From Thomas Jefferson to John Mason, 19 May 1793
To John Mason
Philadelphia May 19. 1793.
Dear Sir
I have been longer without answering your favor of Apr. 26. than I would have been if the answer could be of any consequence. I knew also that the same information was handed you thro another channel, which I have now to give, and give only in respect to your letter. The government of the US. will not meddle with the investment of the monies they will pay to France. They will pay the cash to the order of the French minister, and leave it to him to make the purchases of flour in what places, and through what agents he pleases. You will therefore perceive that nothing can be done for you in the way proposed. Had there been room for it, no one would render you a service with more pleasure than Dear Sir Your most obedt. humble servt
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “Mr. John Mason.” Tr (DLC); 19th-century copy.
Tobias Lear sent Mason The same information on 6 May 1793 (, xxxii, 450n).
On 7 June 1793 Mason wrote TJ a brief letter enclosing his and James Fenwick’s joint consular bond for Stephen Cathalan, Jr., in accordance with TJ’s directions when he was in Philadelphia a few days ago (RC in DNA: RG 59, MLR; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esqr”; endorsed by George Taylor, Jr., as received 11 June 1793). The bond has not been found.