As particulars of this kind may be useful to you, in your present situation, I may hereafter continue the chapter.  I know it will be safely lodged in your discretion.  Feb. 5.  Since writing thus far, Franks has returned from England.  I learn that Mr. Adams desires to be recalled, and that Smith should be appointed Charge des Affaires there.  It is not for me to decide whether any diplomatic character should be kept at a court, which keeps none with us.  You can judge of Smith’s abilities by his letters.  They are not of the first order, but they are good.  For his honesty, he is like our friend Monroe; turn his soul wrong side outwards, and there is not a speck on it.  He has one foible, an excessive inflammability of temper, but he feels it when it comes on, and has resolution enough to suppress it, and to remain silent till it passes over.

I send you, by Colonel Franks, your pocket telescope, walking stick, and chemical box.  The two former could not be combined together.  The latter could not be had in the form you referred to.  Having a great desire to have a portable copying machine, and being satisfied from some experiment, that the principle of the large machine might be applied in a small one, I planned one when in England, and had it made.  It answers perfectly.  I have since set a workman to making them here, and they are in such demand that he has his hands full.  Being assured that you will be pleased to have one, when you shall have tried its convenience, I send you one by Colonel Franks.  The machine costs ninety-six livres, the appendages twenty-four livres, and I send you paper and ink for twelve livres; in all, one hundred and thirty-two livres.  There is a printed paper of directions:  but you must expect to make many essays before you succeed perfectly.  A soft brush, like a shaving-brush, is more convenient than the sponge.  You can get as much ink and paper as you please, from London.  The paper costs a guinea a ream.  I am, Dear Sir, with sincere esteem and affection, your most obedient, humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XLV.—­TO JOHN JAY, February 1, 1787

TO JOHN JAY.

Sir,

Paris, February 1, 1787.

My last letters were of the 31st of December and 9th of January; since which last date, I have been honored with yours of December the 13th and 14th.  I shall pay immediate attention to your instructions relative to the South Carolina frigate.  I had the honor of informing you of an improvement in the art of coining, made here by one Drost, and of sending you, by Colonel Franks, a specimen of his execution in gold and silver.  I expected to have sent also a coin of copper.  The enclosed note from Drost will explain the reason why this was not sent.  It will let you see also, that he may be employed; as I suppose he is not so certain as he was of being engaged here.  Mr. Grand, who knows him, gives me reason to believe he may be engaged reasonably.  Congress will decide whether it be worth their attention.