u will receive herewith the State
constitutions, the census, and almanac, and an answer to Lord Sheffield
on our commerce. A cipher is ready for you, but cannot be sent till we
can find a trusty passenger going to Paris.

I am, with great respect and esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

Since writing the preceding, the two Houses have come to resolutions on
the King's letter, which are enclosed in the President's, and copies of
them accompany this for your use. T.J.

LETTER XCIX.--TO MESSRS. CARMICHAEL AND SHORT, March 18, 1792

TO MESSRS. CARMICHAEL AND SHORT.

Philadelphia, March 18, 1792.

Gentlemen,

The President having thought proper to appoint you joint commissioners
plenipotentiary, on the part of the United States, to treat with the
court of Madrid on the subjects of the navigation of the Mississippi,
arrangements on our limits, and commerce, you will herewith receive your
commission; as also observations on these several subjects, reported
to the President and approved by him, which will therefore serve
as instructions for you. These expressing minutely the sense of our
government and what they wish to have done, it is unnecessary for me to
do more here than desire you to pursue these objects unremittingly, and
endeavor to bring them to an issue, in the course of the ensuing summer.
It is desirable that you should keep an exact journal of what shall pass
between yourselves and the court or their negotiator, and communicate it
from time to time to me, that your progress and prospects may be known.
You will be the best judges whether to send your letters by Lisbon,
Cadiz, or what other route; but we shall be anxious to hear from you as
often as possible. If no safe conveyance occurs from Madrid to Lisbon,
and your matter should be of importance sufficient to justify the
expense, a courier must be sent; but do not incur the expense, unless it
be to answer some good end.

I have the honor to be, with great and sincere esteem, Gentlemen, your
most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER C.--TO COLONEL PICKERING, March 28, 1792

TO COLONEL PICKERING.

Philadelphia, March 28, 1792.

Sir,

The President has desired me to confer with you on the proposition I
made the other day, of endeavoring to move the posts at the rate of one
hundred miles a day. It is believed to be practicable here, because it
is practised in every oth