ution, to be communicated to Monsieur de Montmorin and Monsieur
Necker, and anxiously wish it may arrive in time to prevent a
disadvantageous alienation, by satisfying these ministers that we are
exerting ourselves to repay to that country, in her hour of difficulty,
what she generously advanced for us, in ours.

You may remember, I purchased some officer's fusils, had them packed in
my presence, and sent with my own baggage to Havre. When they arrived
here, the plates and other principal parts of the locks were no longer
in the box. It is necessary, therefore, that the workman send you six
new locks, which may be applied to the stocks and barrels we have, and
that you be so good as to forward these by the first safe conveyance.

Press the negotiation for our captives, in the line and on the terms I
had fixed, not binding us further without further advice, and be pleased
to apprize us of its present situation and future progress, as being a
subject we have at heart.

The Leyden gazettes furnishing so good information of the interesting
scenes now passing in Europe, I must ask your particular attention to
the forwarding them as frequently as it is possible to find conveyances.
The English papers bring their lies very fresh, and it is very desirable
to be provided with an authentic contradiction in the first moment.

You will receive, herewith, the newspapers and other interesting papers,
as usual.

I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem, Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XXV.--TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA, April 11, 1790

TO THE COUNT DE FLORIDA BLANCA.

New York, April 11, 1790.

Sir,

The President of the United States having thought proper to name Mr.
William Carmichael their _charge des affaires_, near his Catholic
Majesty, I have now the honor of announcing the same to your Excellency,
and of praying you to give credence to whatever he shall say to you on
my part. He knows the concern our republic takes in the interest and
prosperity of Spain, our strong desire to cultivate its friendship, and
to deserve it by all the good offices which esteem and neighborhood may
dictate; he knows also my zeal to promote these by whatever may depend
on my ministry. I have no doubt that Mr. Carmichael will so conduct
himself as to merit your confidence; and I avail myself with pleasure
of this occasion of tendering to you assurances of those sentiments of