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a year to come. We do not find it easy to make commercial arrangements in Europe. There is a want of confidence in us. This country has lately reduced the duties on American whale oil, to about a guinea and a half the ton, and I think they will take the greatest part of what we can furnish. I hope, therefore, that this branch of our commerce will resume its activity. Portugal shews a disposition to court our trade ; but this has, for some time, been discouraged by the hostilities othe piratical states of Barbary. The Emperor of Morocco, who had taken one of our vessels, immediate ly consented to suspend hostilities, and ultimately gave up the vessel, cargo and crew. I think we shall be able to settle matters with him. But I am not sanguine as to the Algerines. They have taken two of our vessels, and, I fear, will ask such a tribute for a forbearance of their piracies, as the United States would be un willing to pay. When this idea comes across my mind, my fa culties are absolutely suspended between indignation and impa tience. I think, whatever sums we are obliged to pay for freedom of navigation in the European seas, should be levied on the Eu ropean commerce with us, by a separate impost, that these powers may see that they protect these enormities for their own loss.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and respect, Dear Sir,
your most obedient and
most humble servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER C L I .
TO LISTER ASQUITH.
Paris, January 13, J78G. SIR,
I have duly received your letter of the 2nd instant. The de lays, which have attended your enlargement, have been much beyond my expectation. The reason I have not written to you, for some time, has been the constant expectation of receiving an order for your discharge. I have not received it, however. 1 went to Versailles three days ago, and made fresh applications on the subject. I received assurances, which give me reason to hope that the order for your discharge will soon be made out. Be as sured, it shall not be delayed a moment after it comes to my hands, and that I shall omit no opportunity of hastening it. In
