precise
point of reformation they are ready to go. On this, therefore, I do not
presume to give an opinion, nor to pronounce between the comparative
expediency of the three propositions; but shall be ready to give
whatever aid I can to any of them which shall be adopted by the
legislature.

I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, your most obedient and
most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXIX.--TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, January 2, 1793

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Philadelphia, January 2, 1793.

Sir,

According to the resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 31st
of December, delivered to me yesterday, I have the honor to lay before
you a list of the several persons employed in my office, with the
salaries allowed to each, as follows:

Dollars. George Taylor, jr. (of New York), chief clerk, his salary fixed
by law,................................................. 800

Jacob Blackwell (of New York), clerk,......................... 500

George Pfeiffer (of Pennsylvania), clerk,..................... 500

Philip Freneau (of New York), clerk for foreign languages,.... 250

Sampson Crosby (of Massachusetts), messenger and
office-keeper,................................................ 250

The act of Congress of June the 4th, 1790, c. 18, allowed me an
additional clerk with the same salary as the chief clerk. After the
retirement of the person first appointed, whose services had been
particularly desirable, because of his long and intimate acquaintance
with the papers of the office, it did not appear necessary to make
further use of the indulgence of that law. No new appointment,
therefore, has been made.

The clerk for foreign languages has but half the usual salary. I found
his clerkship on this establishment when I came into office, and made
no change in it, except, that in the time of his predecessor, where
translations were required from any language with which he was
unacquainted, they were sent to a special translator and paid for by the
public. The present clerk is required to defray this expense himself.

I have the honor to be, with the most perfect respect, Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXX.--CIRCULAR TO THE MINISTERS, February 13, 1793

_Circular to the Ministers of France, the United Netherlands Great
Britain, &c._

Philadelphia, February 13, 1793.

Sir,

The House of Represe