I certainly have no idea that we should give any such sum; and,
therefore, if it should be the sense of Congress to give such a price, I
would be glad to know it by instruction. My idea is, that we should not
ransom but on the footing of the nation which pays least, that it may be
as little worth their while to go in pursuit of us, as any nation. This
is cruelty to the individuals now in captivity, but kindness to the
hundreds that would soon be so, were we to make it worth the while of
those pirates to go out of the Streights, in quest of us. As soon as
money is provided, I shall put this business into train. I have taken
measures to damp, at Algiers, all expectations of our proposing to
ransom, at any price. I feel the distress which this must occasion to
our countrymen there, and their connections; but the object of it is
their ultimate good, by bringing down their holders to such a price as
we ought to pay, instead of letting them remain in such expectations as
cannot be gratified. The gazettes of France and Leyden accompany this.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
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