But I am particularly concerned, that, in the present case, you have more than one sacrifice to make.  To reform the prodigalities of our predecessors is understood to be peculiarly our duty, and to bring the government to a simple and economical course.  They, in order to increase expense, debt, taxation, and patronage, tried always how much they could give.  The outfit given to ministers resident to enable them to furnish their house, but given by no nation to a temporary minister, who is never expected to take a house or to entertain, but considered on the footing of a voyageur, they gave to their extraordinary missionaries by wholesale.  In the beginning of our administration, among other articles of reformation in expense, it was determined not to give an outfit to missionaries extraordinary, and not to incur the expense with any minister of sending a frigate to carry or bring him.  The Boston happened to be going to the Mediterranean, and was permitted, therefore, to take up Mr. Livingston and touch in a port of France.  A frigate was denied to Charles Pinckney, and has been refused to Mr. King for his return.  Mr. Madison’s friendship and mine to you being so well known, the public will have eagle eyes to watch if we grant you any indulgences out of the general rule; and on the other hand, the example set in your case will be more cogent on future ones, and produce greater approbation to our conduct.  The allowance, therefore, will be in this, and all similar cases, all the expenses of your journey and voyage, taking a ship’s cabin to yourself, nine thousand dollars a year from your leaving home till the proceedings of your mission are terminated, and then the quarter’s salary for the expenses of your return, as prescribed by law.  As to the time of your going, you cannot too much hasten it, as the moment in France is critical.  St. Domingo delays their taking possession of Louisiana, and they are in the last distress for money for current purposes.  You should arrange your affairs for an absence of a year at least, perhaps for a long one.  It will be necessary for you to stay here some days on your way to New York.  You will receive here what advance you choose.

Accept assurances of my constant and affectionate attachment.

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CCCIII.—­TO M. DUPONT, February 1, 1803

TO M. DUPONT.

Washington, February 1, 1803.

Dear Sir,

I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of August the 16th and October the 4th.  The latter I received with peculiar satisfaction; because, while it holds up terms which cannot be entirely yielded, it proposes such as a mutual spirit of accommodation and sacrifice of opinion may bring to some point of union.  While we were preparing on this subject such modifications of the propositions of your letter of October the 4th, as we could assent to, an event happened, which obliged us to adopt measures of urgency.