ise brought
into view on a former occasion, we are ready to enter into negotiation
with you, only proposing to take the whole into consideration at once.
And while contemplating provisions which look to the event of war, we
are happy in feeling a conviction that it is yet at a great distance
from us, and in believing that the sentiments of sincere friendship
which we bear to the nation of France are reciprocated on their part.
Of these our dispositions, be so good as to assure them on this and all
other occasions; and to accept yourself those sentiments of esteem and
respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servant.

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXIII.--TO MESSRS. VIAR AND JAUDENES, November 1, 1792

TO MESSRS. VIAR AND JAUDENES, _Commissioners of Spain_

Philadelphia, November 1, 1792.

Gentlemen,

I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favor of October the 29th,
which I have duly laid before the President of the United States: and
in answer thereto, I cannot but observe that some parts of its contents
were truly unexpected. On what foundation it can be supposed that
we have menaced the Creek nation with destruction during the present
autumn, or at any other time, is entirely inconceivable. Our endeavors,
on the contrary, to keep them at peace, have been earnest, persevering,
and notorious, and no expense has been spared which might attain that
object. With the same views to peace, we have suspended, now more than a
twelvemonth, the marking a boundary between them and us, which had been
fairly, freely, and solemnly established with the chiefs whom they had
deputed to treat with us on that subject: we have suspended it, I say,
in the constant hope, that taking time to consider it in the councils
of their nation, and recognising the justice and reciprocity of its
conditions, they would at length freely concur in carrying it into
execution. We agree with you, that the interests which either of us have
in the proceedings of the other with this nation of Indians, is a proper
subject of discussion at the negotiations to be opened at Madrid, and
shall accordingly give the same in charge to our commissioners there.
In the mean time, we shall continue sincerely to cultivate the peace and
prosperity of all the parties, being constant in the opinion, that this
conduct, reciprocally observed, will most increase the happiness of all.

I have the honor to be, with sentiment