of foreign vessels into the ports of their colonies; but the generous
character of the nation is a security to us, that their regulations can,
in no instance, run counter to the laws of nature; and among the first
of her laws, is that which bids us to succor those in distress. For an
obedience to this law, Don Blas appears to have suffered; and we are
satisfied, it is because his case has not been able to penetrate to his
Majesty's ministers, at least, in its true colors. We would not choose
to be committed by a formal solicitation, but we would wish you to avail
yourself of any good opportunity of introducing the truth to the ear of
the minister, and of satisfying him, that a redress of this hardship on
the Governor would be received here with pleasure, as a proof of respect
to those laws of hospitality which we would certainly observe in a like
case, as a mark of attention towards us, and of justice to an individual
for whose sufferings we cannot but feel.

With the present letter, you will receive the public and other papers as
usual, and I shall thank you in return, for a regular communication of
the best gazettes published in Madrid.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem, Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.




LETTER XXVII.--TO MR. GRAND, April 23, 1790