s the resolution entered
into by the National Convention, even before a definitive regulation
of their new establishment could take place. Be assured, Sir, that the
government and the citizens of the United States, view with the most
sincere pleasure every advance of your nation towards its happiness,
an object essentially connected with its liberty, and they consider the
union of principles and pursuits between our two countries, as a link
which binds still closer their interests and affections. We earnestly
wish on our part, that these our natural dispositions may be improved to
mutual good, by establishing our commercial intercourse on principles as
friendly to natural right and freedom, as are those of our governments.

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

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXXIV.--TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, February 20, 1793

TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

Philadelphia, February 20, 1793.

Sir,

The House of Representatives, about the close of the session before the
last, referred to me the report of a committee on a message from the
President of the United States, of the 14th of February, 1791, with
directions to report to Congress the nature and extent of the privileges
and restrictions of the commercial intercourse of the United States
with foreign nations, and measures for its improvement. The report was
accordingly prepared during the ensuing recess, ready to be delivered at
the next session, that is to say, at the last. It was thought possible
at that time, however, that some changes might take place in the
existing state of things, which might call for corresponding changes
in measures. I took the liberty of mentioning this in a letter to the
Speaker of the House of Representatives, to express an opinion that a
suspension of proceedings thereon, for a time, might be expedient, and
to propose retaining the report till the present session, unless the
House should be pleased to signify their pleasure to the contrary. The
changes then contemplated have not taken place, nor, after waiting as
long as the term of the session will admit, in order to learn something
further on the subject, can any thing definite thereon be now said. If,
therefore, the House wishes to proceed on the subject, the report shall
be delivered at a moment's warning. Should they not choose to take it up
till their next session, it will be an advanta