Altho’ our best efforts have not obtained all that justice required, or what the policy of France should have given, enough is done, if ratified, to extricate the United States from a contest, which it might be as difficult to relinquish with honour as to pursue with a prospect of advantage,— a partial saving is also made for captured property,— guards are provided against future abuses, as well perhaps as they can be by stipulations,— and our country is disintangled from its former connections.

As the reign of Jacobinism in France is over, and appearances are strong in favour of a general peace, I hope you will think it was better to do this than to have done nothing.1 I have the honour to be, dear Sir, with high respect Your most obedient,