rican elk resembles most, as I am tolerably well acquainted with
that animal. I must observe, also, that the horns of the deer, which
accompany these spoils, are not of the fifth or sixth part of the weight
of some that I have seen. This individual has been of three years
of age, according to our method of judging. I have taken measures,
particularly, to be furnished with large horns of our elk and our deer,
and therefore beg of you not to consider those now sent, as furnishing a
specimen of their ordinary size. I really suspect you will find that
the moose, the round-horned elk, and the American deer are species not
existing in Europe. The moose is, perhaps, of a new class. I wish these
spoils, Sir, may have the merit of adding any thing new to the treasures
of nature, which have so fortunately come under your observation, and
of which she seems to have given you the key: they will in that case
be some gratification to you, which it will always be pleasing to me
to have procured; having the honor to be, with sentiments of the most
perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble
servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CI.--TO MR. DUMAS, October 4,1787

TO MR. DUMAS.

Paris, October 4,1787.

Sir,

I received your favor of the 23rd of September two days ago. That of the
28th and 29th was put in my hands this morning. I immediately waited on
the ambassadors, ordinary and extraordinary, of the United Netherlands,
and also on the envoy of Prussia, and asked their good offices to have
an efficacious protection extended to your person, your family, and your
effects, observing, that the United States know no party, but are the
friends and allies of the United Netherlands as a nation, and would
expect from their friendship, that the person who is charged with their
affairs, until the arrival of a minister, should be covered from all
insult and injury, which might be offered him by a lawless mob; well
assured that their minister, residing with Congress, would on all
occasions receive the same. They have been so good as to promise me,
each, that he will in his first despatches press this matter on the
proper power, and give me reason to hope that it will be efficacious
for your safety. I will transmit your letter to Mr. Jay by the Count
de Moustier, who sets out within a week for New York, as Minister
Plenipotentiary for France, in that country. I sincerely sympathize in
your sufferings, and wish that