n, cannot be more pressing than the present
situation and temper of this country requires. The case of St. Marie
happens to be the incident presenting itself in the moment, when the
general question must otherwise have been brought forward.. We rely, on
this occasion, on the good offices of the Marquis de la Fayette, whom
you are desired to interest in it.

I am, with sincere and great esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient and
most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LIV.--TO WILLIAM SHORT, March 15, 1791

TO WILLIAM SHORT.

Philadelphia, March 15, 1791.

Dear Sir,

In mine of January the 23rd, I acknowledged the receipt of your letters
from No. 29 to 48 inclusive, except 31, 44, 45, 46. Since that, I have
received Nos. 45 and 50, the former in three months and seven days, the
latter in two months and seventeen days, by the English packet, which
had an uncommonly long passage. Nos. 31, 44, 46,47, 48, 49, are still
missing. They have probably come through merchant vessels and merchants,
who will let them lie on their counters two or three months before they
will forward them. I wrote you on the 8th and 12th instant, by a private
hand, on particular subjects. I am not certain whether this will be in
time to go by the same conveyance. In yours of December the 23rd, you
suppose we receive regularly the journals of the National Assembly from
your secretary at Paris, but we have never received any thing from him.
Nothing has been addressed to him, his name being unknown to us.

It gives great satisfaction, that the _Arret du Conseil_ of December,
1787, stands a chance of being saved. It is in truth the sheet-anchor
of our connection with France, which will be much loosened when that
is lost. This _Arret_ saved, a free importation of salted meats into
France, and of provisions of all kinds into her colonies, will bind our
interests to that country more than to all the world besides. It has
been proposed in Congress to pass a navigation act, which will deeply
strike at that of Great Britain. I send you a copy of it. It is probable
the same proposition will be made at the next Congress, as a first step,
and for one more extensive at a later period. It is thought the first
will be carried: the latter will be more doubtful. Would it not be worth
while to have the bill now enclosed, translated, printed, and circulated
among the members of the National Assembly? If you think so, have
it done at the public expens