I have given the subject of it as mature
consideration as I am able. Two neighboring and free governments,
with laws equally mild and just, would find no difficulty in forming
a convention for the interchange of fugitive criminals. Nor would two
neighboring despotic governments, with laws of equal severity. The
latter wish that no door should be opened to their subjects flying from
the oppression of their laws. The fact is, that most of the governments
on the continent of Europe have such conventions; but England, the only
free one till lately, has never yet consented either to enter into a
convention for this purpose, or to give up a fugitive. The difficulty
between a free government and a despotic one is indeed great. I have the
honor to enclose to your Excellency a sketch of the considerations which
occurred to me on the subject, and which I laid before the President. He
has, in consequence, instructed me to prepare a project of a convention,
to be proposed to the court of Madrid, which I have accordingly done,
and now enclose a copy of it. I wish it may appear to you satisfactory.
Against property we may hope it would be effectual; whilst it leaves a
door open to life and liberty except in a single unquestionable case.
Messrs. Carmichael and Short will be instructed to make this one of the
subjects of their negotiation with the court of Spain. I have the honor
to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and respect, your
Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CIII.--TO COLONEL HUMPHREYS, April 9, 1792

TO COLONEL HUMPHREYS.

Philadelphia, April 9, 1792.

Dear Sir,

My last to you were of the 29th of November and the 13th of December.
I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your Nos. 34 to 44, inclusive.
The river here and at New York having remained longer blocked with ice
than has been usual, has occasioned a longer interval than usual between
my letters. I have particularly to acknowledge, that Mr. Barclay's
receipt of drafts from you on our bankers in Holland for thirty-two
thousand one hundred and seventy-five florins has come safely to my
hands, and is deposited in my office, where it will be to be found
wrapped in the letter in which it came. You have been before informed of
the failure of our arms against the Indians, the last year. General St.
Clair has now resigned that command. We are raising our western force to
five thousand men. The stock-jobbi