The ground of distinction between these two officers is this. Our
government thinks, that to whatever there may be either of honor or
profit resulting from the consular office, native citizens are first
entitled, where such, of proper character, will undertake the duties;
but where none such offer, a Vice-Consul is appointed of any other
nation. Should a proper native come forward at any future time, he will
be named Consul; but this nomination will not revoke the commission of
Vice-Consul: it will only suspend his functions during the continuance
of the Consul within the limits of his jurisdiction, and on his
departure therefrom, it is meant that the vice-consular authority shall
revive of course, without the necessity of a re-appointment.

It is understood, that Consuls and Vice-Consuls have authority, of
course, to appoint their own agents in the several ports of their
district, and that it is with themselves alone those agents are to
correspond.

It will be best not fatigue the government in which you reside, or those
in authority under it, with applications in unimportant cases. Husband
their good dispositions for occasions of some moment, and let all
representations to them be couched in the most temperate and friendly
terms, never indulging in any case whatever a single expression which
may irritate.

I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.