also, beginning with the year
1790. However, before there is a necessity of deciding on this, I hope
to be able to consult our new government in person, as I have asked of
Congress a leave of absence for six months, that is to say, from April
to November next. It is necessary for me to pay a short visit to my
native country, first, to reconduct my family thither, and place them
in the hands of their friends, and secondly, to place my private affairs
under certain arrangements. When I left my own house, I expected to be
absent but five months, and I have been led by events to an absence
of five years. I shall hope, therefore, for the pleasure of personal
conferences with your Excellency, on the subject of this letter, and
others interesting to our country; of getting my own ideas set to rights
by a communication of yours, and of taking again the tone of sentiment
of my own country, which we lose in some degree, after a certain
absence. You know, doubtless, of the death of the Marquis de Chastellux.
The Marquis de la Fayette is out of favor with the court, but high in
favor with the nation. I once feared for his personal liberty, but I
hope he is on safe ground at present.

On the subject of the whale-fishery, I enclose you some observations I
drew up for the ministry here, in order to obtain a correction of their
_Arret_ of September last, whereby they had involved our oils with the
English, in a general exclusion from their ports. They will accordingly
correct this, so that our oils will participate with theirs, in the
monopoly of their markets. There are several things incidentally
introduced, which do not seem pertinent to the general question: they
were rendered necessary by particular circumstances, the explanation
of which would add to a letter already too long. I will trespass no
further, than to assure you of the sentiments of sincere attachment
and respect, with which I have the honor to be your Excellency's most
obedient, humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

P. S. The observations enclosed, though printed, have been put into
confidential hands only. T. J.

LETTER CLXXIII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, December 5, 1788

TO JOHN ADAMS.

Paris, December 5, 1788.

Dear Sir,

I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 2nd of August, and of adding
a Postscript of August the 6th.

You recollect well the _Arret_ of December the 29th, 1787, in favor of
our commerce, and which, among other things, gave free admission