Autograph letter: [Paris], to Monsieur Gerry, [1798 Aug. 6].

Summarizing his conversation with Mr. LaForêt; saying that he was asked by LaForêt if he thought the "President of the U.S. would refuse to send another minister or ministers to Paris to treat; I answered that the President might possibly deem such a measure as unbecoming the dignity of the government after the reiterated attempt it had lately made for that purpose. Can you think of no expedient then replyed Mr. L. to obviate such an impediment on the part of the President; none I answered, except what had been before suggested by you, of meeting upon a neutral ground; but it is possible however added I that were the President fully satisfied of the favorable issue of a new negociation, that he might select some American in Europe, and perhaps Mr. Short, who I believed had the confidence of all parties, to meet some one on the part of this Government;" saying that Mr. LaForêt expressed his doubts that the French government would accept Mr. Short given how critical Mr. Short was of the supporters of the French Revolution; saying that Mr. LaForêt called upon him an hour after he had left their meeting and following a meeting with Talleyrand, to say that Talleyrand would not be disposed to work with Mr. Short and suggested names of "several American citizens who would be agreeable, but I do not deem it essential to mention them. I was injoined to say nothing to Mr. Short of what had passed and am in honor bound not to do it; but I can conceal nothing from you, knowing that you will do nothing to hurt me, and feeling as I do a propriety in relating all that has been said to me from a certain quarter; in which even there now manifests a Sentiment of veneration and affection towards you which every body here partakes of and which he gives the most heartfelt pleasure."