ortunity to write to him
confidentially, which obliged me at that moment to write by post via
London, and on such things only, as both post-offices were welcome to
see. On the 2nd of January, Mr. Bingham setting out for London, I wrote
to Mr. Jay, sending him a copy of my letter to Count de Vergennes, and
stating something, which had passed in conversation on the same subject.
I prayed Mr. Bingham to take charge of the letter, and either to send it
by a safe hand, or carry it himself, as circumstances should render most
advisable. I believe he kept it, to carry himself. He did not sail from
London till about the 12th of March, nor arrive in America till the
middle of May. Thus you see, that causes had prevented a letter, which
I had written on the 20th of November, from getting to America till the
month of May. No wonder, then, if notice of this _Arret_ came first to
you by the way of the West Indies: and, in general, I am confident, that
you will receive notice of the regulations of this country, respecting
their islands, by the way of those islands, before you will from hence.
Nor can this be remedied, but by a system of bribery, which would end
in the corruption of your own ministers, and produce no good adequate
to the expense. Be so good as to communicate these circumstances to the
persons who you think may have supposed me guilty of remissness on this
occasion.

I will turn to a subject more pleasing to both, and give you my sincere
congratulations on your marriage. Your own dispositions, and the
inherent comforts of that state, will insure you a great addition of
happiness. Long may you live to enjoy it, and enjoy it in full measure.
The interest I feel in every one connected with you, will justify my
presenting my earliest respects to the lady, and of tendering her the
homage of my friendship. I shall be happy at all times to be useful to
either of you, and to receive your commands. I enclose you the bill of
lading of your _Encyclopedie_. With respect to the remittance for it,
of which you make mention, I beg you not to think of it. I know, by
experience, that on proceeding to make a settlement in life, a man has
need of all his resources; and I should be unhappy, were you to lessen
them by an attention to this trifle. Let it lie till you have nothing
else to do with your money. Adieu, my Dear Sir, and be assured of the
esteem with which I am your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XXIV.--TO JO