It is put on this
footing, as you will see by his answer to me.

8. A correction of the report on weights and measures.

You are desired to have a medal of gold struck from the diplomatic die
formerly ordered, and present it with a chain of gold to the Count de
Moustier, who is notified that this will be done by you. I formerly
informed you, that we proposed to vary the worth of the present, by
varying the size of the links of the chain, which are fixed at three
hundred and sixty-five in number. Let each link, in the present
instance, contain six livres worth of gold, and let it be made of
plain wire, so that the value may be in the metal and not at all in the
workmanship. I shall hope to receive the dies themselves, when a safe
conveyance presents itself. I am, with great esteem, Dear Sir, your
friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LI.--TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, March 8, 1791

TO THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF FRANCE.

Philadelphia, March 8, 1791.

Sir,

I have it in charge from the President of the United States of America,
to communicate to the National Assembly of France, the peculiar
sensibility of Congress to the tribute paid to the memory of Benjamin
Franklin, by the enlightened and free representatives of a great nation,
in their decree of the 11th of June, 1790.

That the loss of such a citizen should be lamented by us, among whom he
lived, whom he so long and eminently served, and who feel their country
advanced and honored by his birth, life, and labors, was to be expected.
But it remained for the National Assembly of France to set the first
example of the representative of one nation, doing homage, by a public
act, to the private citizen of another, and by withdrawing arbitrary
lines of separation, to reduce into one fraternity the good and the
great, wherever they have lived or died.

That these separations may disappear between us in all times and
circumstances, and that the union of sentiment which mingles our sorrows
on this occasion, may continue long to cement the friendship and the
interests of our two nations, is our constant prayer. With no one is
it more sincere than with him, who, in being charged with the honor of
conveying a public sentiment, is permitted that of expressing the homage
of profound respect and veneration, with which he is, Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LII.--TO WILLIAM CARMI