ce, depends on
its being dispensed by certain rules. The slightest deviation in one
circumstance, becomes a precedent for another, that for a third, and so
on without bounds. A relaxation in a case where it is certain no fraud
is intended, is laid hold of by others, afterwards, to cover fraud. I
hope, therefore, you will be sensible of the necessity of my adhering to
the rules which have been published and practised by my predecessor; and
that I am with great respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble
servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XXII.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, April 6, 1790

TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.

New York, April 6, 1790.

Sir,

The President of the United States having thought proper to assign to
me other functions than those of their Minister Plenipotentiary near the
King, I have the honor of addressing to your Excellency my letters of
recall, and of beseeching you to be so good as to present them, with the
homage of my respectful adieus, to his Majesty.

It is with great satisfaction that I find myself authorized to conclude,
as I had begun my mission, with assurances of the attachment of our
government to the King and his people, and of its desire to preserve
and strengthen the harmony and good understanding, which has hitherto so
happily subsisted between the two nations.

Give me leave to place here, also, my acknowledgments to your
Excellency, personally, for the facilities you have been pleased always
to give in the negotiation of the several matters I have had occasion to
treat with you during my residence at your court. They were ever such as
to evince, that the friendly dispositions towards our republic which you
manifested even from its birth, were still found consistent with
that patriotism of which you have continued to give such constant
and disinterested proofs. May this union of interests for ever be the
patriot's creed in both countries. Accept my sincere prayers that the
King, with life and health, may be long blessed with so faithful and
able a servant, and you with a Prince, the model of royal excellence;
and permit me to retain, to my latest hours, those sentiments of
affectionate respect and attachment, with which I have the honor to be
your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XXIII.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, April 6,1790

TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.

New York, April 6,1790.

Sir,

The President of the Uni