e, with any little comment you may think
necessary, concealing the quarter from whence it is distributed; or take
any other method you think better, to see whether that Assembly will
not pass a similar act. I shall send copies of it to Mr. Carmichael, at
Madrid, and to Colonel Humphreys, appointed resident at Lisbon, with
a desire for them to suggest similar acts there. The measure is just,
perfectly innocent as to all other nations, and will effectually defeat
the navigation act of Great Britain, and reduce her power on the ocean
within safer limits.

The time of the late Congress having expired on the 3rd instant, they
then separated of necessity. Much important matter was necessarily laid
over; this navigation act among others. The land law was put off, and
nothing further done with the mint than to direct workmen to be engaged.
The new Congress will meet on the 4th Monday in October. Their laws
shall be sent you by the first opportunity after they shall be printed.
You will receive herewith those of their second session. We know that
Massachusetts has agreed to the amendments to the constitution, except
(as is said) the first, second, and twelfth articles. The others,
therefore, are now in force. The articles excepted, will depend on the
other legislatures. The late expedition against the northern Indians
having been ineffectual, more serious operations against them will
be undertaken as soon as the season admits. The President is just now
setting out on a tour to the southern States, from whence he will
not return till June. The British packet being the quickest mode of
conveyance, I shall avail myself of that, as well as of the French
packet, to write to you. Are the letters which now pass through the
French post-offices opened, as they were under the former government?
This is important for me to know.

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

Th: Jefferson.

P. S. 1 omitted to draw your attention to an additional duty of one cent
per gallon on rum, by name. This was intended as some discrimination
between England and France. It would have been higher, but for the fear
of affecting the revenues in a contrary direction. T.J.

LETTER LV.--TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, March 17,1791

TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.

Philadelphia, March 17,1791.

Sir,

The term of the first Congress having expired on the 3rd instant,
they separated on that day, much important bus