DEAR SIR,--I received yesterday the enclosed letter from a Mr. Wood, of New York. I should suppose the fruits of Europe stood nearly on the ground of the dry goods of Europe, not tempting evasion by exorbitant prices, nor defeating the object of the embargo in any important degree, even if a deviation should take place. I send it to yourself for decision and answer, in order that there may be an uniformity in the decisions. I am really glad to find the collector so cautious, and hope others will be equally so, and I place immense value in the experiment being fully made, how far an embargo may be an effectual weapon in future as well as on this occasion. I salute you with affection and respect. P. S. Will you send me sixteen copies of my letters to the Governors of Orleans, Georgia, &c., which I think you proposed to have printed? I will enclose it to the other governors with explanations. TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY. MONTICELLO, May 17, 1808. DEAR SIR,--Yours of the 16th came to hand last night. As the lead mines do not press in point of time, I would rather they should be the subject of a conversation on my return. It is not merely a question about the terms we have to consider, but the expediency of working them. As to the Savannah revenue cutter, I approve of the proposition in your letter, or whatever else you may think proper to be done. The regular traders to New Orleans may be admitted to go as usual, the characters of the owners being known to be safe, and provisions and lumber being excepted. Cotton perhaps may be permitted to be brought back on the consideration that its price in Europe is not likely to be such as that the adventurers may afford to pay all the forfeitures. I presume Mr. Price's application, which I enclose you, will fall under this general permission. Will you be so good as to have the proper answer given him. If we change our rule of tonnage for Mr. Murray's purpose, the next application will be for such a rate of tonnage as will allow them to bring back their property in the form of hay. General Dearborne has occasion to send a vessel to Passamaquoddy with cannon for the batteries, and perhaps provision for the troops, and has asked me to send him a blank license. But as these licenses are not signed by me, I refer him to you for the necessary arrangements. I shall sincerely lament Cuba's falling into any hands but those of its present owners. Spanish America is at present in the best hands for us, and "Chi sta bene, non si muove" should be our motto. I salute you with affection. TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE. MONTICELLO, May 19, 1808.