plate, as soon as Stockdale has done with it.  He will not require more days, than Barrois months.  So that it will be here before you can want it.  But it must never go into Barrois’ hands again, nor of any person depending on him, or under his orders.  The workman who struck off the two hundred and fifty for me, seems to have been diligent enough.  Either he, or any other workman you please of that description, shall have it, to strike what number you wish.  I forgot to observe, in its proper place, that when I was in the midst of my difficulties, I did myself the honor of calling on you, as well to have that of asking after your health on my return, as of asking your assistance to obtain the plate.  Unluckily you were gone to Versailles; so I was obliged to proceed as well as I could.  It is no excuse for Barrois, to say, he could not get his imprimeur to proceed.  He should have applied to another.  But as to you, it shall be set to rights in the manner I have before stated.  Accept my regret that you were in the hands of so underserving a workman, and one who placed me under the necessity of interrupting a work which interested you.  Be assured, at the same time, of the sincerity of those sentiments of esteem and respect with which I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

OBSERVATIONS ON THE LETTER OF MONSIEUR DE CALONNE

     [The following observations appear to have been addressed to
     the Count de Montmorin, about the 6th of July, 1787.]

Observations on the Letter of Monsieur de Calonne to Monsieur Jefferson, dated, Fontainbleau, October 22, 1786.

A committee was appointed, in the course of the last year, to take a view of the subjects of commerce which might be brought from the United States of America, in exchange for those of France, and to consider what advantages and facilities might be offered to encourage that commerce.  The letter of Monsieur de Calonne was founded on their report.  It was conclusive as to the articles on which satisfactory information had been then obtained, and reserved, for future consideration, certain others, needing further inquiry.  It is proposed now to review those unfinished articles, that they may also be comprehended in the Arret, and the regulations on this branch of commerce be rendered complete.

1.  The letter promised to diminish the Droits du Roi et d’amiraute, payable by an American vessel entering into a port at France, and to reduce what should remain into a single duty, which shall be regulated by the draught of the vessel, or her number of masts.  It is doubted whether it will be expedient to regulate the duty, in either of these ways.  If by the draught,of water, it will fall unequally on us as a nation; because we build our vessels sharp-bottomed, for swift sailing, so that they draw more water than those of other nations, of