interest to stand on the general expressions of the treaty, that
they might avail themselves, in individual cases, of the favorable
dispositions of debtors or of juries. We proceeded to the necessity of
arrangements of our future commerce, were it only as a means of
enabling our country to pay its debts. We suggested, that they had been
contracted while certain modes of remittance had existed here, which
had been an inducement to us to contract these debts. He said he was not
authorized to speak on the subject of the future commerce. He appeared
really and feelingly anxious, that arrangements should be stipulated as
to the payment of the old debts, said he would proceed in that moment to
Lord Caermarthen's, and discuss the subject with him, and that we might
expect to hear from him. He took leave, and we have never since heard
from him or any other person on the subject. Congress will judge how far
these conversations should influence their future proceedings, or those
of the States.

I have the honor to be, with the highest respect and esteem, Sir, your
most obedient, humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER V.--TO JAMES MADISON, April 25, 1786


TO JAMES MADISON.

London, April 25, 1786.