sidence in the islands, and that his acquaintance among the people
there will be an additional motive to favor them. Probably they will
take advantage of his appointment, to press indulgences in commerce with
us. The ministry is of a liberal complexion, and well disposed to
us. The war may add to the motives for opening their islands to other
resources for their subsistence, and for doing what may be agreeable to
us. It seems to me at present, then, that the moment of the arrival of
the Count de la Luzerne will be the moment for trying to obtain a
freer access to their islands. It would be very material to do this, if
possible, in a permanent way, that is to say, by treaty. But I know of
nothing we have to offer in equivalent. Perhaps the payment of our
debt to them might be made use of as some inducement, while they are
so distressed for money. Yet the borrowing the money in Holland will
be rendered more difficult by the same event, in proportion as it will
increase the demand for money by other powers.

The gazettes of Ley den and France, to this date, are enclosed, together
with some pamphlets on the internal affairs of this country.

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 XCIII.--TO CHARLES THOMSON, September 20, 1787

TO CHARLES THOMSON.

Paris, September 20, 1787.

Dear Sir,

Your favor of April the 28th did not come to my hands till the 1st
instant. Unfortunately, the boxes of plants, which were a day too late
to come by the April packet, missed the packet of June the 10th also,
and only came by that of July the 25th. They are not yet arrived at
Paris, but I expect them daily. I am sensible of your kind attention to
them, and that as you were leaving New York, you took the course which
bade fair to be the best. That they were forgotten in the hands in
which you placed them, was probably owing to much business, and more
important. I have desired Mr. Madison to refund to you the money,
you were so kind as to advance for me. The delay of your letter will
apologize for this delay of the repayment. I thank you also, for the
extract of the letter you were so kind as to communicate to me, on the
antiquities found in the western country. I wish that the persons who
go thither, would make very exact descriptions of what they see of that
kind, without forming any theories. The moment a person f