e the contents of this letter
to the court of Madrid, with all the temperance and delicacy which the
dignity and character of that court render proper; but with all
the firmness and self-respect which befit a nation conscious of its
rectitude, and settled in its purpose.

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

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLX.--TO THE SUPREME COURT OF THE UNITED STATES, July 18,1793

_To the Chief Justice and Judges of the Supreme Court of the United
States_.

Philadelphia, July 18,1793.

Gentlemen,

The war which has taken place among the powers of Europe, produces
frequent transactions within our ports and limits, on which questions
arise of considerable difficulty, and of greater importance to the peace
of the United States. These questions depend for their solution on the
construction of our treaties, on the laws of nature and nations, and on
the laws of the land; and are often presented under circumstances which
do not give a cognizance of them to the tribunals of the country. Yet
their decision is so little analogous to the ordinary functions of the
executive, as to occasion much embarrassment and difficulty to them. The
President would, therefore, be much relieved, if he found himself free
to refer questions of this description to the opinions of the judges of
the Supreme Court of the United States, whose knowledge of the subject
would secure us against errors dangerous to the peace of the United
States, and their authority insure the respect of all parties. He has
therefore asked the attendance of such judges as could be collected
in time for the occasion, to know, in the first place, their opinions,
whether the public may with propriety be availed of their advice on
these questions. And if they may, to present, for their advice, the
abstract questions which have already occurred, or may soon occur, from
which they will themselves strike out such as any circumstances might,
in their opinion, forbid them to pronounce on.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of great esteem and respect,
Gentlemen, your most obedient, humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CLXI.--TO MR. GENET, July 24,1793

TO MR. GENET.

Philadelphia, July 24,1793. Sir,

Your favor of the 9th instant, covering the information of Silvat
Ducamp, Pierre Nouvel, Chouquet de Savarence, Gaston de Nogere, and G