I wish I could receive instructions what to do with the stores, when
delivered. The arms had certainly better be sent to America, as they are
good, and yet will sell here for little or nothing. The gun-stocks
and old iron had better be sold here; but what should be done with the
anchors? Being thoroughly persuaded that Congress wish that substantial
justice should be done to Schweighaeuser and Dobree, I shall, after the
stores are secured, repeat my proposition of arbitration to them. If
they then refuse it, I shall return all the papers to America, and
consider my powers for settling this matter as at an end.
I have received no answer yet from Denmark on the subject of the prizes;
nor do I know whether to ascribe this silence to an intention to evade
the demand, or to the multitude of affairs they have had on their hands
lately. Patience seems to be prudence, in this case; to indispose them,
would do no good, and might do harm. I shall write again soon, if no
answer be received in the mean time.
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.
Pages:
791
792
793
794
795
796
797
798
799
800
801
802
803
804
805
806
807
808
809
810
811
812
813
814
815