TO M. VAN BERKEL.

Philadelphia, July 14,1791.

Sir,

I take the liberty of troubling you with the perusal of the enclosed
papers from Mr. Shaw, Consul for the United States in the East Indies;
wherein you will observe, he complains of a prohibition from the
government of Batavia, to American ships, by name, to have any trade
in that port, while such trade was permitted to other nations. I do not
hesitate to presume, that something has been misunderstood in this case.
My presumption is founded on those sentiments of general amity which
subsist between our government and that of the United Netherlands, and
also on the whole tenor of our treaty, which secures to us always the
treatment of the most favored nation. Nevertheless, the refusal by the
government of Batavia has been so formal, so deliberate and pointed, as
to render it necessary to ask for some explanation. If you will allow me
the honor of a moment's conference on this subject, the first time you
come to town, I shall be obliged to you: and in the mean time, have that
of assuring you of those sentiments of esteem and respect, with which I
am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER LXVIII.--TO GOUVERNEUR MORRIS, July 26,1791