t. For thus I reason. By forcing us into the
war against them, they will be engaged in an expensive land war, as well
as a sea war. Common sense dictates, therefore, that they should let
us remain neuter: ergo, they will not let us remain neuter. I never yet
found any other general rule for foretelling what they will do, but that
of examining what they ought not to do.

*****

I have the honor to be, with my best respects to Mrs. Adams, and
sentiments of perfect esteem and regard to yourself, Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson

LETTER XCIX.--TO COLONEL SMITH, September 28,1787

TO COLONEL SMITH.

Paris, September 28,1787.

Dear Sir,

I have duly received your favor by Mr. Cutting. I had before had a
transient acquaintance with him, and knew him to be sensible. Your
recommendation is always a new merit. I really think, and had taken the
liberty some time ago of hinting to Congress, that they would do well
to have a diplomatic character at Lisbon. There is no country whose
commerce is more interesting to us. I wish Congress would correspond
to the wishes of that court, in sending a person there, and to mine,
in sending yourself. For I confess, I had rather see you there than at
London, because I doubt whether it be honorable for us to keep any body
at London, unless they keep some person at New York. Of all nations on
earth, they require to be treated with the most hauteur. They require to
be kicked into common good manners. You ask, if you shall say any thing
to Sullivan about the bill. No. Only that it is paid. I have, within
these two or three days, received letters from him explaining the
matter. It was really for the skin and bones of the moose, as I had
conjectured. It was my fault, that I had not given him a rough idea
of the expense I would be willing to incur for them. He had made the
acquisition an object of a regular campaign, and that too of a winter
one. The troops he employed sallied forth, as he writes me, in the month
of March--much snow--a herd attacked--one killed--in the wilderness--a
road to cut twenty miles--to be drawn by hand from the frontiers to his
house--bones to be cleaned, &c. &c. &c. In fine, he put himself to
an infinitude of trouble, more than I meant: he did it cheerfully, and I
feel myself really under obligations to him. That the tragedy might not
want a proper catastrophe, the box, bones, and all are lost: so that
this chapter of Natural H