ted. The right to import flour into Portugal, though not
conceded by the treaty, we are not without hopes of obtaining.

My journey furnished us occasion to renew our overtures to the court
of London; which it was the more important to do, as our powers to that
court were to expire on the 12th of this month. These overtures were not
attended to, and our commission expiring, we made our final report to
Congress; and I suppose this the last offer of friendship, which will
ever be made on our part. The treaty of peace being unexecuted on either
part, in important points, each will now take their own measures for
obtaining execution. I think the King, ministers, and nation are more
bitterly hostile to us at present, than at any period of the late war.
A like disposition on our part, has been rising for some time. In what
events these things will end, we cannot foresee. Our countrymen are
eager in their passions and enterprise, and not disposed to calculate
their interests against these. Our enemies (for such they are, in fact)
have for twelve years past, followed but one uniform rule, that of doing
exactly the contrary of what reason points out. Having early, during our
contest, observed this in the British conduct, I governed myself by it,
in all prognostications of their measures; and I can say, with truth, it
never failed me but in the circumstance of their making peace with us. I
have no letters from America of later date than the new year. Mr. Adams
had, to the beginning of February. I am in hopes our letters will give a
new spur to the proposition, for investing Congress with the regulation
of our commerce.

This will be handed you by a Baron Waltersdorf, a Danish gentleman,
whom, if you did not already know, I should take the liberty of
recommending to you. You were so kind as to write me, that you would
forward me a particular map, which has not come to hand.

I beg you to be assured of the respect and esteem, with which I have the
honor to be, Dear Sir,

your most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER IX.--TO MR. DUMAS, May 6, 1789

TO MR. DUMAS.

Paris, May 6, 1789.

Sir,

Having been absent in England, for some time past, your favors of
February the 27th, March the 28th, and April the 11th, have not been
acknowledged so soon as they should have been. I am obliged to you, for
assisting to make me known to the Rhingrave de Salm and the Marquis de
la Coste, whose reputatio