NROE, August 11, 1786

TO COLONEL MONROE.

Paris, August 11, 1786.

Dear Sir,

I wrote you last on the 9th of July; and since that, have received yours
of the 16th of June, with the interesting intelligence it contained.
I was entirely in the dark as to the progress of that negotiation, and
concur entirely in the views you have taken of it The difficulty on
which it hangs, is a _sine qua non_ with us. It would be to deceive them
and ourselves, to suppose that an amity can be preserved, while this
right is withheld. Such a supposition would argue, not only an ignorance
of the people to whom this is most interesting, but an ignorance of the
nature of man, or an inattention to it. Those who see but halfway into
our true interest, will think that that concurs with the views of the
other party. But those who see it in all its extent, will be sensible
that our true interest will be best promoted, by making all the just
claims of our fellow-citizens, wherever situated, our own, by urging and
enforcing them with the weight of our whole influence, and by exercising
in this, as in every other instance, a just government in their
concerns, and making common cause, even where our separate interest
would seem opposed to theirs. No other conduct can attach us together;
and on this attachment depends our happiness.

The King of Prussia still lives, and is even said to be better. Europe
is very quiet at present. The only germ of dissension which shows itself
at present, is in the quarter of Turkey. The Emperor, the Empress, and
the Venetians seem all to be picking at the Turks. It is not probable,
however, that either of the two first will do any thing to bring on an
open rupture, while the King of Prussia lives.

You will perceive by the letters I enclose to Mr. Jay, that Lambe, under
the pretext of ill health, declines returning either to Congress, Mr.
Adams, or myself. This circumstance makes me fear some malversation.
The money appropriated to this object being in Holland, and having been
always under the care of Mr. Adams, it was concerted between us that all
the drafts should be on him. I know not, therefore, what sums may have
been advanced to Lambe; I hope, however, nothing great. I am persuaded
that an angel sent on this business, and so much limited in his terms,
could have done nothing. But should Congress propose to try the line of
negotiation again, I think they will perceive that Lambe is not a proper
agent. I ha