tables which would be formed, they would probably be ripe for taking the whole step, giving up these four points also, and making the reformation complete; and the rather, as in the present series and the one to be proposed, there would be so many points of very near approximation, as, aided in the same manner by tables, would not increase their difficulties, perhaps, indeed, would lessen them by the greater simplicity of the links by which the several members of the system are connected together. Perhaps, however, I was wrong in this supposition. The representatives of the people in Congress are alone competent to judge of the general disposition of the people, and to what precise point of reformation they are ready to go. On this, therefore, I do not presume to give an opinion, nor to pronounce between the comparative expediency of the three propositions; but shall be ready to give whatever aid I can to any of them which shall be adopted by the legislature. I have the honor to be, with perfect respect, your most obedient and most humble servant, Th: Jefferson. LETTER CXXIX.--TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE, January 2, 1793 TO THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. Philadelphia, January 2, 1793. Sir, According to the resolution of the House of Representatives, of the 31st of December, delivered to me yesterday, I have the honor to lay before you a list of the several persons employed in my office, with the salaries allowed to each, as follows: Dollars. George Taylor, jr. (of New York), chief clerk, his salary fixed by law,................................................. 800 Jacob Blackwell (of New York), clerk,......................... 500 George Pfeiffer (of Pennsylvania), clerk,..................... 500 Philip Freneau (of New York), clerk for foreign languages,.... 250 Sampson Crosby (of Massachusetts), messenger and office-keeper,................................................ 250 The act of Congress of June the 4th, 1790, c. 18, allowed me an additional clerk with the same salary as the chief clerk. After the retirement of the person first appointed, whose services had been particularly desirable, because of his long and intimate acquaintance with the papers of the office, it did not appear necessary to make further use of the indulgence of that law. No new appointment, therefore, has been made. The clerk for foreign languages has but half the usual salary. I found his clerkship on this establishment when I came into office, and made no change in it, except, that in the time of his predecessor, where translations were required from any language with which he was unacquainted, they were sent to a special translator and paid for by the public. The present clerk is required to defray this expense himself. I have the honor to be, with the most perfect respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant, Th: Jefferson. LETTER CXXX.--CIRCULAR TO THE MINISTERS, February 13, 1793