I have recd the Letter which you did me the Honor to write on the 2d. Inst. enclosing an Extract from one to Count de Vergennes.1

Your Solicitude for the Pardon of Mr Longchamps is generous, and it wd give me pleasure to co operate in Measures for obtaining it if public Considerations wd permit me to indulge my personal Feelings—

Noth In my Judgment nothing tends more to invigorate and render Government respectable, than to reward liberally and to pay and punish punctually.

The obligation and Expediency of the Laws of nations cannot be too constantly inculcated or too inflexibly maintained; and as the punishment of Mr Longchamps is in my opinion both just & adequate I really think the law shd. ^at least for the present^ be permitted to pursue its Course against him without Interruption; at least until he gives higher Evidence of Repentance and Contrition I have the Honor to be Sir with great Respect & Consideration Sir Your most obt. & very hble Servt