There is danger indeed, that even the unavoidable delay of sending a negotiator here, may render the mission too late for the preservation of peace.  It is impossible to answer for the forbearance of our western citizens.  We endeavor to quiet them with the expectation of an attainment of their rights by peaceable means.  But should they, in a moment of impatience, hazard others, there is no saying how far we may be led:  for neither themselves nor their rights will ever be abandoned by us.

You will be pleased to observe, that we press these matters warmly and firmly, under this idea, that the war between Spain and Great Britain will be begun before you receive this; and such a moment must not be lost.  But should an accommodation take place, we retain, indeed, the same object and the same resolutions unalterably; but your discretion will suggest, that in that event, they must be pressed more softly, and that patience and persuasion must temper your conferences, till either these may prevail, or some other circumstance turn up, which may enable us to use other means for the attainment of an object, which we are determined, in the end, to obtain at every risk.

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

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER XXXIV.—­TO M. DE PINTO, August 7, 1790

TO M. DE PINTO.

New York, August 7, 1790.

Sir, Under cover of the acquaintance I had the honor of contracting with you, during the negotiations we transacted together in London, I take the liberty of addressing you the present letter.  The friendly dispositions you were then pleased to express towards this country, which were sincerely and reciprocally felt on my part towards yours, flatter me with the hope you will assist in maturing a subject for their common good.  As yet, we have not the information necessary to present it to you formally, as the minister of her Most Faithful Majesty.  I beg, therefore, that this letter may be considered as between two individual friends of their respective countries, preliminary to a formal proposition, and meant to give an acceptable shape to that.

It is unnecessary, with your Excellency, to go through the history of our first experiment in government, the result of which was, a want of such tone in the governing powers, as might effect the good of those committed to their care.  The nation, become sensible of this, have changed its organization, made a better distribution of its powers, and given to them more energy and independence.  The new government has now, for some time, been under way; and, so far, gives a confidence that it will answer its purposes.  Abuses under the old forms have led us to lay the basis of the new in a rigorous economy of the public contributions.  This principle will show itself in our diplomatic establishments; and the rather,