I hardly
suspect that the court of France could be seduced by so partial a view
of the subject as was presented to them, and I suspect it the less,
since the National Assembly has constitutionally excluded conquest from
the objects of their government. It may be added too, that the place
being ours, their yards of cloth and silk would be as freely sold as if
it were theirs.
You will perceive by this letter, and the papers it encloses, what part
of the ideas of the Count d'Estain coincide with our views. The answer
to him must be a compound of civility and reserve, expressing our
thankfulness for his attentions; that we consider them as proofs of the
continuance of his friendly dispositions, and that though it might be
out of our system to implicate ourselves in trans-Atlantic guarantees,
yet other parts of his plans are capable of being improved to the common
benefit of the parties. Be so good as to say to him something of this
kind, verbally, and so that the matter may be ended as between him and
us.
On the whole, in the event of war, it is left to the judgment of the
Marquis de la Fayette and yourself, how far you will develope the ideas
now communicated, to the Count de Montmorin, and how far you will suffer
them to be developed to the Spanish court.
I enclose you a pamphlet by Hutchins for your further information on the
subject of the Mississippi; and am, with sentiments of perfect esteem
and attachment, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
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