from a minister, except a vague proposition at an accidental meeting.
We availed ourselves even of that, to make another essay to extort some
sort of declaration from the court. But their silence is invincible.
But of all this, as well as of the proceedings in the negotiation with
Portugal, information will be given you by a joint letter from Mr. Adams
and myself. The moment is certainly arrived, when, the plan of this
court being out of all doubt, Congress and the States may decide what
their own measures should be.

The Marquis of Lansdowne spoke of you in very friendly terms, and
desired me to present his respects to you, in the first letter I should
write. He is thoroughly sensible of the folly of the present measures
of this country, as are a few other characters about him. Dr. Price is
among these, and is particularly disturbed at the present prospect. He
acknowledges, however, that all change is desperate: which weighs the
more, as he is intimate with Mr. Pitt. This small band of friends,
favorable as it is, does not pretend to say one word in public on our
subject.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest esteem and
respect,

Sir, your most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.