n, whether the inquiry
had been made, which they had formerly desired; 'By what authority the
French engineers had been placed in the service of Holland?' And that he
answered, that the inquiry had not been made, nor should be made.
Though I do not consider the channel through which I get this fact,
as absolutely sure, yet it is so respectable, that I give credit to it
myself. 5. The King of Prussia is withdrawing his troops from Holland.
Should this alliance show itself it would seem that France, thus
strengthened, might dictate the re-establishment of the affairs of
Holland, in her own form. For it is not conceivable, that Prussia would
dare to move, nor that England would alone undertake such a war, and
for such a purpose. She appears, indeed, triumphant at present; but the
question is, Who will triumph last?

I enclose you a letter from Mr. Dumas. I received one from him myself,
wherein he assures me, that no difficulties shall be produced, by what
he had suggested relative to his mission to Brussels. The gazettes of
France and Leyden to this date accompany this letter, which, with the
several papers put under your cover, I shall send to M. Limozin, our
agent at Havre, to be forwarded by the Juno, Captain Jenkins, which
sails from that port for New York, on the 3d of January.

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 CXXI.--TO MONSIEUR LAMBERT, January 3, 1788

TO MONSIEUR LAMBERT.

Paris, January 3, 1788.

Sir,

I am honored with your Excellency's letter of the 29th of December,
enclosing the _Arret_ on the commerce between France and the United
States. I availed myself of the occasion of a vessel sailing this day
from Havre for New York, to forward it to Congress. They will receive
with singular satisfaction, this new testimony of his Majesty's
friendship for the United States, of his dispositions to promote their
interest, and to strengthen the bands which connect the two nations.

Permit me, Sir, to return you, personally, my sincere thanks for the
great attention you have paid to this subject, for the sacrifices you
have kindly made of a time so precious as yours, every moment of which
is demanded and is occupied by objects interesting to the happiness of
millions; and to proffer you the homage of those sincere sentiments
of attachment and respect, with which I have the honor to be,