We are much pleased to learn the credit of our paper at Amsterdam.  We consider it as of the first importance, to possess the first credit there, and to use it little.  Our distance from the wars of Europe, and our disposition to take no part in them, will, we hope, enable us to keep clear of the debts which they occasion to other powers.  It will be well for yourself and our bankers, to keep in mind always, that a great distinction is made here, between our foreign and domestic paper.  As to the foreign, Congress is considered as the representative of one party only, and I think I can say with truth, that there is not one single individual in the United States, either in or out of office, who supposes they can ever do any thing which might impair their foreign contracts.  But with respect to domestic paper, it is thought that Congress, being the representative of both parties, may shape their contracts so as to render them practicable, only seeing that substantial justice be done.  This distinction will explain to you their proceedings on the subject of their debts.  The funding their foreign debts, according to express contract, passed without a debate and without a dissenting voice.  The modeling and funding the domestic debt occasions great debates and great difficulty.  The bill of ways and means was lately thrown out, because an excise was interwoven into its texture; and another ordered to be brought in, which will be clear of that.  The assumption of the debts contracted by the States to individuals, for services rendered the Union, is a measure which divides Congress greatly.  Some think that the States could much more conveniently levy taxes themselves to pay off these, and thus save Congress from the odium of imposing too heavy burthens in their name.  This appears to have been the sentiment of the majority hitherto.  But it is possible that modifications may be proposed, which may bring the measure yet into an acceptable form.  We shall receive with gratitude the copy of Rymer’s Foedera, which you are so good as to propose for the use of our offices here.

I have the honor to be, with great esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XXXI.—­TO MR. DUMAS, July 13,1790

TO MR. DUMAS.

New York, July 13,1790.

Sir,

I wrote you last on the 23rd of June, since which I have received yours of March the 24th to the 30th.

*****

Congress are still engaged in their funding bills.  The foreign debts did not admit of any difference of opinion.  They were settled by a single and unanimous vote:  but the domestic debt requiring modifications and settlements, these produce great difference of opinion, and consequently retard the passage of the funding bill.  The States had individually contracted considerable debts for their particular defence, in addition to what was done by Congress.