ence
to cross over to the western coast of America, and penetrate through
the continent, to the other side of it. He had got within a few days'
journey of Kamtschatka, when he was arrested by order of the Empress
of Russia, sent back, and turned adrift in Poland. He went to London;
engaged under the auspices of a private society, formed there for
pushing discoveries into Africa; passed by this place, which he left
a few days ago for Marseilles, where he will embark for Alexandria and
Grand Cairo; thence explore the Nile to its source; cross the head of
the Niger, and descend that to its mouth. He promises me, if he escapes
through his journey, he will go to Kentucky, and endeavor to penetrate
westwardly to the South Sea.

The death of M. de Buffon you have heard long ago. I do not know whether
we shall have anything posthumous of his. As to political news, this
country is making its way to a good constitution. The only danger is,
they may press so fast as to produce an appeal to arms, which might have
an unfavorable issue for them. As yet the appeal is not made. Perhaps
the war, which seems to be spreading from nation to nation, may reach
them this would insure the calling of the States General, and this, as
is supposed, the establishment of a constitution.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of sincere esteem and respect,
Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXLVI.--TO E. RUTLEDGE, July 18, 1788

TO E. RUTLEDGE.

Paris, July 18, 1788.

Dear Sir,

Messrs. Berard were to have given me particular accounts of the proceeds
of the shipments of rice made to them. But they have failed. I fear,
from what they mention, that the price has been less advantageous than
usual; which is unlucky, as it falls the first essay. If on the whole,
however, you get as much as you would have done by a sale on the spot,
it should encourage other adventures, because the price at Havre or
Rouen is commonly higher, and because I think you may, by trials, find
out the way to avail yourselves of the Paris retail price. The Carolina
rice, sold at Paris, is separated into three kinds; 1. the whole grains;
2. the broken grains; 3. the small stuff; and sell at ten, eight, and
six livres the French pound, retail. The whole grains, which constitute
the first quality, are picked out by hand. I would not recommend this
operation to be done with you, because labor is dearer there than here.
But I mention these pr