. We wish to be neutral, and we will
be so, if they will execute the treaty fairly, and attempt no conquests
adjoining us. The first condition is just; the second imposes no
hardship on them. They cannot complain that the other dominions of Spain
would be so narrow as not to leave them room enough for conquest. If the
war takes place, we would really wish to be quieted on these two points,
offering in return an honorable neutrality. More than this, they are not
to expect. It will be proper that these ideas be conveyed in delicate
and friendly terms; but that they be conveyed, if the war takes place:
for it is in that case alone, and not till it be begun, that we would
wish our dispositions to be known. But in no case, need they think of
our accepting any equivalent for the posts.

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

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XXXIX.--TO GOVERNOR HANCOCK, August 24, 1790

TO GOVERNOR HANCOCK.

New York, August 24, 1790.

Sir,

The representatives of the United States have been pleased to refer to
me the representation from the General Court of Massachusetts, on the
subject of the whale and cod fisheries, which had been transmitted by
your Excellency, with an instruction to examine the matter thereof, and
report my opinion thereupon to the next session of Congress. To prepare
such a report as may convey to them the information necessary to lead to
an adequate remedy, it is indispensable that I obtain a statement of the
fisheries, comprehending such a period before and since the war, as
may show the extent to which they were and are carried on. With such
a statement under their view, Congress may be able, by comparing the
circumstances which existed when the fisheries flourished, with those
which exist at this moment of their decline, to discover the cause of
that decline, and provide either a remedy for it, or something which may
countervail its effect. This information can be obtained no where but
in the State over which your Excellency presides, and under no other
auspices so likely to produce it. May I, therefore, take the liberty of
soliciting your Excellency to charge with the collecting and furnishing
me this information, some person or persons who may be competent to the
object. Taking a point of commencement at a proper interval before the
year of greatest prosperity, there should be stated in a table, year by
y