at Paris, and under the auspices of France. For this purpose, General
Armstrong and Mr. Bowdoin (both now at Paris) have been appointed joint
commissioners: but such a cloud of dissatisfaction rests on General
Armstrong in the minds of many persons, on account of a late occurrence
stated in all the public papers, that we have in contemplation to add
a third commissioner, in order to give the necessary measure of public
confidence to the commission. Of these two gentlemen, one being of
Massachusetts and one of new York, it is thought the third should be
a southern man; and the rather, as the interests to be negotiated
are almost entirely southern and western. This addition is not yet
ultimately decided on; but I am inclined to believe it will be adopted.
Under this expectation, and my wish that you may be willing to undertake
it, I give you the earliest possible intimation of it, that you may
be preparing both your mind and your measures for the mission. The
departure would be required to be very prompt; though the absence,
I think, will not be long, Bonaparte not being in the practice of
procrastination. This particular consideration will, I hope, reconcile
the voyage to your affairs and your feelings. The allowance to an extra
mission, is salary from the day of leaving home, and expenses to
the place of destination, or in lieu of the latter, and to avoid
settlements, a competent fixed sum may be given. For the return, a
continuance of the salary for three months after fulfilment of the
commission. Be so good as to make up your mind as quickly as possible,
and to answer me as early as possible. Consider the measure as proposed
provisionally only, and not to be communicated to any mortal until we
see it proper. Affectionate salutations.

Th: Jefferson.