I do myself the honour of inclosing to you letters which came to hand last night from mr̃ Lamb, mr̃ Carmichael and mr̃ Barclay. by these you will perceive that our peace is not to be purchased at Algiers but at a price far beyond our powers. what that would be indeed mr̃ Lamb does not say, nor probably knows. but as he knew our ultimatum; we are to suppose from his letter that it would be a price infinitely beyond that. a reference to Congress seems hereon to be necessary. till that can be obtained mr̃ Lambe must be idle at Algiers, Carthagena or elsewhere. would he not be better employed in going to Congress? they would be able to draw from him & mr̃ Randall the information necessary to determine what they will do. and if they determine to negotiate, they can reappoint the same, or appoint a new negotiator, according to the opinion they shall form on their examination. I suggest this to you as my first thoughts; an ultimate opinion should not be formed till we see mr̃ Randall, who may be shortly expected. in the mean time, should an opportunity occur, favour me with your ideas hereon, that we may be maturing our opinions. I send copies of these three letters to mr̃ Jay by the packet which sails from l’Orient the 1st. day of the next month.1

On my return to Paris the Imperial ambassador informed me he had received full powers for treating with us. I repeated to him the information that ours would expire the 12th. of this month. he said he supposed Congress would have no objections to renew them, proposed that I should write to them on the subject, and in the mean time desired our project and observed that we might be proceeding to arrange the treaty, so as that it should be ready for 291 signature on the arrival of our powers.2 I gave him a copy of our project, in which, taking the Danish one for the ground work, I made the alterations noted on the within paper: being such as had occurred & met our approbation during the Prussian Tuscan & Portuguese negotiations. I write to Congress an information of what has passed, and in the mean time shall take no other step till you favor me with your opinion whether we should proceed to prepare terms according to Count Merci’s proposition.3

I inclose you a copy of the queries of which I had put an illegible one into your hands when in London.4

I beg to leave to present my most friendly respects to the ladies, and to yourself assurances of the esteem with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir your most obedient and most humble servant

Your favor of the 9th of February with the pamphlet inclosed came to hand on the 13th instant for which please to accept my thanks.

Your official dispatches of the 4th of March contain very important intelligence. I am not distressed at the footing on which the 292 British put their tenure of the western posts. It will promote the general cause of justice & restrain our legislatures from interfering in private contracts which they are too apt to do.1

The Algerine depredations have made more converts to the necessity of vesting Congress with larger powers and of supporting public credit than the many labored addresses heretofore presented to the public. I hope for much good out of these partial evils.

Mr Dilly has declined publishing my history from an apprehension that it would expose him to prosecutions.2 I cannot but be of opinion that his apprehensions are ill founded. I expect the end of the matter will be a pirated edition & that mine will remain unsold. I flatter myself he will make no difficulty in furnishing you with the copy designed for your own use.

Congress have now seven eleven States on the floor. Shame to tell for the first six months we did not for four days exceed eight. A strange langour seemed to prevail; but I hope it is going off. When the contents of your last dispatches are communicated confidentially to the Governors I think they will produce salutary consequences. The British posts will effect a repeal of every legal impediment to the recovery of debts. The Foreign debt will force on us systems of revenue which will also comprehend the Domestic debt. Things for some time past have been proceeding from bad to worse. I trust we have already reached the point of ultimate depression from which public affairs will revert in a direction contrary to what they have lately been in. The States seem generally impressed with ideas of the necessity of commercial systems. Almost all have appointed deputies to attend the proposed convention in Annapolis. A plan will shortly be brought into Congress to recommend a continental convention for the purpose of enlarging the powers of Congress. Our government hitherto has rather been advisory than an efficient system. You do me great honor by proposing requesting a continuance of my correspondence. Your letters have given me infinite pleasure & have established your reputation in the minds of every member of Congress as not only the industrious but the able Statesman. In this opinion no one joins more heartily than he who has the honor to subscribe himself— / with the most exaulted / sentiments of respect & esteem / your most obedient & / very humble servant