The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 2 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 2 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
SIR,--I received your favor of the 23d of September, two days ago. That of
the 28th and 29th, was put in my hands this morning. I immediately waited
on the ambassadors, ordinary and extraordinary, of the United Netherlands,
and also on the envoy of Prussia, and asked their good offices to have
an efficacious protection extended to your person, your family, and your
effects, observing that the United States know no party, but are the
friends and allies of the United Netherlands as a nation, and would expect
from their friendship, that the person who is charged with their affairs
until the arrival of a minister, should be covered from all insult and
injury which might be offered him by a lawless mob; well assured that
their minister residing with Congress, would, on all occasions, receive
the same. They have been so good as to promise me, each, that he will
in his first despatches press this matter on the proper power, and give
me reason to hope that it will be efficacious for your safety. I will
transmit your letter to Mr. Jay by the Count de Moustier, who sets out
within a week for New York, as Minister Plenipotentiary for France, in
that country. I sincerely sympathize in your sufferings, and wish that
what I have done may effect an end to them, being with much respect and
esteem, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant.
TO HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENT SULLIVAN.
PARIS, October 5, 1787.
SIR,--I have now before me your several favors of April the 16th, 26th,
and 30th, and of May the 9th and 29th, and received also a few days ago
the box containing the skin, bones, and horns of the moose, and other
animals, which your Excellency has been so kind as to take so much trouble
to obtain and forward. They were all in good enough condition, except
that a good deal of the hair of the moose had fallen off. However, there
remained still enough to give a good idea of the animal, and I am in hopes
Monsieur de Buffon will be able to have him stuffed, and placed on his
legs in the King's Cabinet. He was in the country when I sent the box to
the Cabinet, so that I have as yet no answer from him. I am persuaded he
will find the moose to be a different animal from any he had described
in his work. I am equally persuaded that our elk and deer are animals of
a different species from any existing in Europe. Unluckily, the horns of
them now received are remarkably small. However, I have taken measures to
procure some from Virginia. The moose is really a valuable acquisition;
but the skeletons of the other animals would not be worth the expense
they would occasion to me, and still less the trouble to you. Of this, you
have been already so kind as to take a great deal more than I intended to
have given you, and I beg you to accept my sincere thanks. Should a pair
of large horns of the elk or deer fall into your way by accident, I would
thank you to keep them till some vessel should be coming directly from
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