best advise you.  I imagine vessels are always coming from Philadelphia to France.  If there be a choice of ports, Havre would be the best.  I must beg you to direct them to the care of the American consul or agent at the port, to be sent by the Diligence or Fourgon.  A thousand apologies would not suffice for this trouble, if I meant to pay you in apologies only.  But I sincerely ask, and will punctually execute, the appointment of your charge des affaires in Europe generally.  From the smallest to the highest commission, I will execute with zeal and punctually, in buying, or doing any thing you wish, on this side the water.  And you may judge from the preceding specimen, that I shall not be behind hand in the trouble I shall impose on you.  Make a note of all the expenses attending my commissions, and favor me with it every now and then, and I will replace them.  My daughter is well, and retains an affectionate remembrance of her ancient patroness, your mother, as well as of your lady and family.  She joins me in wishing to them, and to Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse and family, every happiness.  Accept, yourself, assurances of the esteem with which I am, Dear Sir,

your friend and servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

P.S.  What is become of the Lunarium for the King?

LETTER CXLVIII.—­TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, January 4, 1786

TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.

Paris, January 4, 1786.

Dear Sir,

I have been honored with your letter of September the 26th, which was delivered me by Mr. Houdon, who is safely returned.  He has brought with him the mould of the face only, having left the other parts of his work with his workmen to come by some other conveyance.  Doctor Franklin, who was joined with me in the superintendence of this just monument, having left us before what is called the costume of the statue was decided on, I cannot so well satisfy myself, and I am persuaded I should not so well satisfy the world, as by consulting your own wish or inclination as to this article.  Permit me, therefore, to ask you whether there is any particular dress, or any particular attitude, which you would rather wish to be adopted.  I shall take a singular pleasure in having your own idea executed, if you will be so good as to make it known to me.

I thank you for the trouble you have taken in answering my inquiries on the subject of Bushnel’s machine.  Colonel Humphreys could only give me a general idea of it from the effects proposed, rather than the means contrived to produce them.