guilty. However, they obtained a remission of all which the King could
remit, which was your condemnation to the galleys, and imprisonment,
and the sum in which you were fined. The confiscation belonged to the
Farmers, and the expenses of subsistence and of prosecution were theirs
also, and so could not be remitted by the King. I wish you to be assured
of my sensibility for your sufferings, and of my wishes to have obtained
an earlier relief, had it been possible. I shall be glad if you can have
an immediate and safe return to your own country, and there find your
families well, and make those who may be authorized to decide on your
case sensible, that these misfortunes have not been brought on you by
any desire of yours, to infringe the laws of the country in which you
have suffered. I enclose herewith your log-book and the other papers
desired by you, and am, Sir,

your most obedient, humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, May 23, 1786


TO JOHN JAY.

Sir,

Paris, May 23, 1786.