I have only to offer any services which I can render in this business, either here or by going to Holland, at a moment’s warning, if that should be necessary.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and respect, Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CXXV.—­TO DOCTOR PRICE, February 7, 1788

TO DOCTOR PRICE.

Paris, February 7, 1788.

Dear Sir,

It is rendering mutual service to men of virtue and understanding, to make them acquainted with one another.  I need no other apology for presenting to your notice the bearer hereof, Mr. Barlow.  I know you were among the first who read the “Vision of Columbus,” while yet in manuscript:  and think the sentiments I heard you express of that poem, will induce you to be pleased with the acquaintance of their author.  He comes to pass a few days only at London, merely to know something of it.  As I have little acquaintance there, I cannot do better for him than to ask you to be so good as to make him known to such persons, as his turn and his time might render desirable to him.

I thank you for the volume you were so kind as to send me some time ago.  Every thing you write is precious, and this volume is on the most precious of all our concerns.  We may well admit morality to be the child of the understanding rather than of the senses, when we observe that it becomes dearer to us as the latter weaken, and as the former grows stronger by time and experience, till the hour arrives in which all other objects lose all their value.  That that hour may be distant with you, my friend, and that the intermediate space may be filled with health and happiness, is the sincere prayer of him who is, with sentiments of great respect and friendship, Dear Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CXXVI.—­TO A. DONALD, February.7, 1788

TO A. DONALD.

Paris, February.7, 1788.

Dear Sir,

I received duly your friendly letter of November the 12th.  By this time, you will have seen published by Congress, the new regulations obtained from this court, in favor of our commerce.  You will observe, that the arrangement relative to tobacco is a continuation of the order of Berni for five years, only leaving the price to be settled between the buyer and seller.  You will see too, that all contracts for tobacco are forbidden, till it arrives in France.  Of course, your proposition for a contract is precluded.

I fear the prices here will be low, especially if the market be crowded.  You should be particularly attentive to the article, which requires that the tobacco should come in French or American bottoms, as this article will, in no instance, be departed from.