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the institution, a previous question would be forced on them, whe ther they would present these medals ? I am of opinion it would be very disagreeable to them, to be placed under the necessity of making this declaration. Be so good as to let me know your wishes on this subject, by the first post.
Mr. Short has been sick ever since you left us. Nothing new has occurred here since your departure. I imagine you have American news. If so, pray give us some. Present me affec tionately to Mr. Adams and the ladies, and to Colonel Smith ; and be assured of the esteem with which I am, Dear Sir,
your friend and servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER CXL. TO JOHN ADAMS.
Paris, December 10, 1785. DEAR SIR,
On the arrival of Mr. Boylston, I carried him to the Marquis de la Fayette, who received from him communications of his ob ject. This was to get a remission of the duties on his cargo of oil, and he was willing to propose a future contract. I suggested however to the Marquis, when we were alone, that instead of wasting our efforts on individual applications, we had better take up the subject on general ground, and whatever could be obtained, let it be common to all. He concurred with me. As the jealousy of office between ministers, does not permit me to apply immedi ately to the one in whose department this was, the Marquis s agency was used. The result was, to put us on the footing of the Hanse- atic towns, as to whale oil, and to reduce the duties to eleven livres and five sols for five hundred and twenty pounds, French, which is very nearly two livres on the English hundred weight, or about a guinea and a half the ton. But the oil must be brought in American or French ships, and the indulgence is limited to one year. However, as to this, I expressed to Count de Vergennes my hopes that it would be continued ; and should a doubt arise, I should propose, at the proper time, to claim it under the treaty, on the footing gentis amicissim<E. After all, I believe Mr. Boylston has failed of selling to Sangrain, and, from what I learn, through a little too much hastiness of temper. Perhaps they may yet come together, or he may sell to somebody else.
