I mentioned to you, in my letter of August the 14th, that I had desired Captain John Paul Jones to inquire into the circumstances of Peyrouse’s expedition.  I have now the honor of enclosing you copies of my letter to him, and of his answer.  He refuses to accept of any indemnification for his expenses, which is an additional proof of his disinterested spirit, and of his devotion to the service of America.  The circumstances are obvious, which indicate an intention to settle factories, and not colonies, at least, for the present.  However, nothing shows for what place they are destined.  The conjectures are divided between New Holland, and the northwest coast of America.

According to what I mentioned in my letter of August the 30th, I have appointed Mr. Short my secretary here.  I enclose to you copies of my letters to him and Mr. Grand, which will show to Congress that he stands altogether at their pleasure.  I mention this circumstance, that if what I have done meets with their disapprobation, they may have the goodness to signify it immediately, as I should otherwise conclude that they do not disapprove it.  I shall be ready to conform myself to what would be most agreeable to them.

This will be accompanied by the gazettes of France and Ley-den, to the present date.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest esteem and respect, Sir,

your most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CXXII.—­TO ELBRIDGE GERRY, October 11, 1785

TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.

Paris, October 11, 1785.

Dear Sir,

I received, last night, the letter signed by yourself and the other gentlemen, delegates of Massachusetts and Virginia, recommending Mr. Sayre for the Barbary negotiations.  As that was the first moment of its suggestion to me, you will perceive by my letter of this day, to Mr Jay, that the business was already established in other hands, as your letter came at the same time with the papers actually signed by Mr. Adams, for Messrs. Barclay and Lambe, according to arrangements previously taken between us.  I should, with great satisfaction, have acceded to the recommendation in the letter:  not indeed as to Morocco, because, no better man than Mr. Barclay could have been substituted; but as to Algiers, Mr. Lambe being less known to me.  However, I hope well of him, and rely considerably on the aid he will receive from his secretary, Mr. Randall, who bears a very good character.  I suppose Mr. Adams entitled to the same just apology, as matters were settled otherwise, before he probably received your letter.  I pray you to communicate this to the other gentlemen of your and our delegation as my justification.

The peace made between the Emperor and Dutch, leaves Europe quiet for this campaign.  As yet, we do not know where the storm, dissipated for the moment, will gather again.  Probably over Bavaria or Turkey.  But this will be for another year.