time, if the present communications produce any
sensation, perhaps it may furnish a good occasion to endeavor to have
matters re-placed _in statu quo_, by repealing the late innovations as
to our ships, tobacco, and whale-oil. It is right that things should be
on their ancient footing, at opening the treaty. M. Ternant has applied
here for four hundred thousand dollars for the succor of the French
colonies. The Secretary of the Treasury has reason to believe, that the
late loan at Antwerp has paid up all our arrearages to France, both of
principal and interest, and consequently, that there is no part of our
debt exigible at this time. However, the legislature having authorized
the President to proceed in borrowing to pay off the residue, provided
it can be done to the advantage of the United States, it is thought the
law will be satisfied with avoiding loss to the United States. This has
obliged the Secretary of the Treasury to require some conditions, which
may remove from us that loss which we encountered, from an unfavorable
exchange, to pay what was exigible, and transfer it to France as
to payments not exigible. These shall be fully detailed to you when
settled. In the mean time, the money will be furnished as far as it
can be done. Indeed, our wishes are cordial for the re-establishment
of peace and commerce in those colonies, and to give such proofs of our
good faith both to them and the mother country, as to suppress all that
jealousy which might oppose itself to the free exchange of our mutual
productions, so essential to the prosperity of those colonies, and
to the preservation of our agricultural interest. This is our true
interest, and our true object, and we have no reason to conceal views
so justifiable, though the expression of them may require that the
occasions be proper and the terms chosen with delicacy. The gazettes
will inform you of the proceedings of Congress, the laws passed and
proposed, and generally speaking, of all public transactions. You will
perceive that the Indian war calls for sensible exertions. It would have
been a trifle had we only avowed enemies to contend with. The British
court have disavowed all aid to the Indians. Whatever may have been
their orders in that direction, the Indians are fully and notoriously
supplied by their agents with every thing necessary to carry on the war.
Time will show how all this is to end. Besides the laws, journals,
and newspapers, before mentioned, yo