In the mean time, as to that part of your letter which respects matters of commerce, the fear of misunderstanding it induces me to mention my sense of it, and to ask if it be right. Where you are pleased to say, that ‘you are authorized to communicate to this government his Majesty’s readiness to enter into a negotiation for establishing that intercourse (of commerce) upon principles of reciprocal benefit,’ I understand that you are not furnished with any commission or express powers to arrange a treaty with us, or to make any specific propositions on the subject of commerce; but only to assure us that his Britannic Majesty is ready to concur with us, in appointing persons, times, and places for commencing such a negotiation. Be so good as to inform me if there be any misapprehension in this, as some steps on our part may be necessary in consequence of it. 1 have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, Th: Jefferson, LETTER LXXXVII.--TO MR. HAMMOND, December 12, 1791 TO MR. HAMMOND. Philadelphia, December 12, 1791. Sir, I take the liberty of enclosing you an extract of a letter from a respectable character, giving information of a Mr. Bowles, lately come from England into the Creek country, endeavoring to excite that nation of Indians to war against the United States, and pretending to be employed by the government of England. We have other testimony of these his pretensions, and that he carries them much farther than is here stated. We have too much confidence in the justice and wisdom of the British government, to believe they can approve of the proceedings of this incendiary and impostor, or countenance for a moment a person who takes the liberty of using their name for such a purpose; and I make the communication, merely that you may take that notice of the case which in your opinion shall be proper. I have the honor to be, with great and sincere esteem, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, Th: Jefferson. LETTER LXXXVIII.--TO MR. HAMMOND, December 13, 1791 TO MR. HAMMOND. Philadelphia, December 13, 1791. Sir, I have laid before the President of the United States the letters of November the 30th and December the 6th, with which you honored me, and in consequence thereof and particularly of that part of your letter of December the 6th, where you say that you are fully authorized to enter into a negotiation for the purpose of arranging the commercial intercourse between the two countries, I have the honor to inform you, that I am ready to receive a communication of your full powers for that purpose, at any time you shall think proper, and to proceed immediately to their object. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and respect. Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, Th: Jefferson. LETTER LXXXIX.--TO THE PRESIDENT, December 23, 1791 TO THE PRESIDENT. Philadelphia, December 23, 1791. Sir,