The passenger to whom
they are confided, should be cautioned always to keep them in his own
hands, till he can deliver them personally in Paris.
I have the honor to be, with very sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
LETTER CXII.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, November 6, 1787
TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
Sir,
Paris, November 6, 1787.
I take the liberty of asking your Excellency's perusal of the enclosed
case of an American hostage, confined in the prisons of Dunkirk. His
continuance there seems to be useless, and yet endless. Not knowing how
far the government can interfere for his relief, as it is a case wherein
private property is concerned, I do not presume to ask his liberation
absolutely: but I will solicit from your Excellency such measures in his
behalf, as the laws and usages of the country may permit.
The Comptroller General having been so good as to explain to me in a
conversation, that he wished to know what duties were levied in England
on American whale-oil, I have had the honor of informing him by letter,
that the ancient duties on that article are seventeen pounds, six
shillings, and six pence, sterling, the ton, and that some late
additional duties make them amount to about eighteen pounds sterling.
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