s, that during its course we
shall continue in the same friendly dispositions, and render all those
good offices which shall be consistent with the duties of a neutral
nation.

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

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXIX.--TO MR. PINCKNEY, October 12,1792

TO MR. PINCKNEY.

Philadelphia, October 12,1792.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of August the 7th came to hand on the 6th instant, and gave
me the first certain information of your safe arrival. Mr. Otto, being
about to sail for London, furnishes me with an opportunity of sending
the newspapers for yourself and Mr Barclay, and I avail myself of
it, chiefly for this purpose, as my late return from Virginia and
the vacation of Congress furnish little new and important for your
information. With respect to the Indian war, the summer has been chiefly
employed on our part in endeavoring to persuade them to peace, in
an abstinence from all offensive operations, in order to give those
endeavors a fairer chance, and in preparation for activity the ensuing
season, if they fail. I believe we may say these endeavors have all
failed, or probably will do so. The year has been rather a favorable one
for our agriculture. The crops of small grain were generally good. Early
frosts have a good deal shortened those of tobacco and Indian corn, yet
not so as to endanger distress. From the south my information is less
certain, but from that quarter you will be informed through other
channels. I have a pleasure in noting this circumstance to you,
because the difference between a plentiful and a scanty crop more than
counterpoises the expenses of any campaign. Five or six plentiful
years successively, as we have had, have most sensibly ameliorated the
condition of our country, and uniform laws of commerce, introduced by
our new government, have enabled us to draw the whole benefits of our
agriculture.

I enclose you the copy of a letter from Messrs. Blow and Milhaddo,
merchants of Virginia, complaining of the taking away of their sailors
on the coast of Africa, by the commander of a British armed vessel. So
many instances of this kind have happened, that it is quite necessary
that their government should explain themselves on the subject, and be
led to disavow and punish such conduct. I leave to your discretion to
endeavor to obtain this satisfaction by such friendly d