h would produce such a shock. For on
the event of this mission depend the future destinies of this republic.
If we cannot, by a purchase of the country, insure to ourselves a course
of perpetual peace and friendship with all nations, then, as war cannot
be distant, it behoves us immediately to be preparing for that course,
without, however, hastening it; and it may be necessary (on your failure
on the continent) to cross the channel. We shall get entangled in
European politics, and figuring more, be much less happy and prosperous.
This can only be prevented by a successful issue to your present
mission. I am sensible after the measures you have taken for getting
into a different line of business, that it will be a great sacrifice on
your part, and presents from the season and other circumstances serious
difficulties. But some men are born for the public. Nature, by fitting
them for the service of the human race on a broad scale, has stamped
them with the evidences of her destination and their duty.

But I am particularly concerned, that, in the present case, you have
more than one sacrifice to make. To reform the prodigalities of our
predecessors is understood to be peculiarly our duty, and to bring the
government to a simple and economical course. They, in order to increase
expense, debt, taxation, and patronage, tried always how much they could
give. The outfit given to ministers resident to enable them to furnish
their house, but given by no nation to a temporary minister, who is
never expected to take a house or to entertain, but considered on the
footing of a voyageur, they gave to their extraordinary missionaries by
wholesale. In the beginning of our administration, among other articles
of reformation in expense, it was determined not to give an outfit
to missionaries extraordinary, and not to incur the expense with any
minister of sending a frigate to carry or bring him. The Boston happened
to be going to the Mediterranean, and was permitted, therefore, to take
up Mr. Livingston and touch in a port of France. A frigate was denied to
Charles Pinckney, and has been refused to Mr. King for his return. Mr.
Madison's friendship and mine to you being so well known, the public
will have eagle eyes to watch if we grant you any indulgences out of the
general rule; and on the other hand, the example set in your case will
be more cogent on future ones, and produce greater approbation to our
conduct. The allowance, therefore,