and circulated among the members of the National Assembly?  If you think so, have it done at the public expense, with any little comment you may think necessary, concealing the quarter from whence it is distributed; or take any other method you think better, to see whether that Assembly will not pass a similar act.  I shall send copies of it to Mr. Carmichael, at Madrid, and to Colonel Humphreys, appointed resident at Lisbon, with a desire for them to suggest similar acts there.  The measure is just, perfectly innocent as to all other nations, and will effectually defeat the navigation act of Great Britain, and reduce her power on the ocean within safer limits.

The time of the late Congress having expired on the 3rd instant, they then separated of necessity.  Much important matter was necessarily laid over; this navigation act among others.  The land law was put off, and nothing further done with the mint than to direct workmen to be engaged.  The new Congress will meet on the 4th Monday in October.  Their laws shall be sent you by the first opportunity after they shall be printed.  You will receive herewith those of their second session.  We know that Massachusetts has agreed to the amendments to the constitution, except (as is said) the first, second, and twelfth articles.  The others, therefore, are now in force.  The articles excepted, will depend on the other legislatures.  The late expedition against the northern Indians having been ineffectual, more serious operations against them will be undertaken as soon as the season admits.  The President is just now setting out on a tour to the southern States, from whence he will not return till June.  The British packet being the quickest mode of conveyance, I shall avail myself of that, as well as of the French packet, to write to you.  Are the letters which now pass through the French post-offices opened, as they were under the former government?  This is important for me to know.

I am, with great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

P. S. 1 omitted to draw your attention to an additional duty of one cent per gallon on rum, by name.  This was intended as some discrimination between England and France.  It would have been higher, but for the fear of affecting the revenues in a contrary direction.  T.J.

LETTER LV.—­TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, March 17,1791

TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

Philadelphia, March 17,1791.

Sir,

The term of the first Congress having expired on the 3rd instant, they separated on that day, much important business being necessarily postponed.  New elections have taken place for the most part, and very few changes made.  This is one of many proofs, that the proceedings of the new government have given general satisfaction.  Some acts, indeed, have produced local discontents; but these can never be avoided.  The new Congress