e, been hanging over
the grave. Probably, France would now consent to the exchange of the
Austrian Netherlands, to be created into a kingdom for the Duke de
Deux-ponts, against the electorate of Bavaria. This will require a
war. The Empress longs for Turkey, and viewing France as her principal
obstacle, would gladly negotiate her acquiescence. To spur on this, she
is coquetting it with England. The King of Prussia, too, is playing
a double game between France and England. But I suppose the former
incapable of forgiving him, or of ever reposing confidence in him.
Perhaps the spring may unfold to us the final arrangement, which will
take place among the powers of this continent.

I often doubt whether I should trouble Congress or my friends with these
details of European politics. I know they do not excite that interest
in America, of which it is impossible for one to divest himself here. I
know too, that it is a maxim with us, and I think it is a wise one, not
to entangle ourselves with the affairs of Europe. Still, I think,
we should know them. The Turks have practised the same maxim of not
meddling in the complicated wrangles of this continent. But they have
unwisely chosen to be ignorant of them also, and it is this total
ignorance of Europe, its combinations, and its movements, which exposes
them to that annihilation possibly about taking place. While there are
powers in Europe which fear our views, or have views on us, we should
keep an eye on them, their connections, and oppositions, that in a
moment of need, we may avail ourselves of their weakness with respect to
others as well as ourselves, and calculate their designs and movements,
on all the circumstances under which they exist. Though I am persuaded,
therefore, that these details are read by many with great indifference,
yet I think it my duty to enter into them, and to run the risk of giving
too much, rather than too little information.

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

Th: Jefferson.

P. S. The resolution of Congress, relative to the prize money received
here, speaks of that money as paid to me. I hope this matter is properly
understood. The treasury board desired me to receive it, and apply it to
such and such federal purposes; and they would pay the dividends of
the claimants in America. This would save the expense of remittance. I
declined, however, receiving the money,