be improved by the adoption of the new constitution, which I hope will have taken place before you receive this.  I see in this instrument a great deal of good.  The consolidation of our government, a just representation, an administration of some permanence, and other features of great value, will be gained by it.  There are, indeed, some faults, which revolted me a good deal in the first moment; but we must be contented to travel on towards perfection, step by step.  We must be contented with the ground which this constitution will gain for us, and hope that a favorable moment will come for correcting what is amiss in it.  I view in the same light the innovations making here.  The new organization of the judiciary department is undoubtedly for the better.  The reformation of the criminal code is an immense step taken towards good.  The composition of the Plenary court is indeed vicious in the extreme; but the basis of that court may be retained, and its composition changed.  Make of it a representative of the people, by composing it of members sent from the Provincial Assemblies, and it becomes a valuable member of the constitution.  But it is said, the court will not consent to do this:  the court, however, has consented to call the States General, who will consider the Plenary court but as a canvass for them to work on.  The public mind is manifestly advancing on the abusive prerogatives of their governors, and bearing them down.  No force in the government can withstand this, in the long run.  Courtiers had rather give up power than pleasures; they will barter, therefore, the usurped prerogatives of the King for the money of the people.  This is the agent by which modern nations will recover their rights.  I sincerely wish that, in this country, they may be contented with a peaceable and passive opposition.  At this moment we are not sure of this; though as yet it is difficult to say what form the opposition will take.  It is a comfortable circumstance, that their neighboring enemy is under the administration of a minister disposed to keep the peace.  Engage in war who will, may my country long continue your peaceful residence, and merit your good offices with that nation, whose affections it is their duty and interest to cultivate.

Accept these and all other the good wishes of him, who has the honor to be, with sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CXXXVI.—­TO JOHN JAY, May 23,1788

TO JOHN JAY.

Paris, May 23,1788.

Sir,

When I wrote my letter of the 4th instant, I had no reason to doubt that a packet would have sailed on the 10th, according to the established order.  The passengers had all, except one, gone down to Havre in this expectation.  However, none has sailed, and perhaps none will sail, as I think the suppression of the packets is one of the economies in contemplation.  An American merchant, concerned in the commerce of the whale-oil, proposed to government to despatch his ships from Havre and Boston at stated periods, and to take on board the French courier and mail, and the proposition has been well enough received.  I avail myself of a merchant vessel going from Havre, to write the present.