seaux' loan, with the
money you borrowed. But it is also possible, he may bring no order on
the subject. The slowness with which measures are adopted on our side
the water, does not permit us to count on punctual answers; but, on the
contrary, renders it necessary for us to suppose, in the present case,
that no orders will arrive in time, and to consider whether any thing,
and what, should be done. As it may be found expedient to transfer all
our foreign debts to Holland, by borrowing there, and as it may always
be prudent to preserve a good credit in that country, because we may
be forced into wars, whether we will or not, I should suppose it very
imprudent to suffer our credit to be annihilated, for so small a sum
as fifty-one thousand guelders. The injury will be greater too, in
proportion to the smallness of the sum; for they will ask, 'How can a
people be trusted for large sums, who break their faith for such small
ones?' You know best what effect it will have on the minds of the
money-lenders of that country, should we fail in this payment. You know
best also, whether it is practicable and prudent for us, to have this
debt paid without orders. I refer the matter, therefore, wholly to
your consideration, willing to participate with you in any risk and any
responsibility, which may arise. I think it one of those cases, where
it is a duty to risk one's self. You will perceive, by the enclosed, the
necessity of an immediate answer, and that, if you think any thing
can and should be done, all the necessary authorities from you should
accompany your letter. In the mean time, should I receive any orders
from the treasury by Paul Jones, I will pursue them, and consider
whatever you shall have proposed or done, as _non avenue_.

I am, with much affection, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXVII.--TO JAMES MADISON, December 20, 1787

TO JAMES MADISON.

Paris, December 20, 1787.

Dear Sir,

My last to you was of October the 8th, by the Count de Moustier.
Yours of July the 18th, September the 6th, and October the 24th, were
successively received, yesterday, the day before, and three or four
days before that. I have only had time to read the letters; the printed
papers communicated with them, however interesting, being obliged to lie
over till I finish my despatches for the packet, which despatches must
go from hence the day after to-morrow. I have much to thank you