It should be attended with
every mark of respect, consistent with safe custody, and his confinement
as mild and comfortable also, as that would permit. These are the
distinctions to which a Consul is entitled, that is to say, of a
particular decorum of deportment towards him, indicative of respect to
the sovereign whose officer he is.
The President also desires you will immediately obtain the best evidence
it shall be in your power to procure, under oath or affirmation, of
the transaction stated in your letter, and that in this, you consider
yourself as acting as much on behalf of M. Duplaine as the public, the
candid truth of the case being exactly that which is desired, as it may
be the foundation of an act, the justice of which should be beyond all
question. This evidence I shall be glad to receive with as few days, or
even hours, of delay as possible.
I am also instructed to ask the favor of you to communicate copies of
any memorials, representations, or other written correspondence which
may have passed between the Governor and yourself, with respect to the
privateers and prizes which have been the subject of your letters to Mr.
Lear.
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, your most obedient
servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CLXVI.--TO MR.
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