It would be dangerous to confine this transportation to French and
American bottoms, the ensuing year, because they will be much engrossed
by the transportation of wheat and flour hither, and the crop of rice
might lie on hand for want of vessels; but I see no objections to the
extension of our principle to this article also, beginning with the year
1790. However, before there is a necessity of deciding on this, I hope
to be able to consult our new government in person, as I have asked of
Congress a leave of absence for six months, that is to say, from April
to November next. It is necessary for me to pay a short visit to my
native country, first, to reconduct my family thither, and place them
in the hands of their friends, and secondly, to place my private affairs
under certain arrangements. When I left my own house, I expected to be
absent but five months, and I have been led by events to an absence
of five years. I shall hope, therefore, for the pleasure of personal
conferences with your Excellency, on the subject of this letter, and
others interesting to our country; of getting my own ideas set to rights
by a communication of yours, and of taking again the tone of sentiment
of my own country, which we lose in some degree, after a certain
absence.
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