Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XXIV.--TO JOHN ADAMS, July 11, 1786


TO JOHN ADAMS.

Paris, July 11, 1786.

Dear Sir,

Our instructions relative to the Barbary States having required us to
proceed by way of negotiation to obtain their peace, it became our
duty to do this to the best of our power. Whatever might be our private
opinions, they were to be suppressed, and the line marked out to us
was to be followed. It has been so, honestly and zealously. It was,
therefore, never material for us to consult together on the best plan
of conduct towards these States. I acknowledge I very, early thought it
would be best to effect a peace through the medium of war. Though it
is a question with which we have nothing to do, yet as you propose
some discussion of it, I shall trouble you with my reasons. Of the four
positions laid down in your letter of the 3rd instant, I agree to the
three first, which are, in substance, that the good offices of our
friends cannot procure us a peace, without paying its price, that they
cannot materially lessen that price; and that paying it, we can have the
peace in spite of the intrigues of our enemies. As to the fourth, that
the longer the negotiation is delayed, the larger will be the demand;