that if in any thing, however, we have construed them amiss, we are
ready to enter into candid explanations, and to do whatever we can be
convinced is right; that in opposing the extravagances of an agent,
whose character they seem not sufficiently to, have known, we have
been urged by motives of duty to ourselves and justice to others, which
cannot but be approved by those who are just themselves; and finally,
that after independence and self-government, there is nothing we more
sincerely wish than perpetual friendship with them.

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

Th: Jefferson.*

* A copy of the preceding letter was sent, enclosed by the
Secretary of State, to Mr. Genet.

LETTER CLXIV.--CIRCULAR TO THE MERCHANTS OF THE U.S., August 23, 1793

CIRCULAR TO THE MERCHANTS OF THE UNITED STATES.

Philadelphia, August 23, 1793,

Gentlemen,

Complaint having been made to the government of the United States, of
some instances of unjustifiable vexation and spoliation committed on our
merchant vessels by the privateers of the powers at war, and it being
possible that other instances may have happened of which no information
has been given to the government, I have it in charge from the President
to assure the merchants of the United States, concerned in foreign
commerce or navigation, that due attention will be paid to any injuries
they may suffer on the high seas or in foreign countries, contrary to
the law of nations or to existing treaties: and that on their forwarding
hither well authenticated evidence of the same, proper proceedings will
be adopted for their relief. The just and friendly dispositions of the
several belligerent powers, afford well-founded expectation that they
will not hesitate to take effectual measures for restraining their armed
vessels from committing aggressions and vexations on our citizens or
their property.

There being no particular portion or description of the mercantile body
pointed out by the laws for receiving communications of this nature, I
take the liberty of addressing it to the merchants of -------- for the
state of --------- requesting that through them, it may be made known to
all those of their State whom it may concern. Information will be freely
received either from the individuals aggrieved, or from any associations
of merchants who will be pleased to take the trouble of giving it