this could be the scene of negotiation, from considerations suggested by the nature of our government which will readily occur to you.  Congress will rise on this day se’nnight.  I enclose you a letter from Mrs. Greene, who asks your aid in getting her son forwarded by the Diligence to London, on his way to America.  The letter will explain to you the mode and the means, and the parentage and genius of the young gentleman will insure your aid to him.  As this goes by the French packet, I send no newspapers, laws, or other articles of that kind, the postage of which would be high.

I am with great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CIX.—­CIRCULAR TO THE AMERICAN CONSULS, May 31, 1792

CIRCULAR TO THE AMERICAN CONSULS.

Philadelphia, May 31, 1792.

Sir,

Congress having closed their session on the 8th instant, I have now the honor to forward you a copy of the laws passed thereat.  One of these, chapter twenty-four, will require your particular attention, as it contains such regulations relative to the consular office, as it has been thought proper to establish legislatively.

With respect to the security required by the sixth section I would prefer persons residing within the United States, where the party can procure such to be his security.  In this case, his own bond duly executed may be sent to me, and his sureties here may enter into a separate bond.  Where the party cannot conveniently find sureties within the United States, my distance, and want of means of knowing their sufficiency, oblige me to refer him to the Minister or Charge des Affaires of the United States, within the same government, if there be one, and if not, then to the Minister of the United States, resident at Paris.  The securities which they shall approve, will be admitted as good.  In like manner, the account for their disbursements, authorized by this law (and no other can be allowed) are to be settled at stated periods with the Minister or Charge within their residence, if there be one; if none, then with the Minister of the United States, at Paris.  The person who settles the account is authorized to pay it.  Our Consuls in America are not meant to be included in these directions as to securityship and the settlement of their accounts, as their situation gives them a more convenient communication with me.  It is also recommended to the Consuls to keep an ordinary correspondence with the Minister or Charge to whom they are thus referred; but it would be also useful, if they could forward directly to me, from time to time, the prices current of their place, and any other circumstances which it might be interesting to make known to our merchants without delay.