The continuance of this peace will depend on their idea of our power to
enforce it, and on the life of the particular Dey, or other head of the
government, with whom it is contracted. Congress will, no doubt,
weigh these circumstances against the expense and probable success of
compelling a peace by arms. Count d'Estaing having communicated to me
verbally some information as to an experiment formerly made by this
country, I shall get him to put it into writing, and I will forward it
to Congress, as it may aid them in their choice of measures. However,
which plan is most eligible can only be known to yourselves, who are on
the spot, and have under your view all the difficulties of both. There
is a third measure, that of abandoning the Mediterranean carriage to
other nations.
With respect to England, no arrangements can be taken. The merchants
were certainly disposed to have consented to accommodation, as to the
article of debts. I was not certain, when I left England, that they
would relinquish the interest during the war. A letter received since,
from the first character among the American merchants in Scotland,
satisfies me they would have relinquished it, to insure the capital and
residue of interest.
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