to the means necessary to its use, and without which
it would be useless. The fixing on a proper port, and the degree of
freedom it is to enjoy in its operations, will require negotiation, and
be governed by events. There is danger indeed, that even the unavoidable
delay of sending a negotiator here, may render the mission too late
for the preservation of peace. It is impossible to answer for the
forbearance of our western citizens. We endeavor to quiet them with the
expectation of an attainment of their rights by peaceable means. But
should they, in a moment of impatience, hazard others, there is no
saying how far we may be led: for neither themselves nor their rights
will ever be abandoned by us.

You will be pleased to observe, that we press these matters warmly and
firmly, under this idea, that the war between Spain and Great Britain
will be begun before you receive this; and such a moment must not be
lost. But should an accommodation take place, we retain, indeed, the
same object and the same resolutions unalterably; but your discretion
will suggest, that in that event, they must be pressed more softly, and
that patience and persuasion must temper your conferences, till either
these may prevail, or some other circumstance turn up, which may enable
us to use other means for the attainment of an object, which we are
determined, in the end, to obtain at every risk.

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

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XXXIV.--TO M. DE PINTO, August 7, 1790

TO M. DE PINTO.

New York, August 7, 1790.

Sir, Under cover of the acquaintance I had the honor of contracting with
you, during the negotiations we transacted together in London, I
take the liberty of addressing you the present letter. The friendly
dispositions you were then pleased to express towards this country,
which were sincerely and reciprocally felt on my part towards yours,
flatter me with the hope you will assist in maturing a subject for their
common good. As yet, we have not the information necessary to present
it to you formally, as the minister of her Most Faithful Majesty. I beg,
therefore, that this letter may be considered as between two individual
friends of their respective countries, preliminary to a formal
proposition, and meant to give an acceptable shape to that.

It is unnecessary, with your Excellency, to go through the history of
our first experiment in