and still he has continued there several weeks. True, I
replied, but his adversaries declared they would arrest him again, the
moment he should go out of the jurisdiction of the parliament of
Bordeaux, and have actually engaged the Marechaussee on the road, to do
it. This seemed to impress him. He said he could obtain a letter of
safe conduct which would protect him to Paris, but that, immediately on
his arrival here, he would be liable to arrest. I asked him if such a
letter could not be obtained to protect him to Paris, and back to
Bordeaux, and even to America? He said, that for that, the consent of
the greater part of his creditors would be necessary; and even with
this, it was very doubtful whether it could be obtained; still if I
would furnish him with that consent, he would do what should depend on
him. I am persuaded he will, and have written to Mr. Barclay to obtain
the consent of his creditors. This is the footing on which this matter
stands at present. I have stated it thus particularly, that you may
know the truth, which will probably be misrepresented in the English
papers, to the prejudice of Mr. Barclay. This matter has been a great
affliction to him, but no dishonor, where its true state is known.
Indeed he is incapable of doing anything not strictly honorable.
In a letter of August the 30th, 1785, I had the honor of mentioning to
you what had passed here, on the subject of a convention for the
regulation of the two post offices. I now enclose you a letter from the
Baron D'Ogny, who is at the head of that department, which shows that
he still expects some arrangement. I have heard it said that M. de
Creve-coeur is authorized to treat on this subject. You doubtless know
if this be true. The articles may certainly be better adjusted there,
than here. This letter from the Baron D'Ogny was in consequence of an
application from a servant of mine, during my absence, which would not
have been made had I been here. Nor will it be repeated; it being my
opinion and practice to pay small sums of money, rather than to risk
favors.
I have the honor to enclose you also, copies of a letter and papers
from the Marechal de Castries, on the claim of an individual against
the State of South Carolina, for services performed on board the
Indian; and the petition of another, on a like claim; also copies of
letters received from O'Bryan at Algiers, and from Mr. Lambe. A letter
of the 26th of May, from Mr. Montgomery, at Ali
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