I will add to these, one more circumstance which appears to render it impossible that he should execute this trust.  It is now several years since the right to this money arose.  The persons in whom it originally vested, were probably from different States in America.  Many of them must be now dead; and their rights passed on to their representatives.  But who are their representatives?  The laws of some States prefer one degree of relations, those of others prefer another, there being no uniformity among the States on this point.  Mr. Puchilberg, therefore, should know which of the parties are dead; in what order the laws of their respective States call their relations to the succession; and, in every case, which of those orders are actually in existence, and entitled to the share of the deceased.  With the Atlantic ocean between the principals and their substitute, your Excellency will perceive what an inexhaustible source of difficulties, of chicanery, and delay, this might furnish to a person who should find an interest in keeping this money, as long as possible, in his own hands.  Whereas, if it be lodged in the treasury of Congress, they, by an easy reference to the tribunals of the different States, can have every one’s portion immediately rendered to himself, if living; and if dead, to such of his relations as the laws of his particular State prefer, and as shall be found actually living.  I the rather urge this course, as I foresee that it will relieve your Excellency from numberless appeals which these people will continually be making from the decisions of Mr. Puchilberg; appeals likely to perpetuate that trouble of which you have already had too much, and to which I am sorry to be obliged to add, by asking a peremptory order for the execution of what you were before pleased to decide, on this subject.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect respect,

your Excellency’s most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXXXIV.—­TO CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES, August 3,1785

TO CAPTAIN JOHN PAUL JONES.

Paris, August 3,1785.

Sir,

I received yesterday your favor of the 29th, and have written on the subject of it to the Marechal de Castries this morning.  You shall have an answer as soon as I receive one.  Will you be so good as to make an inquiry into all the circumstances relative to Peyrouse’s expedition, which seem to ascertain his destination.  Particularly what number of men, and of what conditions and vocations, had he on board?  What animals, their species and number?  What trees, plants, or seeds?  What utensils?  What merchandise or other necessaries?  This inquiry should be made with as little appearance of interest in it as possible.  Should you not be able to get satisfactory information without going to Brest, and it be inconvenient for you to go there, I will have the expenses, this shall occasion you, paid.  Commit all the circumstances to writing, and bring them when you come yourself, or send them by a safe hand.