order. You will observe, that
in the _Arret_ it is said to be passed '_provisoirement,_' and that Mr.
Necker expressly holds up to us in his letter, a repeal, whenever the
national fishery supplies their wants. The _Arret_, however, is not
limited in its duration, and we have several chances against its repeal.
It may be questioned, whether Mr. Necker thinks the fishery worth the
expense. It may be well questioned, whether, either with or without
encouragement, the nation, whose navigation is the least economical of
all in Europe, can ever succeed in the whale-fishery, which calls for
the most rigorous economy. It is hoped that a share in the legislation
will pass immediately into the hands of the States General, so as to
be no longer in the power of the _commis_ of a bureau, or even of his
minister, to smuggle a law through, unquestioned; and we may even hope
that the national demand for this oil will increase faster than both
their and our fisheries together will supply. But in spite of all these
hopes, if the English should find means to cover their oils under our
name, there will be great danger of a repeal. It is essential, then,
that our government take effectual measures to prevent the English from
obtaining genuine sea-papers, that they enable their consuls in the
ports of France (as soon as they shall be named) to detect counterfeit
papers, and that we convince this government that we use our best
endeavors, with good faith, as it is clearly our interest to do; for the
rivalship of the English is the only one we have to fear. It had already
begun to render our oils invendible in the ports of France. You will
observe that Mr. Necker renews the promise of taking off the ten sous
pour livre, at the end of the next year.

Oczakow is at length taken by assault. The assailants were fourteen
thousand, and the garrison twelve thousand, of whom seven thousand were
cut to pieces before they surrendered. The Russians lost three thousand
men. This is the Russian version, of which it is safe to believe no
part, but that Oczakow is taken. The Speaker of the English House of
Commons, having died suddenly, they have chosen Mr. Grenville, a young
man of twenty-seven years of age. This proves that. Mr. Pitt is firm
with the present parliament.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXXX.--TO MADAME NECKER