I last night received, the Ratification of my last Loan1 and the inclosed Resolution of Congress of 18 July last, for the Redemption of Prisoners at Algiers.— It is probable you have received it before, but as it is, in your Department to execute it, and possible that you may, not have received it, I thought it Safest to transmit it to you, as I have now the honour to do, here inclosed.2 Mr Vanberckel, Son of the Minister, is arrived at Falmouth, by the Packet, but not yet in London. By him, I expect my Dismission.3 The American Newspapers, already arrived both from New York and Boston, announce it to have passed in Congress, the 5. of October. and now as We Say at Sea, huzza for the new World and farewell to the Old One.

All Europe resounds with Projects for reviving, States and Assemblies, I think: and France is taking the lead.— How Such assemblies will mix, with Simple Monarchies, is the question. The Fermentation must terminate in Improvements of various Kinds. Superstition, Bigotry, Ignorance, Imposture, Tyranny and Misery must be lessened Somewhat.— But I fancy it will be found Somewhat difficult, to conduct and regulate these debates. Ex quovis ligno non fit Mercurius.—4 The World will be entertained with noble sentiments and enchanting Eloquence. but will not essential Ideas be sometimes forgotten, in the anxious study of brilliant Phrases? Will the Duke of orleans make a Sterling Patriot and a determined son of Liberty? Will he 232 rank with Posterity among the Brutus’s and Catos?— Corrections and Reformations and Improvements are much wanted in all the Institutions of Europe Ecclesiastical and civil: but how or when they will be made is not easy to guess.— It would be folly I think to do no more than try over again Experiments, that have been already a million times tryed. attempts to reconcile Contradictions will not succeed. and to think of Reinstituting Republicks, as absurdly constituted as were the most which the World has seen, would be to revive Confusion and Carnage, which must again End in despotism.— I shall soon be out of the Noise of all these Speculations in Europe leaving behind me however the most fervent good Wishes for the Safety and Prosperity of all who have the Cause of Humanity Equity; Equality and Liberty at heart. With the tenderest / Affection of Friendship, I am and ever shall be / my dear sir yours

In the month of July I received from Fiseaux & Co. of Amsterdam a letter notifying me that the principal of their loan to the United states would become due the first day of January.1 I answered them that I had neither powers nor information on the subject, but would transmit their letter to the Board of treasury. I did so by the packet which sailed from Havre Aug. 10.2 the earliest answer possible would have been by the packet which arrived at Havre three or four days ago. but by her I do not receive the scrip of a pen from any body. this makes me suppose that my letters are committed to Paul Jones3 who was to sail a week after the departure of the packet: & that possibly he may be the bearer of orders from the treasury to repay Fiseaux’ loan with the money you borrowed. but it is also possible he may bring no order on the subject. the slowness with which measures are adopted on our side the water, does not permit us to count on punctual answers: but on the contrary renders it necessary for us to suppose in the present case that no orders will arrive in time, and to consider whether any thing, and what should be done? as it may 233 be found expedient to transfer all our foreign debts to Holland by borrowing there, & as it may always be prudent to preserve a good credit in that country because we may forced into wars whether we will or no, I should suppose it very imprudent to suffer our credit to be annihilated by so small a sum as 51,000 guilders. the injury will be greater too in proportion to the smallness of the sum: for they will ask “How can a people be trusted for large sums who break their faith for such small ones?” you know best what effect it will have on the minds of the moneylenders of that country should we fail in this payment. you know best also whether it is practicable and prudent for us to have this debt paid without orders. I refer the matter therefore wholly to your consideration, willing to participate with you in any risk, & any responsability which may arise. I think it one of those cases where it is a duty to risk one’s self. you will perceive, by the inclosed, the necessity of an immediate answer, and that if you think any thing can & should be done all the necessary authorities from you should accompany your letter. in the mean time should I receive any orders from the Treasury by P. Jones, I will pursue them, and consider whatever you shall have proposed or done, as non avenue.

I am with much affection Dear Sir / your most obedient / & most humble servt