The benevolence of this proposition is
worthy of the nation from which it comes, and our sentiments on it have
been declared in the treaty to which you are pleased to refer, as well
as in some others which have been proposed. There are in those treaties
some other principles which would probably meet the approbation of your
government, as flowing from the same desire to lessen the occasions and
the calamities of war. On all of these, as well as on those amendments
to our treaty of commerce which might better its conditions with both
nations, and which the National Assembly of France has likewise brought
into view on a former occasion, we are ready to enter into negotiation
with you, only proposing to take the whole into consideration at once.
And while contemplating provisions which look to the event of war, we
are happy in feeling a conviction that it is yet at a great distance
from us, and in believing that the sentiments of sincere friendship
which we bear to the nation of France are reciprocated on their part.
Of these our dispositions, be so good as to assure them on this and all
other occasions; and to accept yourself those sentiments of esteem and
respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servant.
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXXIII.
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