affectionate respect and attachment, with which I have the honor to be
your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XXIII.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, April 6,1790

TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.

New York, April 6,1790.

Sir,

The President of the United States having been pleased, in the month of
June last, to give me leave of absence for some time from the court of
France, and to appoint Mr. William Short _chargé des affaires_ for the
United States during my absence, and having since thought proper to call
me to the office of Secretary of State, comprehending that of Foreign
Affairs, I have now the honor of requesting you to give credence to
whatever Mr. Short shall say to you on my part. He knows the interest
which our republic takes in the prosperity of France, our strong desire
to cultivate its friendship, and my zeal to promote it by whatever may
depend on my ministry, and I have no doubt he will so conduct himself as
to merit your confidence. I avail myself of this occasion of tendering
you assurances of the sentiments of respect and esteem, with which I
have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient and most humble
servant,