If, then, the United States could not deliver up to Governor Quesada, a fugitive from the laws of his country, we cannot claim as a right the delivery of fugitives from us; and it is worthy consideration, whether the demand proposed to be made in Governor Pickney’s letter, should it be complied with by the other party, might not commit us disagreeably, perhaps dishonorably, in event; for I do not think we can take for granted, that the legislature of the United States will establish a convention for the mutual delivery of fugitives; and without a reasonable certainty that they will, I think we ought not to give Governor Quesada any grounds to expect that in a similar case, we would re-deliver fugitives from his government.

I have the honor to be, with the most profound respect and attachment, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER LXXXIV.—­TO WILLIAM SHORT, November 24, 1791

TO WILLIAM SHORT.

Philadelphia, November 24, 1791.

Dear Sir,

My last to you was of August the 29th, acknowledging the receipt of your Nos. 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, and informing you I was about setting out to Virginia, and should not again write to you till my return.  Only one vessel has sailed from hence to Havre since my return, and my notice of her departure was so short, that I could not avail myself of it.  Your Nos. 72, 73, 74, 75, 78, came here during my absence, and 79, 80, were received October the 28th.  The Nos. 76 and 77 seem to be missing.

You mention that Drost wishes the devices of our money to be sent to him, that he may engrave them there.  This cannot be done, because not yet decided on.  The devices will be fixed by the law which shall establish the mint.  M. de Ternant tells me he has no instructions to propose to us the negotiation of a commercial treaty, and that he does not expect any.  I wish it were possible to draw that negotiation to this place.  In your letter of July the 24th, is the following paragraph.  It is published in the English newspapers, that war is inevitable between the United States and Spain, and that preparations are making for it on both sides.’  M. de Montmorin asked me how the business stood at present, and seemed somewhat surprised at my telling him, that I knew nothing later than what I had formerly mentioned to him.  I have, in more than one instance, experienced the inconvenience of being without information.  In this, it is disagreeable, as it may have the appearance with M. de Montmorin, of my having something to conceal from him, which not being the case, it would be wrong that he should be allowed to take up such an idea.  I observed, that I did not suppose there was any new circumstance, as you had not informed me of it.’  Your observation was certainly just.  It would be an Augean task for me to go through the London newspapers, and formally contradict all their lies,