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Mr. Short returned last night, and brought the Prussian treaty, duly executed in English and French. We may send it to Con gress by the Mr. Fitzhughs, going from hence. Will you draw and sign a short letter for that purpose ? I send you a copy of a letter received from the Marquis Fayette. In the present unsettled state of American commerce, I had as lieve avoid all further trea ties, except with American powers. If Count Merci, therefore, does not propose the subject to me, I shall not to him, nor do more than decency requires, if he does propose it. I am, with great esteem, .Dear Sir,
your most obedient humble servant,
TH: JEFFERSON.
LETTER CXIII. TO F. HOPKINSON.
Paris, September 25, 1785.
DEAR SIR,
My last to you was of the 6th of July. Since that, I have re ceived yours of July the 23rd. I do not altogether despair of making something of your method of quilling, though, as yet, the prospect is not favorable. I applaud much your perseverance in improving this instrument, and benefiting mankind almost in spite of their teeth. I mentioned to Piccini the improvement with which I am entrusted. He plays on the piano forte, and therefore did not feel himself personally interested. I hope some better oppor tunity will yet fall in my way of doing it justice. I had almost decided, on his advice, to get a piano forte for my daughter; but your last letter may pause me, till I see its effect.
Arts and arms are alike asleep for the moment. Ballooning indeed goes on. There are two artists in the neighborhood of Paris, who seem to be advancing towards the desideratum in this business. They are able to rise and fall at will, without expend ing their gas, and to deflect forty-five degrees from the course of the wind.
I desired you, in my last, to send the newspapers, notwithstand ing the expense. I had then no idea of it. Some late instances have made me perfectly acquainted with it. I have therefore been obliged to adopt the following plan. To have my newspapers, from the different States, enclosed to the office for Foreign Affairs, and to desire Mr. Jay to pack the whole in a box, and send it by the packet as merchandise, directed to the American consul at
