You will perceive by Mr. Jay’s letter, that Congress had not thought proper to give Mr. Lambe any appointment.  I imagine they apprehended it might interfere with measures actually taken by us.  Notwithstanding the perfect freedom which they are pleased to leave to us, on this subject, I cannot feel myself clear of that bias, which a presumption of their pleasure gives, and ought to give.  I presume that Mr. Lambe met their approbation, because of the recommendations he carried from the Governor and State of Connecticut, because of his actual knowledge of the country and people of the States of Barbary, because of the detention of these letters from March to July, which, considering their pressing-nature, would otherwise have been sent by other Americans, who, in the mean time, have come from New York to Paris; and because, too, of the information we received by Mr. Jarvis.  These reasons are not strong enough to set aside our appointment of Mr. Barclay to Morocco:  that I think should go on, as no man could be sent who would enjoy more the confidence of Congress.  But they are strong enough to induce me to propose to you the appointment of Lambe to Algiers.  He has followed for many years the Barbary trade, and seems intimately acquainted with those States.  I have not seen enough of him to judge of his abilities.  He seems not deficient, as far as I can see, and the footing on which he comes, must furnish a presumption for what we do not see.  We must say the same as to his integrity; we must rely for this on the recommendations he brings, as it is impossible for us to judge of this for ourselves.  Yet it will be our duty to use such reasonable cautions as are in our power.  Two occur to me. 1.  To give him a clerk capable of assisting and attending to his proceedings, and who, in case he thought any thing was going amiss, might give us information. 2.  Not to give him a credit on Van Staphorst and Willinck, but let his drafts be made on yourself, which, with the knowledge you will have of his proceedings, will enable you to check them, if you are sensible of any abuse intended.  This will give you trouble; but as I have never found you declining trouble, when it is necessary, I venture to propose it.  I hope it will not expose you to inconvenience, as by instructing Lambe to insert in his drafts a proper usance, you can, in the mean time, raise the money for them by drawing on Holland.  I must inform you that Mr. Barclay wishes to be put on the same footing with Mr. Lambe, as to this article, and therefore I return you your letter of credit on Van Staphorst &, Co.  As to the first article, there is great difficulty.  There is nobody at Paris fit for the undertaking, who would be likely to accept it.  I mean there is no American, for I should be anxious to place a native in the trust.  Perhaps you can send us one from London.  There is a Mr. Randall there, from New York, whom Mr. Barclay thinks might be relied on very firmly for integrity and capacity.  He is there