I often doubt whether I should trouble Congress or my friends with these details of European politics.  I know they do not excite that interest in America, of which it is impossible for one to divest himself here.  I know too, that it is a maxim with us, and I think it is a wise one, not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of Europe.  Still, I think, we should know them.  The Turks have practised the same maxim of not meddling in the complicated wrangles of this continent.  But they have unwisely chosen to be ignorant of them also, and it is this total ignorance of Europe, its combinations, and its movements, which exposes them to that annihilation possibly about taking place.  While there are powers in Europe which fear our views, or have views on us, we should keep an eye on them, their connections, and oppositions, that in a moment of need, we may avail ourselves of their weakness with respect to others as well as ourselves, and calculate their designs and movements, on all the circumstances under which they exist.  Though I am persuaded, therefore, that these details are read by many with great indifference, yet I think it my duty to enter into them, and to run the risk of giving too much, rather than too little information.

I have the honor to be, with perfect esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

P. S. The resolution of Congress, relative to the prize money received here, speaks of that money as paid to me.  I hope this matter is properly understood.  The treasury board desired me to receive it, and apply it to such and such federal purposes; and they would pay the dividends of the claimants in America.  This would save the expense of remittance.  I declined, however, receiving the money, and ordered it into the hands of their banker, who paid it away for the purposes to which they had destined it.  I should be sorry an idea should get abroad, that I had received the money of those poor fellows, and applied it to other purposes.  I shall, in like manner, order the Danish and Barbary money into the hands of bankers, carefully avoiding ever to touch a sou of it, or having any other account to make out than what the banker will furnish.  T. J.

LETTER CXIX.—­TO MONSIEUR LIMOZIN, December 22, 1787

TO MONSIEUR LIMOZIN.

Paris, December 22, 1787.

Sir,

I have the honor now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 18th and 19th of November, and two of the 18th of the present month.  I did not write to you immediately on the receipt of the two first, because the observation they contained were to be acted on here.  I was much obliged to you for them, as I have been frequently before for others, and you will find that I have profited by them in the Arret which is to come out for the regulation of our commerce, wherein most of the things are provided for, which you have from time to time recommended.  With respect to the article of yellow wax, I think there is a general clause in the Arret, which will take it in; but I am not sure of it.  If there be not, it is now too late to get any alteration made.  You shall receive the Arret the moment it is communicated to me.