bation, and
from their well known steadiness and justice, you must be assured of
a continuance of their favor, were they to continue under the present
form. Nor do I see any thing in the new government which threatens us
with less firmness. The Senate, who will make and remove their foreign
officers, must, from its constitution, be a wise and steady body.
Nor would a new government begin its administration by discarding old
servants; servants who have put all to the risk, and when the risk was
great, to obtain that freedom and security under which themselves
will be what they shall be. Upon the whole, my Dear Sir, tranquillize
yourself and your family upon this subject. All the evidence, which
exists as yet, authorizes you to do this, nor can I foresee any cause
of disquiet in future. That none may arise, that yourself and family may
enjoy health, happiness, and the continued approbation of those by whom
you wish most to be approved, is the sincere wish of him, who has the
honor to be, with sentiments of sincere esteem and attachment, your most
obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXXI.--TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY, March 29, 1788

TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY.

Gentlemen,

Amsterdam, March 29, 1788.

*****

I cannot close my letter, without some observations on the transfer of
our domestic debt to foreigners. This circumstance, and the failure to
pay off Fiseaux' loan, were the sole causes of the stagnation of our
late loan. For otherwise our credit would have stood on more hopeful
grounds than heretofore. There was a condition in the last loan, that,
the lenders furnishing one third of the money, the remaining two thirds
of the bonds should remain eighteen months unsold, and at their option
to take or not, and that in the mean time, the same bankers should
open no other loan for us. These same lenders became purchasers of our
domestic debt, and they were disposed to avail themselves of the power
they had thus acquired over us as to our foreign demands, to make us
pay the domestic one. Should the present necessities have obliged you
to comply with their proposition for the present year, I should be of
opinion it ought to be the last instance. If the transfer of these debts
to Europe meet with any encouragement from us, we can no more borrow
money here, let our necessities be what they will. For who will give
ninety-six per cent, for the foreign obligations of the