t is much to be
desired too, that this explanation could be given as soon as possible,
in order that it may be handed out with the _Arret_ of September the
28th. Great alarm may otherwise be spread among the merchants, and
adventurers in the fisheries, who, confiding in the stability of
regulations, which his Majesty's wisdom had so long and well matured,
have embarked their fortunes in speculations in this branch of business.

The importance of the subject to one of the principal members of our
Union, induces me to attend with great anxiety the re-assurance from
your Excellency, that no change has taken place in his Majesty's views
on this subject; and that his dispositions to multiply, rather than
diminish, the combinations of interest between the two people, continue
unaltered.

Commerce is slow in changing its channel. That between this country
and the United States is as yet but beginning; and this beginning has
received some checks. The _Arret_ in question would be a considerable
one, without the explanation I have the honor to ask. I am persuaded,
that a continuation of the dispositions which have been hitherto
manifested towards us, will insure effects, political and commercial, of
value to both nations.

I have had too many proofs of the friendly interest your Excellency is
pleased to take in whatever may strengthen the bands and connect the
views of the two countries, to doubt your patronage of the present
application; or to pretermit any occasion of repeating assurances of
those sentiments of high respect and esteem, with which I have the honor
to be

your Excellency's most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CX.--TO JOHN JAY, November 3, 1787

TO JOHN JAY.

Paris, November 3, 1787.

Sir,

My last letters to you were of the 8th and 27th of October. In the
former? I mentioned to you the declaration of this country, that they
would interpose with force, if the Prussian troops entered Holland; the
entry of those troops into Holland; the declaration of England, that if
France did oppose force, they would consider it as an act of war; the
naval armaments on both sides; the nomination of the Bailli de Suffrein
as Generalissimo on the ocean; and the cold reception of Mr. Grenville
here, with his conciliatory propositions, as so many symptoms which
seemed to indicate a certain and immediate rupture. It was indeed
universally and hourly expected. But the king of Prussia,