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unfortunately we know also, that a particular person has been charged with instructions for us, these five months, who neither comes nor writes to us. What are we to do? It is my opinion, that if Mr. Lambe does not come in either of the packets (Eng lish or French) now expected, we ought to proceed. I therefore propose to you this term, as the end of our expectations of him, and that if he does not come, we send some other person. Dr. Bancroft or Captain Jones occurs to me as the fittest. If we con sider the present object only, I think the former would be the most proper : but if we look forward to the very probable event of war with those pirates, an important object would be obtained by Cap tain Jones becoming acquainted with their ports, force, tactics, &;c. Let me know your opinion on this. I have never mention ed it to either, but I suppose either might be induced to go. Pre sent me affectionately to the ladies and Colonel Smith, and be assured of the sincerity with which I am,
Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER LXXXVI.
TO DR. PRICE.
Paris, August 7, 3785. SIR,
Your favor of July the 2nd came duly to hand. The concern you therein express as to the effect of your pamphlet in America, induces me to trouble you with some observations on that subject.
From my acquaintance with that country, I think I am able to judge, with some degree of certainty, of the manner in which it will have been received. Southward of the Chesapeake, it will find but few readers concurring with it in sentiment, on the subject of slavery. From the mouth to the head of the Chesapeake, the bulk of the people will approve it in theory, and it will find a re spectable minority ready to adopt it in practice ; a minority, which for weight and worth of character, preponderates against the greater number, who have not the courage to divest their families of a property, which , however, keeps their consciences unquiet. North ward of the Chesapeake, you may find, here and there, an oppo nent to your doctrine, as you may find, here and there, a robber and murderer ; but in no greater number. In that part of Ame rica, there being but few slaves, they can easily disencumber
