There are several new matters introduced into the draught: some of these
are agreed to; others cannot be admitted, as being contrary to the
same principles which had obliged me to disagree to some of the former
articles. The greatest part of the eleventh, and the whole of the
twelfth new articles, are in this predicament. They propose, that no
person shall be arrested on board a merchant vessel, for any cause, but
in presence of the consul; that no such vessel shall be visited, but
in his presence; and that when the officers of justice have reason to
believe that a criminal has taken refuge on board a vessel of war, the
captain's word shall be conclusive evidence that he is not there.
To the objections which I had the honor of stating in my letter to his
Excellency, the Count de Montmorin, I have now that of adding some other
observations, of which I request your perusal. I enclose with them a
draught, on the basis of the one you were pleased to give me, altered so
as to reconcile it to the spirit of our laws.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
Th: Jefferson.
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