Paris, June 20,1786.

Having communicated to Mr. Adams the information received, at different
times, from yourself, from Mr. Randall, and Mr. Carmichael, we find
that the sum likely to be demanded by Algiers for the ransom of our
prisoners, as well as for peace, is so infinitely beyond our powers, and
the expectations of Congress, that it has become our duty to refer the
whole matter back to them. Whether they will choose to buy a peace, to
force one, or to do nothing, will rest in their pleasure. But that
they may have all the information possible to guide them in their
deliberations, we think it important that you should return to them.
No time will be lost by this, and perhaps time maybe gained. It is,
therefore, our joint desire, that you repair immediately to New York,
for the purpose of giving to Congress all the information on this
subject, which your journey has enabled you to acquire. You will
consider this request as coming from Mr. Adams as well as myself, as
it is by express authority from him, that I join him in it. I am of
opinion, it will be better for you to come to Marseilles and by Paris:
because there is a possibility that fresh orders to us, from Congress,
might render it useful that we, also, should have received from you all
possible information on this subject. And perhaps no time may be lost by
this, as it might be long before you would set a passage from Alicant to
America.

I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.