This, and the convention of 1784, (marked No. 1.) are
placed side by side, so as to present to the eye, with less trouble, the
changes made; and I enclose a number of printed copies of them, for the
use of the members, who will have to decide on the ratification. It is
desirable that the ratification should be sent here for exchange, as
soon as possible.
With respect to the consular appointments, it is a duty on me to add
some observations, which my situation here has enabled me to make.
I think it was in the spring of 1784, that Congress (harassed by
multiplied applications from foreigners, of whom nothing was known but
on their own information, or on that of others as unknown as themselves)
came to a resolution, that the interest of America would not permit the
naming any person not a citizen, to the office of consul, vice-consul,
agent, or commissary. This was intended as a general answer to that
swarm of foreign pretenders. It appears to me, that it will be best,
still to preserve a part of this regulation. Native citizens, on several
valuable accounts, are preferable to aliens, and to citizens alien-born.
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