the effect of convulsions. But there can be no proof of the explosion,
nor is it probable that convulsions have deformed every spot of the
earth. It is now generally agreed that rock grows, and it seems that it
grows in layers in every direction, as the branches of trees grow in
all directions. Why seek further the solution of this phenomenon? Every
thing in nature decays. If it were not reproduced then by growth, there
would be a chasm.

I remember you asked me in a former letter, whether the steam-mill
in London was turned by the steam immediately, or by the intermediate
agency of water raised by the steam. When I was in London, Boulton
made a secret of his mill. Therefore, I was permitted to see it only
superficially. I saw no water-wheels, and therefore supposed none.
I answered you, accordingly, that there were none. But when I was at
Nismes, I went to see the steam-mill there, and they showed it to me in
all its parts. I saw that their steam raised water, and that this
water turned a wheel. I expressed my doubts of the necessity of the
inter-agency of water, and that the London mill was without it. But they
supposed me mistaken; perhaps I was so: I have had no opportunity since
of clearing up the doubt.

*****

I had a letter from Mr. Churchman, but not developing his plan of
knowing the longitude, fully. I wrote him what was doubted about it, so
far as we could conjecture what it was.

I am with very great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your friend and
servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XCIV.--TO JOHN JAY, September 22,1787

TO JOHN JAY.

Paris, September 22,1787.

Sir,

The letters of which the inclosed are copies, are this moment received,
and as there is a possibility that they may reach Havre before the
packet sails, I have the honor of enclosing them to you. They contain a
promise of reducing the duties on tar, pitch, and turpentine, and that
the government will interest itself with the city of Rouen, to reduce
the local duty on potash. By this you will perceive, that we are getting
on a little in this business, though under their present embarrassments,
it is difficult to procure the attention of the ministers to it. The
parliament has enregistered the edict for a rigorous levy of the _deux
vingtiemes_. As this was proposed by the King in lieu of the _impot
territorial_, there is no doubt now, that the latter, with the stamp
tax, will be immediately repealed. There can be no better proof