I am, with great esteem, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CX.--TO JOHN PAUL JONES, June 1, 1792
TO JOHN PAUL JONES.
Philadelphia, June 1, 1792.
Sir,
The President of the United States having thought proper to appoint you
commissioner for treating with the Dey and government of Algiers, on
the subjects of peace and ransom of our captives, I have the honor to
enclose you the commissions, of which Mr. Thomas Pinckney, now on his
way to London as our Minister Plenipotentiary there, will be the bearer.
Supposing that there exists a disposition to thwart our negotiations
with the Algerines, and that this would be very practicable, we have
thought it advisable that the knowledge of this appointment should rest
with the President, Mr. Pinckney, and myself; for which reason you will
perceive, that the commissions are all in my own hand-writing. For the
same reason, entire secrecy is recommended to you, and that you so cover
from the public your departure and destination, as that they may not be
conjectured or noticed; and at the same time, that you set out after as
short delay as your affairs will possibly permit.
In order to enable you to enter on this business with full information,
it will be necessary to give you a history of what has passed.
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