LETTER XLVII.--TO JOSHUA JOHNSON, December 23, 1790

TO JOSHUA JOHNSON.

Philadelphia, December 23, 1790.

Dear Sir,

The vexations of our seamen, and their sufferings under the press-gangs
of England, have become so serious, as to oblige our government to take
serious notice of it. The particular case has been selected where
the insult to the United States has been the most barefaced, the most
deliberately intentional, and the proof the most complete. The
enclosed letter to you is on that subject, and has been written on the
supposition that you would show the original to the Duke of Leeds,
and give him a copy of it, but as of your own movement, and not as if
officially instructed so to do. You will be pleased to follow up this
matter as closely as decency will permit, pressing it in firm but
respectful terms, on all occasions. We think it essential that Captain
Young's case may be an example to others. The enclosed, letters are
important. Be so good as to have them conveyed by the surest means
possible. I am, with great esteem, Dear Sir, you most obedient and most
humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.