of the respect and attachment with which I have the honor to be your
Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XL.--TO SYLVANUS BOURNE, August 25, 1790


TO SYLVANUS BOURNE, _Consul at Hispaniola_.

New York, August 25, 1790.

Sir,

I enclose you herein sundry papers containing a representation from
Messrs. Updike and Earle of Providence, who complain that their sloop
Nancy was seized in the island of Hispaniola, and though without
foundation, as her acquittal proved, yet they were subjected to the
payment of very heavy expenses. It is to be observed, that in no country
does government pay the costs of a defendant in any prosecution, and
that often, though the party be acquitted, there may have been colorable
cause for the prosecution. However this may have been in the present
case, should the parties think proper to endeavor, by their own agent,
to obtain a reimbursement from the government or from individuals of
Hispaniola, I take the liberty of recommending their cause to your
patronage, so far as evidence and law shall be in their favor. If they
address the government, you will support their demands on the ground