The nominations to Paris and the Hague
having been detained till yours could be made, they were all immediately
sent in to the Senate, to wit, yourself for London, Mr. G. Morris for
Paris, Mr. Short for the Hague. Some members of the Senate, apprehending
they had a right of determining on the expediency of foreign missions,
as well as on the persons named, took that occasion of bringing forward
the discussion of that question, by which the nominations were delayed
two or three weeks. I am happy to be able to assure you, that not
a single personal motive with respect to yourself entered into the
objections to these appointments. On the contrary, I believe that
your nomination gave general satisfaction. Your commission will be
immediately made out, but as the opportunities of conveyance at this
season are precarious, and you propose coming to this place, I think it
better to retain it.
As to the delay proposed in your letter, it was to be expected: indeed a
winter passage from Charleston to this place, or across the Atlantic, is
so disagreeable, that if either that circumstance or the arrangement of
your affairs should render it in the smallest degree eligible to you to
remain at home till the temperate season comes on, stay till after the
vernal equinox; there will be no inconvenience to the public attending
it.
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