inted _Charge des Affaires_ there. It is not for me to
decide whether any diplomatic character should be kept at a court, which
keeps none with us. You can judge of Smith's abilities by his letters.
They are not of the first order, but they are good. For his honesty, he
is like our friend Monroe; turn his soul wrong side outwards, and there
is not a speck on it. He has one foible, an excessive inflammability of
temper, but he feels it when it comes on, and has resolution enough to
suppress it, and to remain silent till it passes over.

I send you, by Colonel Franks, your pocket telescope, walking stick, and
chemical box. The two former could not be combined together. The latter
could not be had in the form you referred to. Having a great desire
to have a portable copying machine, and being satisfied from some
experiment, that the principle of the large machine might be applied in
a small one, I planned one when in England, and had it made. It answers
perfectly. I have since set a workman to making them here, and they are
in such demand that he has his hands full. Being assured that you will
be pleased to have one, when you shall have tried its convenience, I
send you one by Colonel Franks. The machine costs ninety-six livres, the
appendages twenty-four livres, and I send you paper and ink for twelve
livres; in all, one hundred and thirty-two livres. There is a printed
paper of directions: but you must expect to make many essays before
you succeed perfectly. A soft brush, like a shaving-brush, is more
convenient than the sponge. You can get as much ink and paper as you
please, from London. The paper costs a guinea a ream. I am, Dear Sir,
with sincere esteem and affection, your most obedient, humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XLV.--TO JOHN JAY, February 1, 1787

TO JOHN JAY.

Sir,

Paris, February 1, 1787.

My last letters were of the 31st of December and 9th of January; since
which last date, I have been honored with yours of December the 13th and
14th. I shall pay immediate attention to your instructions relative
to the South Carolina frigate. I had the honor of informing you of
an improvement in the art of coining, made here by one Drost, and of
sending you, by Colonel Franks, a specimen of his execution in gold and
silver. I expected to have sent also a coin of copper. The enclosed note
from Drost will explain the reason why this was not sent. It will let
you see also, that he may be employed; as