rmers may make a distinct return of their purchases,
which are conformable to the order of Bernis. If they have really bought
their quantity, on those terms, we must be satisfied: if they have not,
I shall propose their being obliged to make it up instantly. There is a
considerable accumulation of tobacco in the ports.

Among many good qualities which my countrymen possess, some of a
different character unhappily mix themselves. The most remarkable are
indolence, extravagance, and infidelity to their engagements. Cure the
two first, and the last would disappear, because it is a consequence
of them, and not proceeding from a want of morals. I know of no remedy
against indolence and extravagance, but a free course of justice. Every
thing else is merely palliative: but unhappily, the evil has gained
too generally the mass of the nation, to leave the course of justice
unobstructed. The maxim of buying nothing without the money in our
pockets to pay for it, would make of our country one of the happiest
upon earth. Experience during the war proved this; as I think every man
will remember, that under all the privations it obliged him to submit
to, during that period, he slept sounder, and awaked happier than he
can do now. Desperate of finding relief from a free course of justice,
I look forward to the abolition of all credit, as the only other
remedy which can take place. I have seen, therefore, with pleasure, the
exaggerations of our want of faith, with which the London papers
teem. It is, indeed, a strong medicine for sensible minds, but it is a
medicine. It will prevent their crediting us abroad, in which case, we
cannot be credited at home. I have been much concerned at the losses
produced by the fire of Richmond. I hope you have escaped them. It will
give me much pleasure to hear from you, as often as you can spare a
moment to write. Be assured that nobody entertains for you sentiments of
more perfect and sincere esteem than, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LXXIV.--TO WILLIAM DRAYTON, July 30, 1787

TO WILLIAM DRAYTON.

Paris, July 30, 1787.

Sir,

Having observed that the consumption of rice in this country, and
particularly in this capital, was very great, I thought it my duty
to inform myself from what markets they draw their supplies, in what
proportion from ours, and whether it might not be practicable to
increase that proportion. This city being little concerned in foreign