A few Years since, Congress made a Treaty with the Emperor of Morocco. the Emperor, with whom that Treaty was made is since dead. The present Emperor is as much inclin’d to be friendly to the United States, as his Predicessor. but from some inattention on the Part of the United States he has never been complimented on his accession to the Throne.— by some Letters from Cadiz as late as Novr. I am inform’d, that he is determin’d unless he is soon notic’d, to make depredations on our Navigation— his prime Minister is particularly friendly to the United States. & has prevail’d on him to suspend his intentions a few Months longer.1 If no measures have been taken, the security of our Trade to all parts of Spain & Portugal requires, that the Treaty shou’d be immediately renew’d. the friendship of the Old Emperor to America I have experienced, in his not taking but half the customary duties on a Brig & Cargo I had at Mogadore—& the resentment of the New Emperor I do not wish to feel.— Mrs. Smith joins me in Affectionate Regards to you & Mrs. Adams.—

I am with great Respect / Yr Most. H Sert

I cannot easily tell you how much I am pleased & obliged by your friendly Letter of the 4th. Inst:— were I to pursue my Inclinations, I should without Hesitation accept your kind Invitation—but our Inclinations even in things innocent must not always be gratified. my Visits to Philadelphia have ceased to be occasional, or I should certainly avail myself of those opportunities which your Hospitality would afford for that free and social Intercourse which I shall always be happy to enjoy and indulge. the Courts call me regularly and periodically to Philada: and they will continue to call me as long as I remain in Office, or the present Order of Things continues unchanged. This Circumstance produces Considerations which press 91 me, on those occasions to be in Lodgings—and the more so, as your living in Town obviates Impediments to our seeing each other frequently, and passing as many pleasant Hours together, as our official affairs may permit.— Mrs. Jays Situation will not admit of her being from Home next Term. We expect an Increase of our family about that Time. a severe cold and cough have confined her to her chamber for ten Days past— she is much indisposed, and as yet I do not perceive that her complaints abate. the present state of her Health added to the Situation she will soon be in, strongly oppose my leaving her.1 she requests the favor of You to present her best Compts. & acknowledgements to Mrs. Adams—be pleased to add mine.

Altho’ you keep your Doors shut, yet a certain motion has found its way out. I am not pleased with it. If that Encroachmt. should take place, no Man will in my opinion be able to administer the Governmt. with Reputation to himself or advantage to the Public. this appears to me to be the best Time to try the Construction in Question.2 I wish it may be pursued to a Decision; and not be reserved to some future occasion, when a contingent Combination of Circumstances may promise success to such an improper Measure—

With sincere Esteem & Regard I am / Dear Sir Your most obt. & hble Servt