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for undertaking to redeem you, without orders. Mr. Lambe is instructed to make no bargain without your approbation, and that of the other prisoners, each for himself. We also direct him to relieve your present necessities. I sincerely wish you a speedy deliverance from your distresses, and a happy return to your family.
I am, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER CXXX1II. TO W. W. SEWARD.
Paris, November 12, 1785.
SIR,
I received the honor of your letter, of the 25th ult., written by desire of the associated company of Irish merchants, in London, and return you thanks for the kind congratulations you express therein. The freedom of commerce between Ireland and Ame rica, is undoubtedly very interesting to both countries. If fair play be given to the natural advantages of Ireland, she must, come in for a distinguished share of that commerce. She is entitled to it, from the excellence of some of her manufactures, the cheapness of most of them, their correspondence with the American taste, a sameness of language, laws and manners, a reciprocal affection between the people, and the singular circumstance of her being the nearest European land to the United States. I am not, at present, so well acquainted with the trammels of Irish commerce, as to know what they are, particularly, which obstruct the intercourse between Ireland and America ; nor therefore, what can be the ob ject of a fleet stationed in the western ocean, to intercept that in tercourse. Experience, however, has taught us to infer that the fact is probable, because it is impolitic. On the supposition that this interruption will take place, you suggest Ostend as a conve nient enterpot for the commerce between America and Ireland. Here too, I find myself, on account of the same ignorance of your commercial regulations, at a loss to say why this is preferable to L Orient, which, you know, is a free port and in great latitude, which is nearer to both parties, and accessible by a less dangerous navigation. I make no doubt, however, that the reasons of the preference are good. You find by this essay, that I am not likely to be a very instructive correspondent : you sljall find me, however,
