act for us if we
should, desire it. He told me that their last considerable redemption
was of about three hundred prisoners, who cost them somewhat upwards
of fifteen hundred livres apiece. But that they should not be able
to redeem ours, as cheap as they do their own; and that it must be
absolutely unknown that the public concern themselves in the operation,
or the price would be greatly enhanced. The difference of religion was
not once mentioned, nor did it appear to me to be thought of. It was
a silent reclamation and acknowledgment of fraternity, between two
religions of the same family, which historical events of ancient
date had rendered more hostile to one another, than to their common
adversaries. I informed the General, that I should communicate the
good dispositions of his order, to those who alone had the authority to
decide whatever related to our captives. Mr. Carmichael informs me, that
monies have been advanced for the support of our prisoners at Algiers,
which ought to be replaced. I infer from the context of his letter,
that these advances have been made by the court of Madrid. I submit the
information to Congress.

A treaty of commerce is certainly concluded between France and Russia.
The particulars of it are yet secret.

I enclose the gazettes of France and Leyden to this date, and have the
honor of assuring you of those sentiments of perfect esteem and respect,
with which I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XLVI.--TO MRS. BINGHAM, February 7, 1787

TO MRS. BINGHAM.

Paris, February 7, 1787.

I know, Madam, that the twelve-month is not yet expired; but it will be,
nearly, before this will have the honor of being put into your hands.
You are then engaged to tell me, truly and honestly, whether you do not
find the tranquil pleasures of America, preferable to the empty bustle
of Paris. For to what does that bustle tend? At eleven o'clock, it is
day, _chez madame_, the curtains are drawn. Propped on bolsters and
pillows, and her head scratched into a little