ance, however small this opening should be in the beginning, the
tropical current entering it with all its force, would soon widen it
sufficiently for its own passage, and thus complete in a short time,
that work which otherwise will still employ it for ages. Less country,
too, would be destroyed by it in this way. These consequences would
follow. 1. Vessels from Europe or the western coast of Africa, by
entering the tropics, would have a steady wind and tide to carry them
through the Atlantic, through America and the Pacific ocean, to every
part of the Asiatic coast, and of the eastern coast of Africa: thus
performing with speed and safety the tour of the whole globe, to within
about twenty-four degrees of longitude, or one fifteenth part of its
circumference; the African continent, under the line, occupying about
that space. 2. The Gulf of Mexico, now the most dangerous navigation in
the world on account of its currents and moveable sands, would become
stagnant and safe. 3. The Gulf Stream on the coast of the United States
would cease, and with that, those derangements of course and reckoning,
which now impede and endanger the intercourse with those States. 4. The
fogs on the Banks of Newfoundland,* supposed to be the vapors of the
Gulf Stream rendered turbid by cold air, would disappear. 5. Those Banks
ceasing to receive supplies of sand, weeds, and warm water, by the Gulf
Stream, it might become problematical what effect changes of pasture and
temperatures would have on the fisheries. However it is time to
relieve you from this long lecture. I wish its subject may have been
sufficiently interesting to make amends for its details. These are
submitted with entire deference to your better judgment. I will only
add to them, by assuring you of the sentiments of perfect esteem and
respect, with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

[* This ingenious and probable conjecture, I found in a
letter from Dr. Franklin to yourself, published in the late
volume of the American Philosophical Transactions.]

LETTER XXXI.--TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, November 14, 1786

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Paris, November 14, 1786.

Sir,

The house of Le Coulteux, which for some centuries has been the
wealthiest of this place, has it in contemplation to establish a great
company for the fur trade. They propose that partners interested
one half in the establishment