ng them by treaty, and that
we could draw that treaty to this place. There is no other where the
dependence of their colonies on our States for their prosperity is so
obvious as here, nor where their negotiator would feel it so much. But
it would be imprudent to leave to the uncertain issue of such a treaty,
the re-establishment of our commerce with France on the footing on which
it was in the beginning of their revolution. That treaty may be long on
the anvil; in the mean time, we cannot consent to the late innovations,
without taking measures to do justice to our own navigation. This
object, therefore, is particularly recommended to you, while you will
also be availing yourself of every opportunity which may arise, of
benefiting our commerce in any other part. I am in hopes you will have
found the moment favorable on your arrival in France, when Monsieur
Claviere was in the ministry, and the dispositions of the National
Assembly favorable to the ministers. Your cipher has not been sent
hitherto, because it required a most confidential channel of conveyance.
It is now committed to Mr. Pinckney, who also carries the gazettes,
laws, and other public papers for you. We have been long without any
vessel going to Havre. Some of the Indian tribes have acceded to terms
of peace. The greater part, however, still hold off, and oblige us to
pursue more vigorous measures for war. I enclose you an extract from a
circular letter to our Consuls, by which you will perceive, that those
in countries where we have no diplomatic representative, are desired to
settle their accounts annually with the Minister of the United States at
Paris. This business I must desire you to undertake. The act concerning
Consuls will be your guide, and I shall be glad that the 1st of July be
the day to which their accounts shall be annually settled and paid, and
that they may be forwarded as soon after that as possible to the office
of the Secretary of State, to enter into the general account of his
department, which it is necessary he should make up always before the
meeting of Congress.

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

Th: Jefferson.

P.S. I have said nothing of our whale-oil, because I believe it is on a
better footing since the tariff than before. T. J.

LETTER CXV.--TO MR. VAN BERCKEL, July 2,1792

TO MR. VAN BERCKEL.

Philadelphia, July 2,1792.

Sir,

It was with extreme concer