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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies,
+From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, by Thomas Jefferson
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Memoir, Correspondence, And Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson
+
+Author: Thomas Jefferson
+
+Editor: Thomas Jefferson Randolph
+
+Illustrator: Steel engraving by Longacre from painting of G. Stuart
+
+Release Date: September 30, 2005 [EBook #16782]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE WRITINGS OF THOMAS JEFFERSON ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by David Widger
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: Book Spines, 1829 set of Jefferson Papers]
+
+MEMOIR, CORRESPONDENCE, AND MISCELLANIES, FROM THE PAPERS OF THOMAS
+JEFFERSON.
+
+Edited by Thomas Jefferson Randolph.
+
+
+[Illustration: Steel engraving by Longacre from painting of G. Stuart]
+
+[Illustration: Titlepage of Volume Two (of four)]
+
+
+
+VOLUME TWO
+
+
+
+
+LETTER I.--TO RICHARD HENRY LEE, April 22, 1786
+
+
+TO RICHARD HENRY LEE.
+
+London, April 22, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+In your letter of October the 29th, you desired me to send you one of
+the new lamps. I tried at every probable place in Paris, and could not
+get a tolerable one. I have been glad of it since I came here, as I find
+them much better made here. I now deliver one, with this letter, into
+the hands of Mr. Fulwar Skipwith, a merchant from Virginia, settled
+here, who promises to send it to you, with one for Mr. C. Thomson. Of
+this be pleased to accept, from me. It is now found, that they may be
+used with almost any oil.
+
+I expect to leave this place in about three days. Our public letters,
+joint and separate, will inform you what has been done, and what could
+not be done here. With respect to a commercial treaty with this country,
+be assured, that this government not only has it not in contemplation
+at present to make any, but that they do not conceive that any
+circumstances will arise, which shall render it expedient for them to
+have any political connection with us. They think we shall be glad of
+their commerce on their own terms. There is no party in our favor here,
+either in power or out of power. Even the opposition concur with the
+ministry and the nation in this. I can scarcely consider as a party, the
+Marquis of Lansdowne, and a half dozen characters about him, such as Dr.
+Price, &c. who are impressed with the utility of a friendly connection
+with us. The former does not venture this sentiment in parliament, and
+the latter are not in situations to be heard. The Marquis of Lansdowne
+spoke to me affectionately of your brother, Doctor Lee, and desired his
+respects to him, which I beg leave to communicate through you. Were
+he to come into the ministry (of which there is not the most distant
+prospect), he must adopt the King's system, or go out again, as he did
+before, for daring to depart from it. When we see, that through all the
+changes of ministry, which have taken place during the present reign,
+there has never been a change of system with respect to America, we
+cannot reasonably doubt, that this is the system of the King himself.
+His obstinacy of character we know; his hostility we have known, and
+it is embittered by ill success. If ever this nation, during his life,
+enter into arrangements with us, it must be in consequence of events,
+of which they do not at present see a possibility. The object of the
+present ministry is to buoy up the nation with flattering calculations
+of their present prosperity, and to make them believe they are better
+without us than with us. This they seriously believe; for what is it
+men cannot be made to believe? I dined the other day in a company of the
+ministerial party. A General Clark, a Scotchman and ministerialist, sat
+next to me. He introduced the subject of American affairs, and in
+the course of the conversation told me, that were America to petition
+parliament to be again received on their former footing, the petition
+would be very generally rejected. He was serious in this, and I think
+it was the sentiment of the company, and is the sentiment perhaps of the
+nation. In this they are wise, but for a foolish reason. They think they
+lost more by suffering us to participate of their commercial privileges,
+at home and abroad, than they lose by our political severance. The true
+reason, however, why such an application should be rejected, is, that in
+a very short time we should oblige them to add another hundred millions
+to their debt, in unsuccessful attempts to retain the subjection offered
+to them. They are at present in a frenzy, and will not be recovered from
+it, till they shall have leaped the precipice they are now so boldly
+advancing to. Writing from England, I write you nothing but English
+news. The continent, at present, furnishes nothing interesting. I shall
+hope the favor of your letters, at times. The proceedings and views of
+Congress and of the Assemblies, the opinions and dispositions of
+our people in general, which, in governments like ours, must be the
+foundation of measures, will always be interesting to me, as will
+whatever respects your own health and happiness; being with great
+esteem,
+
+Dear Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson
+
+
+
+
+LETTER II.--TO CHARLES THOMSON, April 22, 1786
+
+
+TO CHARLES THOMSON.
+
+London, April 22, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+In one of your former letters, you expressed a wish to have one of the
+newly invented lamps. I find them made here much better than at Paris,
+and take the liberty of asking your acceptance of one, which will
+accompany this letter. It is now found, that any tolerable oil may be
+used in them. The spermaceti oil is best, of the cheap kinds.
+
+I could write you volumes on the improvements which I find made, and
+making here, in the arts. One deserves particular notice, because it
+is simple, great, and likely to have extensive consequences. It is
+the application of steam, as an agent for working grist-mills. I have
+visited the one lately made here. It was at that time turning eight pair
+of stones. It consumes one hundred bushels of coal a day. It is proposed
+to put up thirty pair of stones. I do not know whether the quantity
+of fuel is to be increased. I hear you are applying the same agent in
+America to navigate boats, and I have little doubt, but that it will
+be applied generally to machines, so as to supersede the use of water
+ponds, and of course to lay open all the streams for navigation. We
+know, that steam is one of the most powerful engines we can employ;
+and in America fuel is abundant. I find no new publication here worth
+sending to you. I shall set out for Paris within three or four days. Our
+public letters will inform you of our public proceedings here.
+
+I am, with sincere esteem, Dear Sir,
+
+your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER III.--TO JOHN JAY, April 23, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+London, April 23, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+In my letter of March the 12th, I had the honor of explaining to you
+the motives which had brought me to this place. A joint letter from Mr.
+Adams and myself, sent by the last packet, informed you of the result
+of our conferences with the Tripoline minister. The conferences with
+the minister of Portugal have, been drawn to a greater length than I
+expected. However, every thing is now agreed, and the treaty will be
+ready for signature the day after to-morrow. I shall set out for Paris
+the same day. With this country nothing is done: and that nothing is
+intended to be done, on their part, admits not the smallest doubt. The
+nation is against any change of measures: the ministers are against it;
+some from principle, others from subserviency: and the King, more than
+all men, is against it. If we take a retrospect to the beginning of the
+present reign, we observe, that amidst all the changes of ministry, no
+change of measures with respect to America ever took place; excepting
+only at the moment of the peace; and the minister of that moment was
+immediately removed. Judging of the future by the past, I do not expect
+a change of disposition during the present reign, which bids fair to
+be a long one, as the King is healthy and temperate. That he is
+persevering, we know. If he ever changes his plan, it will be in
+consequence of events, which, at present, neither himself nor his
+ministers place among those which are probable. Even the opposition dare
+not open their lips in favor of a connection with us, so unpopular would
+be the topic. It is not, that they think our commerce unimportant to
+them. I find that the merchants here set sufficient value on it. But
+they are sure of keeping it on their own terms. No better proof can be
+shown of the security in which the ministers think themselves on this
+head, than that they have not thought it worth while to give us a
+conference on the subject, though, on my arrival, we exhibited to them
+our commission, observed to them that it would expire on the 12th of
+the next month, and that I had come over on purpose to see if any
+arrangements could be made before that time. Of two months which then
+remained, six weeks have elapsed without one scrip of a pen, or one word
+from a minister, except a vague proposition at an accidental meeting.
+We availed ourselves even of that, to make another essay to extort some
+sort of declaration from the court. But their silence is invincible.
+But of all this, as well as of the proceedings in the negotiation with
+Portugal, information will be given you by a joint letter from Mr. Adams
+and myself. The moment is certainly arrived, when, the plan of this
+court being out of all doubt, Congress and the States may decide what
+their own measures should be.
+
+The Marquis of Lansdowne spoke of you in very friendly terms, and
+desired me to present his respects to you, in the first letter I should
+write. He is thoroughly sensible of the folly of the present measures
+of this country, as are a few other characters about him. Dr. Price is
+among these, and is particularly disturbed at the present prospect. He
+acknowledges, however, that all change is desperate: which weighs the
+more, as he is intimate with Mr. Pitt. This small band of friends,
+favorable as it is, does not pretend to say one word in public on our
+subject.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest esteem and
+respect,
+
+Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IV.--TO JOHN JAY, April 23, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+London, April 23, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+In another letter of this day, I stated to you what had passed with
+public characters since my arrival here. Conversations with private
+individuals, I thought it best not to mingle with the contents of that
+letter. Yet, as some have taken place, which relate to matters within
+our instructions, and with persons whose opinions deserve to have some
+weight, I will take the liberty of stating them. In a conversation with
+an ancient and respectable merchant of this place, such a view of the
+true state of the commercial connections of America and Great Britain
+was presented to him, as induced him to acknowledge they had been
+mistaken in their opinions, and to ask, that Mr. Adams and myself would
+permit the chairman of the committee of American merchants to call on
+us. He observed, that the same person happened to be also chairman of
+the committee of the whole body of British merchants; and that such was
+the respect paid to his person and office, that we might consider what
+came from him, as coming from the committees themselves. He called on
+us at an appointed hour. He was a Mr. Duncan Campbell, formerly much
+concerned in the American trade. We entered on the subject of the
+non-execution of the late treaty of peace, alleged on both sides.
+We observed, that the refusal to deliver the western posts, and the
+withdrawing American property, contrary to express stipulation, having
+preceded what they considered as breaches on our part, were to be
+considered as the causes of our proceedings. The obstructions thrown
+by our legislatures in the way of the recovery of their debts, were
+insisted on by him. We observed to him, that the great amount of the
+debt from America to Great Britain, and the little circulating coin in
+the formeer country, rendered an immediate payment impossible; that time
+was necessary; that we had been authorized to enter into explanatory
+arrangements on this subject; that we had made overtures for the
+purpose, which had not been attended to, and that the States had,
+therefore, been obliged to modify the article for themselves. He
+acknowledged the impossibility of immediate payment, the propriety of
+an explanatory convention, and said, that they were disposed to allow
+a reasonable time. We mentioned the term of five years, including the
+present; but that judgments might be allowed immediately, only dividing
+the execution into equal and annual parts, so that the last should be
+levied by the close of the year 1790. This seemed to be quite agreeable
+to him, and to be as short a term as would be insisted on by them.
+Proceeding to the sum to be demanded, we agreed that the principal, with
+the interest incurring before and after the war, should be paid; but
+as to that incurring during the war, we differed from him. He urged its
+justice with respect to themselves, who had laid out of the use of their
+money during that period. This was his only topic. We opposed to it all
+those which circumstances, both public and private, gave rise to.
+He appeared to feel their weight, but said the renunciation of this
+interest was a bitter pill, and such a one as the merchants here could
+not swallow. He wished, that no declaration should be made as to
+this article: but we observed, that if we entered into explanatory
+declarations of the points unfavorable to us, we should expect, as a
+consideration for this, corresponding declarations on the parts in
+our favor. In fact, we supposed his view was to leave this part of the
+interest to stand on the general expressions of the treaty, that
+they might avail themselves, in individual cases, of the favorable
+dispositions of debtors or of juries. We proceeded to the necessity of
+arrangements of our future commerce, were it only as a means of
+enabling our country to pay its debts. We suggested, that they had been
+contracted while certain modes of remittance had existed here, which
+had been an inducement to us to contract these debts. He said he was not
+authorized to speak on the subject of the future commerce. He appeared
+really and feelingly anxious, that arrangements should be stipulated as
+to the payment of the old debts, said he would proceed in that moment to
+Lord Caermarthen's, and discuss the subject with him, and that we might
+expect to hear from him. He took leave, and we have never since heard
+from him or any other person on the subject. Congress will judge how far
+these conversations should influence their future proceedings, or those
+of the States.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the highest respect and esteem, Sir, your
+most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER V.--TO JAMES MADISON, April 25, 1786
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+London, April 25, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Some of the objects of the joint commission, with which we were honored
+by Congress, called me to this place about six weeks ago. To-morrow I
+set out on my return to Paris. With this nation nothing is done; and it
+is now decided, that they intend to do nothing with us.
+
+*****
+
+I wrote you, in a former letter, on the subject of a Mr. Paradise,
+who owns an estate in Virginia in right of his wife, and who has a
+considerable sum due to him in our loan office. Since I came here, I
+have had opportunities of knowing his extreme personal worth, and his
+losses by the late war. He is, from principle, a pure republican, while
+his father was as warm a tory. His attachment to the American cause,
+and his candid warmth, brought him sometimes into altercations on the
+subject with his father, and some persons interested in their variance,
+artfully brought up this subject of conversation whenever they met. It
+produced a neglect in the father. He had already settled on him a sum of
+money in the funds: but would do no more, and probably would have undone
+that, if he could. When remittances from Virginia were forbidden,
+the profits of the Virginia estate were carried into our loan office.
+Paradise was then obliged to begin to eat his capital in England: from
+that, to part with conveniences, and to run in debt. His situation is
+now distressing; and would be completely relieved, could he receive what
+is due to him from our State. He is coming over to settle there. His
+wife and family will follow him. I never ask unjust preferences for any
+body. But if, by any just means, he can be helped to his money, I own
+I should be much gratified. The goodness of his heart, his kindness to
+Americans before, during, and since the war, the purity of his political
+and moral character, interest me in the events impending over him, and
+which will infallibly be ruinous, if he fails to receive his money. I
+ask of you, on his behalf, that in pursuing the path of right, you will
+become active for him, instead of being merely quiescent, as you might
+be, were his merit and his misfortunes unknown to you.
+
+I have put into the hands of Mr. Fulwar Skipwith for you, a packet
+containing some catalogues, which he will forward. I am, with very
+sincere esteem, Dear Sir,
+
+your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VI.--TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES, May 3, 1786
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE VERGENNES.
+
+Paris, May 3, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+After begging leave to present my respects to your Excellency, on my
+return to this place, I take the liberty of offering to your attention
+some papers, which I found on my arrival here, written by sundry
+merchants of L'Orient and others, some of whom are citizens of the
+United States, and all of them concerned in the trade between the two
+countries. This has been carried on by an exchange of the manufactures
+and produce of this country, for the produce of that, and principally
+for tobacco, which, though, on its arrival here, confined to a single
+purchaser, has been received equally from all sellers. In confidence
+of a continuance of this practice, the merchants of both countries were
+carrying on their commerce of exchange. A late contract by the Farm has,
+in a great measure, fixed in a single mercantile house the supplies of
+tobacco wanted for this country. This arrangement found the established
+merchants with some tobacco on hand, some on the seas coming to them,
+and more still due. By the papers now enclosed, it seems, that there
+are six thousand four hundred and eight hogsheads in the single port of
+L'Orient. Whether government may interfere, as to articles furnished by
+the merchants after they had notice of the contract before mentioned,
+must depend on principles of policy. But those of justice seem to urge,
+that, for commodities furnished before such notice, they should be so
+far protected, as that they may wind up, without loss, the transactions
+in which the new arrangement found them actually engaged. Your
+Excellency is the best judge, how far it may be consistent with the
+rules of government, to interfere for their relief, and with you,
+therefore, I beg leave entirely to rest their interests.
+
+Information lately received, relative to the Barbary States, has
+suggested, that it might be expedient, and perhaps necessary for us, to
+pave the way to arrangements with them, by a previous application to the
+Ottoman Porte. Your Excellency's intimate acquaintance with this subject
+would render your advice to us equally valuable and desirable. If you
+would be pleased to permit me to wait on you, any day or hour which
+shall be most convenient to yourself, I should be much gratified by a
+little conversation with you on this subject.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great respect, your Excellency's most
+obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VII.--TO JOHN PAGE, May 4, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN PAGE.
+
+Paris, May 4, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your two favors of March the 15th and August the 23, 1785, by Monsieur
+de la Croix, came to hand on the 15th of November. His return gives me
+an opportunity of sending you a copy of the Nautical Almanacs for 1786,
+7, 8, 9. There is no late and interesting publication here, or I would
+send it by the same conveyance. With these almanacs, I pack a copy of
+some Notes I wrote for Monsieur de Marbois, in the year 1781, of which I
+had a few printed here. They were written in haste, and for his private
+inspection. A few friends having asked copies, I found it cheaper to
+print than to write them. They will offer nothing new to you, not even
+as an oblation of my friendship for you, which is as old almost as we
+are ourselves. Mazzei brought me your favor of April the 27th. I thank
+you much for your communications. Nothing can be more grateful at such
+a distance. It is unfortunate, that most people think the occurrences
+passing daily under their eyes, are either known to all the world, or
+not worth being known. They therefore do not give them place in their
+letters. I hope you will be so good as to continue your friendly
+information. The proceedings of our public bodies, the progress of the
+public mind on interesting questions, the casualties which happen among
+our private friends, and whatever is interesting to yourself and family,
+will always be anxiously received by me. There is one circumstance in
+the work you were concerned in, which has not yet come to my knowledge;
+to wit, How far westward from Fort Pitt, does the western boundary of
+Pennsylvania pass, and where does it strike the Ohio? The proposition
+you mention from Mr. Anderson, on the purchase of tobacco, I would have
+made use of, but that I have engaged the abuses of the tobacco trade on
+a more general scale. I confess their redress is by no means certain;
+but till I see all hope of removing the evil by the roots desperate, I
+cannot propose to prune its branches.
+
+I returned but three or four days ago, from a two months' trip to
+England. I traversed that country much, and own, both town and country
+fell short of my expectations. Comparing it with this, I found a much
+greater proportion of barrens, a soil, in other parts, not naturally so
+good as this, not better cultivated, but better manured, and therefore
+more productive. This proceeds from the practice of long leases there,
+and short ones here. The laboring people here, are poorer than in
+England. They pay about one half their produce in rent; the English, in
+general, about a third. The gardening, in that country, is the article
+in which it surpasses all the earth. I mean their pleasure gardening.
+This, indeed, went far beyond my ideas. The city of London, though
+handsomer than Paris, is not so handsome as Philadelphia. Their
+architecture is in the most wretched style I ever saw, not meaning to
+except America, where it is bad, nor even Virginia, where it is worse
+than in any other part of America which I have seen. The mechanical arts
+in London are carried to a wonderful perfection. But of these I need
+not speak, because, of them my countrymen have unfortunately too many
+samples before their eyes. I consider the extravagance which has seized
+them, as a more baneful evil than toryism was during the war. It is the
+more so, as the example is set by the best and most amiable characters
+among us. Would a missionary appear, who would make frugality the basis
+of his religious system, and go through the land, preaching it up as the
+only road to salvation, I would join his school, though not generally
+disposed to seek my religion out of the dictates of my own reason, and
+feelings of my own heart. These things have been more deeply impressed
+on my mind, by what I have heard and seen in England. That nation hate
+us, their ministers hate us, and their King, more than all other men.
+They have the impudence to avow this, though they acknowledge our trade
+important to them. But they think, we cannot prevent our countrymen from
+bringing that into their laps. A conviction of this determines them
+to make no terms of commerce with us. They say, they will pocket
+our carrying trade as well as their own. Our overtures of commercial
+arrangements have been treated with a derision, which shows their firm
+persuasion, that we shall never unite to suppress their commerce, or
+even to impede it. I think their hostility towards us is much more
+deeply rooted at present, than during the war. In the arts, the most
+striking thing I saw there, new, was the application of the principle
+of the steam-engine to grist-mills. I saw eight pair of stones which
+are worked by steam, and there are to be set up thirty pair in the same
+house. A hundred bushels of coal, a day, are consumed at present. I do
+not know in what proportion the consumption will be increased by the
+additional gear.
+
+Be so good as to present my respects to Mrs. Page and your family, to W.
+Lewis, F. Willis, and their families, and to accept yourself assurances
+of the sincere regard, with which I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER VIII.--TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL
+
+
+TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, May 5, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+A visit of two months to England has been the cause of your not hearing
+from me during that period. Your letters of February the 3rd, to Mr.
+Adams and myself, and of February the 4th, to me, had come to hand
+before my departure. While I was in London, Mr. Adams received the
+letters giving information of Mr. Lambe's arrival at Algiers. In London,
+we had conferences with a Tripoline ambassador, now at that court, named
+Abdrahaman. He asked us thirty thousand guineas for a peace with his
+court, and as much for Tunis, for which he said he could answer. What we
+were authorized to offer, being to this, but as a drop to a bucket,
+our conferences were repeated, only for the purpose of obtaining
+information. If the demands of Algiers and Morocco should be
+proportioned to this, according to their superior power, it is easy to
+foresee that the United States will not buy a peace with money. What
+principally led me to England was, the information that the Chevalier
+del Pinto, Portuguese minister at that court, had received full powers
+to treat with us. I accordingly went there, and, in the course of six
+weeks, we arranged a commercial treaty between our two countries. His
+powers were only to negotiate, not to sign. And as I could not wait, Mr.
+Adams and myself signed, and the Chevalier del Pinto expected daily the
+arrival of powers to do the same. The footing on which each has placed
+the other, is that of the most favored nation. We wished much to have
+had some privileges in their American possessions: but this was not
+to be effected. The right to import flour into Portugal, though not
+conceded by the treaty, we are not without hopes of obtaining.
+
+My journey furnished us occasion to renew our overtures to the court
+of London; which it was the more important to do, as our powers to that
+court were to expire on the 12th of this month. These overtures were not
+attended to, and our commission expiring, we made our final report to
+Congress; and I suppose this the last offer of friendship, which will
+ever be made on our part. The treaty of peace being unexecuted on either
+part, in important points, each will now take their own measures for
+obtaining execution. I think the King, ministers, and nation are more
+bitterly hostile to us at present, than at any period of the late war.
+A like disposition on our part, has been rising for some time. In what
+events these things will end, we cannot foresee. Our countrymen are
+eager in their passions and enterprise, and not disposed to calculate
+their interests against these. Our enemies (for such they are, in fact)
+have for twelve years past, followed but one uniform rule, that of doing
+exactly the contrary of what reason points out. Having early, during our
+contest, observed this in the British conduct, I governed myself by it,
+in all prognostications of their measures; and I can say, with truth, it
+never failed me but in the circumstance of their making peace with us. I
+have no letters from America of later date than the new year. Mr. Adams
+had, to the beginning of February. I am in hopes our letters will give a
+new spur to the proposition, for investing Congress with the regulation
+of our commerce.
+
+This will be handed you by a Baron Waltersdorf, a Danish gentleman,
+whom, if you did not already know, I should take the liberty of
+recommending to you. You were so kind as to write me, that you would
+forward me a particular map, which has not come to hand.
+
+I beg you to be assured of the respect and esteem, with which I have the
+honor to be, Dear Sir,
+
+your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER IX.--TO MR. DUMAS, May 6, 1789
+
+
+TO MR. DUMAS.
+
+Paris, May 6, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+Having been absent in England, for some time past, your favors of
+February the 27th, March the 28th, and April the 11th, have not been
+acknowledged so soon as they should have been. I am obliged to you, for
+assisting to make me known to the Rhingrave de Salm and the Marquis de
+la Coste, whose reputations render an acquaintance with them desirable.
+I have not yet seen either: but expect that honor from the Rhingrave
+very soon. Your letters to Mr. Jay and Mr. Van Berkel, received in my
+absence, will be forwarded by a gentleman who leaves this place for New
+York, within a few days. I sent the treaty with Prussia by a gentleman
+who sailed from Havre, the 11th of November. The arrival of that vessel
+in America is not yet known here. Though the time is not long enough to
+produce despair, it is sufficiently so to give inquietude lest it should
+be lost. This would be a cause of much concern to me: I beg the favor
+of you to mention this circumstance to the Baron de Thulemeyer, as an
+apology for his not hearing from us. The last advices from America bring
+us nothing interesting. A principal object of my journey to London was,
+to enter into commercial arrangements with Portugal. This has been done
+almost in the precise terms of those of Prussia. The English are still
+our enemies. The spirit existing there, and rising in America, has
+a very lowering aspect. To what events it may give birth, I cannot
+foresee. We are young, and can survive them; but their rotten machine
+must crush under the trial. The animosities of sovereigns are temporary,
+and may be allayed: but those which seize the whole body of a people,
+and of a people, too, who dictate their own measures, produce calamities
+of long duration. I shall not wonder to see the scenes of ancient Rome
+and Carthage renewed in our day; and if not pursued to the same issue,
+it may be, because the republic of modern powers will not permit the
+extinction of any one of its members. Peace and friendship with all
+mankind is our wisest policy: and I wish we may be permitted to pursue
+it. But the temper and folly of our enemies may not leave this in our
+choice. I am happy in our prospect of friendship with the most estimable
+powers of Europe, and particularly with those of the confederacy, of
+which yours is. That your present crisis may have a happy issue, is the
+prayer and wish of him, who has the honor to be, with great respect and
+esteem, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER X.--TO WILLIAM DRAYTON, May 6, 1786
+
+
+TO WILLIAM DRAYTON.
+
+Paris, May 6, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+Your favor of November the 23rd came duly to hand. A call to England,
+soon after its receipt, has prevented my acknowledging it so soon as I
+should have done. I am very sensible of the honor done me by the South
+Carolina society for promoting and improving agriculture and other rural
+concerns, when they were pleased to elect me to be of their body: and
+I beg leave, through you, Sir, to convey to them my grateful thanks
+for this favor. They will find in me, indeed, but a very unprofitable
+servant. At present, particularly, my situation is unfavorable to the
+desire I feel, of promoting their views. However, I shall certainly
+avail myself of every occasion, which shall occur of doing so. Perhaps
+I may render some service, by forwarding to the society such new objects
+of culture, as may be likely to succeed in the soil and climate of
+South Carolina. In an infant country, as ours is, these experiments are
+important. We are probably far from possessing, as yet, all the articles
+of culture for which nature has fitted our country. To find out
+these, will require abundance of unsuccessful experiments. But if in
+a multitude of these, we make one useful acquisition, it repays our
+trouble. Perhaps it is the peculiar duty of associated bodies, to
+undertake these experiments. Under this sense of the views of the
+society, and with so little opportunity of being otherwise useful to
+them, I shall be attentive to procure for them the seeds of such plants,
+as they will be so good as to point out to me, or as shall occur to
+myself as worthy their notice. I send at present, by Mr. McQueen, some
+seeds of a grass, found very useful in the southern parts of Europe, and
+particularly, and almost solely, cultivated in Malta. It is called
+by the names of Sulla, and Spanish St. Foin, and is the _Hedysarum
+coronarium_ of Linnaeus. It is usually sown early in autumn. I shall
+receive a supply of fresher seed this fall, which I will also do myself
+the honor of forwarding to you. I expect, in the same season, from the
+south of France, some acorns of the cork oak, which I propose for your
+society, as I am persuaded they will succeed with you. I observed it
+to grow in England, without shelter; not well indeed; but so as to give
+hopes that it would do well with you. I shall consider myself as always
+honored by the commands of the society, whenever they shall find it
+convenient to make use of me, and beg you to be assured, personally, of
+the sentiments of respect and esteem, with which I have the honor to be,
+Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XI.--TO W. T. FRANKLIN, May 7, 1786
+
+
+TO W. T. FRANKLIN.
+
+Paris, May 7, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+On my return from a two months' visit to England, I found here your favor
+of January the 18th. This contains the latest intelligence I have from
+America. Your effects not being then arrived, gives me anxiety for them,
+as I think they went in a vessel, which sailed from Havre the 11th of
+November. In this vessel, went also the two Mr. Fitzhughs of Virginia,
+with the Prussian treaty, our papers relative to the Barbary States,
+with the despatches for Congress, and letters which I had been writing
+to other persons in America for six weeks preceding their departure. I
+am obliged to you for the information as to Dr. Franklin's health, in
+which I feel a great interest. I concur in opinion with you, that in the
+present factious division of your State, an angel from heaven could do
+no good. I have been sorry, therefore, from the beginning, to see such
+time as Dr. Franklin's wasted on so hopeless a business. You have formed
+a just opinion of Monroe. He is a man whose soul might be turned wrong
+side outwards, without discovering a blemish to the world. I wish with
+all my heart, Congress may call you into the diplomatic line, as that
+seems to have attracted your own desires. It is not one in which you
+can do any thing more, than pass the present hour agreeably, without any
+prospect to future provision. Perhaps the arrangements with Portugal,
+by adding to the number of those appointments, may give Congress
+an opportunity of doing justice to your own, and to Dr. Franklin's
+services. If my wishes could aid you, you have them sincerely. My late
+return to this place scarcely enables me to give you any of its news.
+I have not yet called on M. La Veillard, or seen any of your
+acquaintances. The marriage of the ambassador of Sweden with Miss
+Necker, you have heard of. Houdon is about taking a wife also. His bust
+of the General has arrived, and meets the approbation of those who know
+the original. Europe enjoys a perfect calm, at present. Perhaps it may
+be disturbed by the death of the King of Prussia, which is constantly
+expected. As yet, we have no information from the Barbary States, which
+may enable us to prognosticate the success of our endeavors to effect a
+peace in that quarter. Present me respectfully and affectionately to
+Dr. Franklin, and accept assurances of the esteem, with which I am, Dear
+Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XII.--TO ELBRIDGE GERRY, May 7, 1786
+
+
+TO ELBRIDGE GERRY.
+
+Paris, May 7, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of the 11th of October. Soon after that, your favor
+of the 12th of September came to hand. My acknowledgment of this is made
+later than it should have been, by my trip to England. Your long silence
+I ascribe to a more pleasing cause, that of devoting your spare time to
+one more capable of filling it with happiness, and to whom, as well as
+to yourself, I wish all those precious blessings which this change of
+condition is calculated to give you.
+
+My public letters to Mr. Jay will have apprized you of my journey to
+England, and of its motives; and the joint letters of Mr. Adams
+and myself, of its effects. With respect to Portugal, it produced
+arrangements; with respect to England and Barbary, only information.
+I am quite at a loss what you will do with England. To leave her in
+possession of our posts, seems inadmissible; and yet to take them,
+brings on a state of things, for which we seem not to be in readiness.
+Perhaps a total suppression of her trade, or an exclusion of her vessels
+from the carriage of our produce, may have some effect; but I believe
+not very great. Their passions are too deeply and too universally
+engaged in opposition to us. The ministry have found means to persuade
+the nation, that they are richer than they were while we participated of
+their commercial privileges. We should try to turn our trade into other
+channels. I am in hopes this country will endeavor to give it more
+encouragement. But what will you do with the piratical States? Buy a
+peace at their enormous price; force one; or abandon the carriage into
+the Mediterranean to other powers? All these measures are disagreeable.
+The decision rests with you. The Emperor is now pressing a treaty with
+us. In a commercial view, I doubt whether it is desirable: but in a
+political one, I believe it is. He is now undoubtedly the second power
+in Europe, and on the death of the King of Prussia, he becomes the first
+character. An alliance with him will give us respectability in Europe,
+which we have occasion for. Besides, he will be at the head of the
+second grand confederacy of Europe, and may at any time serve us with
+the powers constituting that. I am pressed on so many hands to recommend
+Dumas to the patronage of Congress, that I cannot avoid it. Every body
+speaks well of him, and his zeal in our cause. Any thing done for him
+will gratify this court, and the patriotic party in Holland, as well as
+some distinguished individuals. I am induced, from my own feelings, to
+recommend Colonel Humphreys to your care. He is sensible, prudent, and
+honest, and may be very firmly relied on, in any office which requires
+these talents. I pray you to accept assurance of the sincere esteem and
+respect, with which I am,
+
+Dear Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XIII.--TO JAMES ROSS, May 8, 1786
+
+
+TO JAMES ROSS.
+
+Paris, May 8, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have duly received your favor of October the 22nd, and am much
+gratified by the communications therein made. It has given me details,
+which do not enter into the views of my ordinary correspondents, and
+which are very entertaining. I experience great satisfaction at seeing
+my country proceed to facilitate the intercommunications of its several
+parts, by opening rivers, canals, and roads. How much more rational is
+this disposal of public money, than that of waging war.
+
+Before the receipt of your letter, Morris's contract for sixty thousand
+hogsheads of tobacco was concluded with the Farmers General. I have been
+for some time occupied in endeavoring to destroy the root of the evils,
+which the tobacco trade encounters in this country, by making the
+ministers sensible, that merchants will not bring a commodity to a
+market, where but one person is allowed to buy it; and that so long as
+that single purchaser is obliged to go to foreign markets for it, he
+must pay for it in coin, and not in commodities. These truths have made
+their way to the minds of the ministry, insomuch, as to have delayed
+the execution of the new lease of the Farms, six months. It is
+renewed, however, for three years, but so as not to render impossible a
+reformation of this great evil. They are sensible of the evil, but it is
+so interwoven with their fiscal system, that they find it hazardous to
+disentangle. The temporary distress, too, of the revenue, they are
+not prepared to meet. My hopes, therefore, are weak, though not quite
+desperate. When they become so, it will remain to look about for the
+best palliative this monopoly can bear. My present idea is, that it will
+be found in a prohibition to the Farmers General, to purchase tobacco
+any where but in France. You will perceive by this, that my object is to
+strengthen the connection between this country and my own in all
+useful points. I am of opinion, that twenty-three thousand hogsheads
+of tobacco, the annual consumption of this country, do not exceed the
+amount of those commodities, which it is more advantageous to us to buy
+here than in England, or elsewhere; and such a commerce would powerfully
+reinforce the motives for a friendship from this country towards ours.
+This friendship we ought to cultivate closely, considering the present
+dispositions of England towards us.
+
+I am lately returned from a visit to that country. The spirit of
+hostility to us has always existed in the mind of the King, but it
+has now extended itself through the whole mass of the people, and the
+majority in the public councils. In a country, where the voice of the
+people influences so much the measures of administration, and where it
+coincides with the private temper of the King, there is no pronouncing
+on future events. It is true, they have nothing to gain, and much to
+lose, by a war with us. But interest is not the strongest passion in the
+human breast. There are difficult points, too, still unsettled between
+us. They have not withdrawn their armies out of our country, nor given
+satisfaction for the property they brought off. On our part, we have not
+paid our debts, and it will take time to pay them. In conferences with
+some distinguished mercantile characters, I found them sensible of the
+impossibility of our paying these debts at once, and that an endeavor
+to force universal and immediate payment, would render debts desperate,
+which are good in themselves. I think we should not have differed in the
+term necessary. We differed essentially in the article of interest. For
+while the principal, and interest preceding and subsequent to the war,
+seem justly due from us, that which accrued during the war does not.
+Interest is a compensation for the use of money. Their money, in our
+hands, was in the form of lands and negroes. Tobacco, the produce of
+these lands and negroes (or, as I may call it, the interest for them),
+being almost impossible of conveyance to the markets of consumption,
+because taken by themselves in its way there, sold during the war at
+five or six shillings the hundred. This did not pay taxes, and for
+tools, and other plantation charges. A man who should have attempted to
+remit to his creditor tobacco, for either principal or interest, must
+have remitted it three times before one cargo would have arrived safe:
+and this from the depredations of their own nation, and often of the
+creditor himself; for some of the merchants entered deeply into the
+privateering business. The individuals who did not, say they have lost
+this interest: the debtor replies, that he has not gained it, and that
+it is a case where, a loss having been incurred, every one tries to
+shift it from himself. The known bias of the human mind from motives of
+interest should lessen the confidence of each party in the justice of
+their reasoning: but it is difficult to say, which of them should
+make the sacrifice, both of reason and interest. Our conferences were
+intended as preparatory to some arrangement. It is uncertain how far
+we should have been able to accommodate our opinions. But the absolute
+aversion of the government to enter into any arrangement prevented the
+object from being pursued. Each country is left to do justice to itself
+and to the other, according to its own ideas as to what is past; and to
+scramble for the future as well as they can: to regulate their commerce
+by duties and prohibitions, and perhaps by cannons and mortars; in which
+event, we must abandon the ocean, where we are weak, leaving to neutral
+nations the carriage of our commodities; and measure with them on land,
+where they alone can lose. Farewell, then, all our useful improvements
+of canals and roads, reformations of laws, and other rational
+employments. I really doubt, whether there is temper enough, on either
+side, to prevent this issue of our present hatred. Europe is, at this
+moment, without the appearance of a cloud. The death of the King of
+Prussia, daily expected, may raise one. My paper admonishes me, that,
+after asking a continuance of your favors, it is time for me to conclude
+with assurances of the esteem with which I am,
+
+Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XIV.--TO T. PLEASANTS, May 8,1786
+
+
+TO T. PLEASANTS.
+
+Paris, May 8,1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+At the time of the receipt of your favor of October the 24th, the
+contract between the Farmers General and Mr. Morris, for tobacco, was
+concluded, and in a course of execution. There was no room, therefore,
+to offer the proposals which accompanied your letter. I was, moreover,
+engaged in endeavors to have the monopoly, in the purchase of this
+article, in this country, suppressed. My hopes on that subject are not
+desperate, but neither are they flattering. I consider it as the most
+effectual means of procuring the full value of our produce, of diverting
+our demands for manufactures from Great Britain to this country, to a
+certain amount, and of thus producing some equilibrium in our commerce,
+which at present lies all in the British scale. It would cement an union
+with our friends, and lessen the torrent of wealth which we are pouring
+into the laps of our enemies. For my part, I think that the trade with
+Great Britain is a ruinous one to ourselves; and that nothing would
+be an inducement to tolerate it, but a free commerce with their West
+Indies: and that this being denied to us, we should put a stop to
+the losing branch. The question is, whether they are right in their
+prognostications, that we have neither resolution nor union enough for
+this. Every thing I hear from my own country, fills me with despair as
+to their recovery from their vassalage to Great Britain. Fashion
+and folly are plunging them deeper and deeper into distress: and the
+legislators of the country becoming debtors also, there seems no hope
+of applying the only possible remedy, that of an immediate judgment and
+execution. We should try, whether the prodigal might not be restrained
+from taking on credit the gewgaw held out to him in one hand, by seeing
+the keys of a prison in the other. Be pleased to present my respects to
+Mrs. Pleasants, and to be assured of the esteem with which I am,
+
+Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XV.--TO COLONEL MONROE, May 10,1786
+
+
+TO COLONEL MONROE.
+
+Paris, May 10,1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of January the 27th. Since that, I have received
+yours of January the 19th. Information from other quarters gives me
+reason to suspect you have in negotiation a very important change in
+your situation. You will carry into its execution all my wishes for your
+happiness. I hope it will not detach you from a settlement in your
+own country. I had even entertained hopes of your settling in my
+neighborhood: but these were determined by your desiring a plan of a
+house for Richmond. However reluctantly I relinquish this prospect, I
+shall not the less readily obey your commands, by sending you a plan.
+Having been much engaged since my return from England, in answering the
+letters and despatching other business which had accumulated during my
+absence, and being still much engaged, perhaps I may not be able to send
+the plan by this conveyance. If I do not send it now, I will surely by
+the next conveyance after this. Your _Encyclopedie_, containing eighteen
+_livraisons_, went off last night for Havre, from whence it will go in
+a vessel bound to New York. It will be under the care of M. la Croix,
+a passenger, who, if he does not find you in New York, will carry it to
+Virginia, and send it to Richmond. Another copy, in a separate box,
+goes for Currie. I pay here all charges to New York. What may occur
+afterwards, I desire him to ask either of you or Currie, as either will
+pay for the other; or to draw on me for them.
+
+My letters to Mr. Jay will have informed you of the objects which
+carried me to England: and that the principal one, the treaty with
+Portugal, has been accomplished. Though we were unable to procure any
+special advantages in that, yet we thought it of consequence to insure
+our trade against those particular checks and discouragements, which it
+has heretofore met with there. The information as to the Barbary States,
+which we obtained from Abdrahaman the Tripoline ambassador, was also
+given to Mr. Jay. If it be right, and the scale of proportion between
+those nations, which we had settled, be also right, eight times the sum
+required by Tripoli will be necessary to accomplish a peace with the
+whole; that is to say, about two hundred and forty thousand guineas.
+The continuance of this peace will depend on their idea of our power to
+enforce it, and on the life of the particular Dey, or other head of the
+government, with whom it is contracted. Congress will, no doubt,
+weigh these circumstances against the expense and probable success of
+compelling a peace by arms. Count d'Estaing having communicated to me
+verbally some information as to an experiment formerly made by this
+country, I shall get him to put it into writing, and I will forward it
+to Congress, as it may aid them in their choice of measures. However,
+which plan is most eligible can only be known to yourselves, who are on
+the spot, and have under your view all the difficulties of both. There
+is a third measure, that of abandoning the Mediterranean carriage to
+other nations.
+
+With respect to England, no arrangements can be taken. The merchants
+were certainly disposed to have consented to accommodation, as to the
+article of debts. I was not certain, when I left England, that they
+would relinquish the interest during the war. A letter received since,
+from the first character among the American merchants in Scotland,
+satisfies me they would have relinquished it, to insure the capital and
+residue of interest. Would to heaven, all the States, therefore, would
+settle a uniform plan. To open the courts to them, so that they might
+obtain judgments; to divide the executions into so many equal annual
+instalments, as that the last might be paid in the year 1790; to have
+the payments in actual money; and to include the capital, and interest
+preceding and subsequent to the war, would give satisfaction to the
+world, and to the merchants in general. Since it is left for each nation
+to pursue their own measures, in the execution of the late treaty, may
+not Congress, with propriety, recommend a mode of executing that article
+respecting the debts, and send it to each State to be passed into law?
+Whether England gives up the posts or not, these debts must be paid,
+or our character stained with infamy among all nations, and through all
+time. As to the satisfaction for slaves carried off, it is a bagatelle,
+which, if not made good before the last instalment becomes due, may be
+secured out of that.
+
+I formerly communicated the overtures for a treaty, which had been made
+by the imperial ambassador. The instructions from Congress being
+in their favor, and Mr. Adams's opinion also, I encouraged them. He
+expected his full powers when I went to England. Yet I did not think,
+nor did Mr. Adams, that this was of importance enough to weigh against
+the objects of that journey. He received them soon after my departure,
+and communicated it to me on my return, asking a copy of our
+propositions. I gave him one, but observed, our commission had then but
+a few days to run. He desired I should propose to Congress the giving
+new powers to go on with this, and said, that, in the mean time, he
+would arrange with us the plan. In a commercial view, no great good is
+to be gained by this. But in a political one, it may be expedient. As
+the treaty would, of course, be in the terms of those of Prussia and
+Portugal, it will give us but little additional embarrassment, in any
+commercial regulations we may wish to establish. The exceptions from
+these, which the other treaties will require, may take in the treaty
+with the Emperor. I should be glad to communicate some answer, as soon
+as Congress shall have made up their minds on it. My information to
+Congress, on the subject of our commercial articles with this country,
+has only come down to January the 27th. Whether I shall say any thing on
+it, in my letter to Mr. Jay by this conveyance, depends on its not
+being too early for an appointment I expect hourly from the Count de
+Vergennes, to meet him on this and other subjects. My last information
+was, that the lease was too far advanced to withdraw from it the article
+of tobacco, but that a clause is inserted in it, empowering the King
+to discontinue it at any time. A discontinuance is, therefore, the
+only remaining object, and as even this cannot be effected till the
+expiration of the old lease, which is about the end of the present year,
+I have wished only to stir the subject, from time to time, so as to keep
+it alive. This idea led me into a measure proposed by the Marquis de
+la Fayette, whose return from Berlin found the matter at that point, to
+which my former report to Congress had conducted it. I communicated to
+him what I had been engaged on, what were my prospects, and my purpose
+of keeping the subject just open. He offered his services with that zeal
+which commands them on every occasion respecting America. He suggested
+to me the meeting two or three gentlemen, well acquainted with this
+business. We met. They urged me to propose to the Count de Vergennes,
+the appointing a committee to take the matter into consideration. I
+told them, that decency would not permit me to point out to the Count de
+Vergennes the mode by which he should conduct a negotiation, but that
+I would press again the necessity of an arrangement, if, whilst that
+should be operating on his mind, they would suggest the appointment of
+a committee. The Marquis offered his services for this purpose. The
+consequence was the appointment of a committee, and the Marquis as a
+member of it. I communicated to him my papers. He collected other lights
+wherever he could, and particularly from the gentlemen with whom we had
+before concerted, and who had a good acquaintance with the subject. The
+Marquis became our champion in the committee, and two of its members,
+who were of the corps of Farmers General, entered the lists on the other
+side. Each gave in memorials. The lease, indeed, was signed while I was
+gone to England, but the discussions were, and still are continued in
+the committee: from which we derive two advantages; 1. that of showing,
+that the object is not to be relinquished; and 2. that of enlightening
+government, as to its true interest. The Count de Vergennes is
+absolutely for it; but it is not in his department. Calonne is his
+friend, and in this instance his principle seems to be, _Amica
+veritas, sed magis amicus Plato_. An additional hope is founded in the
+expectation of a change of the minister of finance. The present one is
+under the absolute control of the Farmers General. The committee's views
+have been somewhat different from mine. They despair of a suppression of
+the Farm, and therefore wish to obtain palliatives, which would coincide
+with the particular good of this country. I think, that so long as the
+monopoly in the sale is kept up, it is of no consequence to us, how they
+modify the pill for their own internal relief: but, on the contrary, the
+worse it remains, the more necessary it will render a reformation. Any
+palliative would take from us all those arguments and friends, that
+would be satisfied with accommodation. The Marquis, though differing in
+opinion from me on this point, has, however, adhered to my principle
+of absolute liberty or nothing. In this condition is the matter at this
+moment. Whether I say any thing on the subject to Mr. Jay, will depend
+on my interview with the Count de Vergennes. I doubt whether that will
+furnish any thing worth communicating, and whether it will be in time.
+I therefore state thus much to you, that you may see the matter is not
+laid aside.
+
+I must beg leave to recommend Colonel Humphreys to your acquaintance and
+good offices. He is an excellent man, an able one, and in need of some
+provision. Besides former applications to me in favor of Dumas, the
+Rhingrave of Salm (the effective minister of the government of Holland,
+while their two ambassadors here are ostensible), who is conducting
+secret arrangements for them with this court, presses his interests on
+us. It is evident the two governments make a point of it. You ask, why
+they do not provide for him themselves. I am not able to answer the
+question, but by a conjecture, that Dumas's particular ambition prefers
+an appointment from us. I know all the difficulty of this application,
+which Congress has to encounter. I see the reasons against giving
+him the primary appointment at that court, and the difficulty of his
+accommodating himself to a subordinate one. Yet I think something must
+be done in it, to gratify this court, of which we must be always asking
+favors. In these countries, personal favors weigh more than public
+interest. The minister who has asked a gratification for Dumas, has
+embarked his own feelings and reputation in that demand. I do not
+think it was discreet, by any means. But this reflection might perhaps
+aggravate a disappointment. I know not really what you can do: but yet
+hope something will be done. Adieu, my Dear Sir, and believe me to be
+
+yours affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XVI.--TO JOHN ADAMS, May 11, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, May 11, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I do myself the honor of enclosing to you, letters which came to hand
+last night, from Mr. Lambe, Mr. Carmichael, and Mr. Barclay. By these
+you will perceive, that our peace is not to be purchased at Algiers but
+at a price far beyond our powers. What that would be, indeed, Mr. Lambe
+does not say, nor probably does he know. But as he knew our ultimatum,
+we are to suppose from his letter, that it would be a price infinitely
+beyond that. A reference to Congress hereon seems to be necessary. Till
+that can be obtained, Mr. Lambe must be idle at Algiers, Carthagena, or
+elsewhere. Would he not be better employed in going to Congress?
+They would be able to draw from him and Mr. Randall, the information
+necessary to determine what they will do. And if they determine to
+negotiate, they can re-appoint the same, or appoint a new negotiator,
+according to the opinion they shall form on their examination. I suggest
+this to you as my first thoughts; an ultimate opinion should not be
+formed till we see Mr. Randall, who may be shortly expected. In the mean
+time, should an opportunity occur, favor me with your ideas hereon that
+we may be maturing our opinions. I shall send copies of these three
+letters to Mr. Jay, by the packet which sails from L'Orient the first of
+the next month.
+
+*****
+
+I have the honor to be, with great esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XVII.--TO LISTER ASQUITH, May 22, 1786
+
+
+TO LISTER ASQUITH.
+
+Paris, May 22, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+When I left this place for England, I had no suspicion that any thing
+more would be necessary on my part for your liberation. Being but lately
+returned, I could not sooner acknowledge the receipt of your letters of
+April the 21st and May the 1st. I this day write to M. Desbordes, to pay
+the charges necessary for your enlargement, to furnish you with a guinea
+apiece, and to take your draft on Mr. Grand for those sums, and the
+others which he has furnished you at my request. This being a new
+case, I am unable to say whether you will be held to repay this money.
+Congress will decide on that, to whom I shall send a report of the case,
+and to whom you should apply on your return to America, to know whether
+you are to repay it or not. During the whole of this long transaction,
+I have never ceased soliciting your discharge. The evidence furnished by
+the Farmers to the ministers, impressed them with a belief that you were
+guilty. However, they obtained a remission of all which the King could
+remit, which was your condemnation to the galleys, and imprisonment,
+and the sum in which you were fined. The confiscation belonged to the
+Farmers, and the expenses of subsistence and of prosecution were theirs
+also, and so could not be remitted by the King. I wish you to be assured
+of my sensibility for your sufferings, and of my wishes to have obtained
+an earlier relief, had it been possible. I shall be glad if you can have
+an immediate and safe return to your own country, and there find your
+families well, and make those who may be authorized to decide on your
+case sensible, that these misfortunes have not been brought on you by
+any desire of yours, to infringe the laws of the country in which you
+have suffered. I enclose herewith your log-book and the other papers
+desired by you, and am, Sir,
+
+your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, May 23, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, May 23, 1786.
+
+Letters received both from Madrid and Algiers, while I was in London,
+having suggested that treaties with the States of Barbary would be much
+facilitated by a previous one with the Ottoman Porte, it was agreed
+between Mr. Adams and myself, that on my return, I should consult
+on this subject the Count de Vergennes, whose long residence at
+Constantinople rendered him the best judge of its expediency. Various
+circumstances have put it out of my power to consult him, till to-day.
+I stated to him the difficulties we were likely to meet with at
+Algiers; and asked his opinion, what would be the probable expense of a
+diplomatic mission to Constantinople, and what its effect at Algiers.
+He said that the expense would be very great, for that presents must be
+made at that court, and every one would be gaping after them: and that
+it would not procure us a peace at Algiers one penny the cheaper. He
+observed, that the Barbary States acknowledged a sort of vassalage to
+the Porte, and availed themselves of that relation, when any thing was
+to be gained by it; but that whenever it subjected them to a demand from
+the Porte, they totally disregarded it: that money was the sole agent
+at Algiers, except so far as fear could be induced also. He cited the
+present example of Spain, which, though having a treaty with the Porte
+would probably be obliged to buy a peace at Algiers, at the expense of
+upwards of six millions of livres. I told him, we had calculated from
+the demands and information of the Tripoline ambassador, at London, that
+to make peace with the four Barbary States would cost us between two and
+three hundred thousand guineas, if bought with money. The sum did not
+seem to exceed his expectations. I mentioned to him, that considering
+the uncertainty of a peace, when bought, perhaps Congress might think
+it more eligible to establish a cruise of frigates in the Mediterranean,
+and even to blockade Algiers. He supposed it would require ten vessels,
+great and small. I observed to him that Monsieur de Massiac had formerly
+done it with five: he said it was true, but that vessels of relief would
+be necessary. I hinted to him that I thought the English capable of
+administering aid to the Algerines. He seemed to think it impossible,
+on account of the scandal it would bring on. I asked him what had
+occasioned the blockade by Monsieur de Massiac: he said, an infraction
+of their treaty by the Algerines.
+
+I had a good deal of conversation with him, also, on the situation of
+affairs between England and the United States: and particularly, on
+their refusal to deliver up our posts. I observed to him, that the
+obstructions thrown in the way of the recovery of their debts, were
+the effect, and not the cause, as they pretended, of their refusal to
+deliver up the posts; that the merchants interested in these debts,
+showed a great disposition to make arrangements with us; that the
+article of time we could certainly have settled, and probably that
+of the interest during the war: but that, the minister showing no
+disposition to have these matters arranged, I thought it a sufficient
+proof that this was not the true cause of their retaining the posts. He
+concurred as to the justice of our requiring time for the payment of
+our debts; said nothing which showed a difference of opinion as to the
+article of interest, and seemed to believe fully, that their object was
+to divert the channel of the fur-trade, before they delivered up the
+posts, and expressed a strong sense of the importance of that commerce
+to us. I told him I really could not foresee what would be the event of
+this detention; that the situation of the British funds, and the desire
+of their minister to begin to reduce the national debt, seemed to
+indicate that they could not wish a war. He thought so, but that neither
+were we in a condition to go to war. I told him, I was yet uninformed
+what Congress proposed to do on this subject, but that we should
+certainly always count on the good offices of France, and I was sure
+that the offer of them would suffice to induce Great Britain to do us
+justice. He said that surely we might always count on the friendship
+of France. I added, that by the treaty of alliance, she was bound to
+guaranty our limits to us, as they should be established at the moment
+of peace. He said they were so, '_mais qu'il nous etoit necessaire de
+les constater_.' I told him there was no question what our boundaries
+were; that the English themselves admitted they were clear beyond
+all question. I feared, however, to press this any further, lest a
+reciprocal question should be put to me, and therefore diverted the
+conversation to another object. This is a sketch only of a conference
+which was long. I have endeavored to give the substance, and sometimes
+the expressions, where they were material. I supposed it would be
+agreeable to Congress to have it communicated to them, in the present
+undecided state in which these subjects are. I should add, that
+an explanation of the transaction of Monsieur de Massiac with the
+Algerines, before hinted at, will be found in the enclosed letter from
+the Count d'Estaing to me, wherein he gives also his own opinion. The
+whole is submitted to Congress, as I conceive it my duty to furnish them
+with whatever information I can gather, which may throw any light on the
+subjects depending before them. I have the honor to be, with the most
+perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XIX.--TO MR. CARMICHAEL, June 20, 1786
+
+
+TO MR. CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, June 20, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of the 5th of May, by Baron Waltersdorff. Since that
+I have been honored with yours of April the 13th, and May the 16th and
+18th. The present covers letters to Mr. Lambe and Mr. Randall, informing
+them that the demands of Algiers for the ransom of our prisoners and
+also for peace, are so infinitely beyond our instructions, that we must
+refer the matter back to Congress, and therefore praying them to come on
+immediately. I will beg the favor of you to forward these letters. The
+whole of this business, therefore, is suspended till we receive further
+orders, except as to Mr. Barclay's mission. Your bills have been
+received and honored. The first naming expressly a letter of advice, and
+none coming, it was refused till the receipt of your letter to me, in
+which you mentioned that you had drawn two bills. I immediately informed
+Mr. Grand, who thereupon honored the bill.
+
+I have received no public letters of late date. Through other channels,
+I have collected some articles of information, which may be acceptable
+to you.
+
+*****
+
+In a letter of March the 20th, from Dr. Franklin to me, is this passage.
+'As to public affairs, the Congress has not been able to assemble more
+than seven or eight States during the whole winter, so the treaty with
+Prussia remains still unratified, though there is no doubt of its being
+done soon, as a full Congress is expected next month. The disposition to
+furnish Congress with ample powers augments daily, as people become more
+enlightened. And I do not remember ever to have seen, during my long
+life, more signs of public felicity than appear at present, throughout
+these States; the cultivators of the earth, who make the bulk of our
+nation, have made good crops, which are paid for at high prices, with
+ready money; the artisans, too, receive high wages; and the value of all
+real estates is augmented greatly. Merchants and shopkeepers, indeed,
+complain that there is not business enough. But this is evidently not
+owing to the fewness of buyers, but to the too great number of sellers;
+for the consumption of goods was never greater, as appears by the dress,
+furniture, and manner of living, of all ranks of the people.' His health
+is good, except as to the stone, which does not grow worse. I thank
+you for your attention to my request about the books, which Mr. Barclay
+writes me he has forwarded from Cadiz.
+
+I have the honor to be with great respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient,
+humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XX.--TO MR. LAMBE, June 20,1786
+
+
+TO MR. LAMBE.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, June 20,1786.
+
+Having communicated to Mr. Adams the information received, at different
+times, from yourself, from Mr. Randall, and Mr. Carmichael, we find
+that the sum likely to be demanded by Algiers for the ransom of our
+prisoners, as well as for peace, is so infinitely beyond our powers, and
+the expectations of Congress, that it has become our duty to refer the
+whole matter back to them. Whether they will choose to buy a peace, to
+force one, or to do nothing, will rest in their pleasure. But that
+they may have all the information possible to guide them in their
+deliberations, we think it important that you should return to them.
+No time will be lost by this, and perhaps time maybe gained. It is,
+therefore, our joint desire, that you repair immediately to New York,
+for the purpose of giving to Congress all the information on this
+subject, which your journey has enabled you to acquire. You will
+consider this request as coming from Mr. Adams as well as myself, as
+it is by express authority from him, that I join him in it. I am of
+opinion, it will be better for you to come to Marseilles and by Paris:
+because there is a possibility that fresh orders to us, from Congress,
+might render it useful that we, also, should have received from you all
+possible information on this subject. And perhaps no time may be lost by
+this, as it might be long before you would set a passage from Alicant to
+America.
+
+I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXI.--TO MONSIEUR DE REYNEVAL, June 25, 1786
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR DE REYNEVAL.
+
+Paris, June 25, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have received letters from two citizens of the United States, of the
+names of Geary and Arnold, informing me, that having for some time past
+exercised commerce in London, and having failed, they were obliged to
+leave that country; that they came over to Dunkirk, and from thence to
+Brest, where, one of them having changed his name, the more effectually
+to elude the search of his creditors, they were both imprisoned by order
+of the commandant; whether at the suit of their creditors, or because
+one of them changed his name, they are uninformed. But they are told,
+that the commandant has sent information of his proceedings to your
+office. I have some reason to suppose, their creditors are endeavoring
+to obtain leave to remove them to England, where their imprisonment
+would be perpetual. Unable to procure information elsewhere, I take the
+liberty of asking you, whether you know the cause of their imprisonment,
+and of soliciting your attention to them, so far as that nothing may
+take place against them by surprise, and out of the ordinary course of
+the law.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble; servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXII.--TO THE PREVOT DES MARCHANDS, September 27, 1786
+
+
+TO THE PREVOT DES MARCHANDS ET ECHEVINS DE PARIS.
+
+Paris, September 27, 1786.
+
+Gentlemen,
+
+The commonwealth of Virginia, in gratitude for the services of Major
+General the Marquis de la Fayette, have determined to erect his bust in
+their Capital. Desirous to place a like monument of his worth, and of
+their sense of it, in the country to which they are indebted for his
+birth, they have hoped that the city of Paris will consent to become the
+depository of this second testimony of their gratitude. Being charged by
+them with the execution of their wishes, I have the honor to solicit of
+Messieurs le Prevot des Marchands et Echevins, on behalf of the city,
+their acceptance of a bust of this gallant officer, and that they will
+be pleased to place it where, doing most honor to him, it will most
+gratify the feelings of an allied nation.
+
+It is with true pleasure that I obey the call of that commonwealth, to
+render just homage to a character so great in its first developements,
+that they would honor the close of any other. Their country covered by
+a small army against a great one, their exhausted means supplied by his
+talents, their enemies finally forced to that spot whither their allies
+and confederates were collecting to receive them, and a war which had
+spread its miseries into the four quarters of the earth thus reduced
+to a single point, where one blow should terminate it, and through the
+whole, an implicit respect paid to the laws of the land; these are facts
+which would illustrate any character, and which fully justify the warmth
+of those feelings, of which I have the honor, on this occasion, to be
+the organ.
+
+It would have been more pleasing to me to have executed this office in
+person, to have mingled the tribute of private gratitude with that of my
+country, and, at the same time, to have had an opportunity of presenting
+to your honorable body, the homage of that profound respect which I have
+the honor to bear them. But I am withheld from these grateful duties,
+by the consequences of a fall, which confine me to my room. Mr. Short,
+therefore, a citizen of the State of Virginia, and heretofore a member
+of its Council of State, will have the honor of delivering you this
+letter, together with the resolution of the General Assembly of
+Virginia. He will have that, also, of presenting the bust at such time
+and place, as you will be so good as to signify your pleasure to receive
+it. Through him, I beg to be allowed the honor of presenting those
+sentiments of profound respect and veneration, with which I am,
+Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXIII.--TO COLONEL MONROE, July 9, 1786
+
+
+TO COLONEL MONROE.
+
+Paris, July 9, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I wrote you last on the 10th of May; since which your favor of May the
+11th has come to hand. The political world enjoys great quiet here. The
+King of Prussia is still living, but like the snuff of a candle, which
+sometimes seems out, and then blazes up again. Some think that his death
+will not produce any immediate effect in Europe. His kingdom like a
+machine, will go on for some time with the winding up he has given it.
+The King's visit to Cherbourg has made a great sensation in England
+and here. It proves to the world, that it is a serious object to this
+country, and that the King commits himself for the accomplishment of
+it. Indeed, so many cones have been sunk, that no doubt remains of the
+practicability of it. It will contain, as is said, eighty ships of
+the line, be one of the best harbors in the world, and by means of two
+entrances, on different sides, will admit vessels to come in and go out
+with every wind. The effect of this, in another war with England, defies
+calculation. Having no news to communicate, I will recur to the subjects
+of your letter of May the 11th.
+
+With respect to the new States, were the question to stand simply in
+this form, How may the ultramontane territory be disposed of, so as to
+produce the greatest and most immediate benefit to the inhabitants of
+the maritime States of the Union? the plan would be more plausible, of
+laying it off into two or three States only. Even on this view, however,
+there would still be something to be said against it, which might render
+it at least doubtful. But that is a question, which good faith forbids
+us to receive into discussion. This requires us to state the question in
+its just form, How may the territories of the Union be disposed of, so
+as to produce the greatest degree of happiness to their inhabitants?
+With respect to the maritime States, little or nothing remains to
+be done. With respect, then, to the ultramontane States, will their
+inhabitants be happiest, divided into States of thirty thousand square
+miles, not quite as large as Pennsylvania, or into States of one hundred
+and sixty thousand square miles each, that is to say, three times as
+large as Virginia within the Allegany? They will not only be happier in
+States of moderate size, but it is the only way in which they can exist
+as a regular society. Considering the American character in general,
+that of those people particularly, and the energetic nature of our
+governments, a State of such extent as one hundred and sixty thousand
+square miles, would soon crumble into little ones. These are the
+circumstances, which reduce the Indians to such small societies. They
+would produce an effect on our people, similar to this. They would not
+be broken into such small pieces, because they are more habituated to
+subordination, and value more a government of regular law. But you
+would surely reverse the nature of things, in making small States on
+the ocean, and large ones beyond the mountains. If we could, in our
+consciences, say, that great States beyond the mountains will make the
+people happiest, we must still ask, whether they will be contented to be
+laid off into large States. They certainly will not: and if they decide
+to divide themselves, we are not able to restrain them. They will end by
+separating from our confederacy, and becoming its enemies. We had better
+then look forward, and see what will be the probable course of things.
+This will surely be a division of that country into States, of a small,
+or, at most, of a moderate size. If we lay them off into such, they will
+acquiesce; and we shall have the advantage of arranging them, so as to
+produce the best combinations of interest. What Congress have already
+done in this matter, is an argument the more, in favor of the revolt of
+those States against a different arrangement, and of their acquiescence
+under a continuance of that. Upon this plan, we treat them as
+fellow-citizens; they will have a just share in their own government;
+they will love us, and pride themselves in an union with us. Upon
+the other, we treat them as subjects; we govern them, and not they
+themselves; they will abhor us as masters, and break off from us in
+defiance. I confess to you, that I can see no other turn that these two
+plans would take. But I respect your opinion, and your knowledge of the
+country, too much, to be over-confident in my own.
+
+I thank you sincerely for your communication, that my not having sooner
+given notice of the _Arrets_ relative to fish, gave discontent to some
+persons. These are the most friendly offices you can do me, because they
+enable me to justify myself, if I am right, or correct myself, if wrong.
+If those who thought I might have been remiss, would have written to me
+on the subject, I should have admired them for their candor, and thanked
+them for it: for I have no jealousies nor resentments at things of this
+kind, where I have no reason to believe they have been excited by a
+hostile spirit; and I suspect no such spirit in a single member of
+Congress. You know there were two _Arrets_; the first of August the
+30th, 1784, the second of the 18th and 25th of September, 1785. As to
+the first, it would be a sufficient justification of myself, to say,
+that it was in the time of my predecessor, nine months before I came
+into office, and that there was no more reason for my giving information
+of it, when I did come into office, than of all the other transactions,
+which preceded that period. But this would seem to lay a blame on Dr.
+Franklin for not communicating it, which I am confident he did not
+deserve. This government affects a secrecy in all its transactions
+whatsoever, though they be of a nature not to admit a perfect secrecy.
+Their _Arrets_ respecting the islands go to those islands, and are
+unpublished and unknown in France, except in the bureau where they are
+formed. That of August, 1784, would probably be communicated to the
+merchants of the seaport towns also. But Paris having no commercial
+connections with them, if any thing makes its way from a seaport town
+to Paris, it must be by accident. We have, indeed, agents in these
+seaports; but they value their offices so little, that they do not
+trouble themselves to inform us of what is passing there. As a proof
+that these things do not transpire here, nor are easily got at,
+recollect that Mr. Adams, Dr. Franklin, and myself were all here on the
+spot together, from August, 1784, to June, 1785, that is to say, ten
+months, and yet not one of us knew of the _Arret_ of August, 1784.
+September the 18th and 25th, 1785, the second was passed. And here alone
+I became responsible. I think it was about six weeks before I got notice
+of it, that is, in November. On the 20th of that month, writing to Count
+de Vergennes on another subject, I took occasion to remonstrate to him
+on that. But from early in November, when the Fitzhughs went to America.
+I had never a confidential opportunity of writing to Mr. Jay from hence,
+directly, for several months. In a letter of December the 14th, to
+Mr. Jay, I mentioned to him the want of an opportunity to write to him
+confidentially, which obliged me at that moment to write by post via
+London, and on such things only, as both post-offices were welcome to
+see. On the 2nd of January, Mr. Bingham setting out for London, I wrote
+to Mr. Jay, sending him a copy of my letter to Count de Vergennes, and
+stating something, which had passed in conversation on the same subject.
+I prayed Mr. Bingham to take charge of the letter, and either to send it
+by a safe hand, or carry it himself, as circumstances should render most
+advisable. I believe he kept it, to carry himself. He did not sail from
+London till about the 12th of March, nor arrive in America till the
+middle of May. Thus you see, that causes had prevented a letter, which
+I had written on the 20th of November, from getting to America till the
+month of May. No wonder, then, if notice of this _Arret_ came first to
+you by the way of the West Indies: and, in general, I am confident, that
+you will receive notice of the regulations of this country, respecting
+their islands, by the way of those islands, before you will from hence.
+Nor can this be remedied, but by a system of bribery, which would end
+in the corruption of your own ministers, and produce no good adequate
+to the expense. Be so good as to communicate these circumstances to the
+persons who you think may have supposed me guilty of remissness on this
+occasion.
+
+I will turn to a subject more pleasing to both, and give you my sincere
+congratulations on your marriage. Your own dispositions, and the
+inherent comforts of that state, will insure you a great addition of
+happiness. Long may you live to enjoy it, and enjoy it in full measure.
+The interest I feel in every one connected with you, will justify my
+presenting my earliest respects to the lady, and of tendering her the
+homage of my friendship. I shall be happy at all times to be useful to
+either of you, and to receive your commands. I enclose you the bill of
+lading of your _Encyclopedie_. With respect to the remittance for it,
+of which you make mention, I beg you not to think of it. I know, by
+experience, that on proceeding to make a settlement in life, a man has
+need of all his resources; and I should be unhappy, were you to lessen
+them by an attention to this trifle. Let it lie till you have nothing
+else to do with your money. Adieu, my Dear Sir, and be assured of the
+esteem with which I am your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXIV.--TO JOHN ADAMS, July 11, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, July 11, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Our instructions relative to the Barbary States having required us to
+proceed by way of negotiation to obtain their peace, it became our
+duty to do this to the best of our power. Whatever might be our private
+opinions, they were to be suppressed, and the line marked out to us
+was to be followed. It has been so, honestly and zealously. It was,
+therefore, never material for us to consult together on the best plan
+of conduct towards these States. I acknowledge I very, early thought it
+would be best to effect a peace through the medium of war. Though it
+is a question with which we have nothing to do, yet as you propose
+some discussion of it, I shall trouble you with my reasons. Of the four
+positions laid down in your letter of the 3rd instant, I agree to the
+three first, which are, in substance, that the good offices of our
+friends cannot procure us a peace, without paying its price, that they
+cannot materially lessen that price; and that paying it, we can have the
+peace in spite of the intrigues of our enemies. As to the fourth, that
+the longer the negotiation is delayed, the larger will be the demand;
+this will depend on the intermediate captures: if they are many and
+rich, the price may be raised; if few and poor, it will be lessened.
+However, if it is decided, that we shall buy a peace, I know no reason
+for delaying the operation, but should rather think it ought to be
+hastened: but I should prefer the obtaining it by war.
+
+1. Justice is in favor of this opinion. 2. Honor favors it. 3. It will
+procure us respect in Europe; and respect is a safeguard to interest. 4.
+It will arm the federal head with the safest of all the instruments of
+coercion over its delinquent members, and prevent it from using what
+would be less safe. I think, that so far you go with me. But in the
+next steps we shall differ. 5. I think it least expensive. 6. Equally
+effectual. I ask a fleet of one hundred and fifty guns, the one half
+of which shall be in constant cruise. This fleet, built, manned, and
+victualled for six months, will cost four hundred and fifty thousand
+pounds sterling. Its annual expense will be three hundred pounds
+sterling a gun, including every thing: this will be forty-five thousand
+pounds sterling a year. I take British experience for the basis of my
+calculation: though we know, from our own experience, that we can do in
+this way for pounds lawful, what costs them pounds sterling. Were we to
+charge all this to the Algerine war, it would amount to little more than
+we must pay if we buy peace. But as it is proper and necessary, that we
+should establish a small marine force (even were we to buy a peace from
+the Algerines), and as that force, laid up in our dock-yard, would cost
+us half as much annually as if kept in order for service, we have a
+right to say, that only twenty-two thousand and five hundred pounds
+sterling, per annum, should be charged to the Algerine war. 6. It will
+be as effectual. To all the mismanagements of Spain and Portugal, urged
+to show that war against those people is ineffectual, I urge a single
+fact to prove the contrary, where there is any management. About forty
+years ago, the Algerines having broke their treaty with France, this
+court sent Monsieur de Massiac, with one large and two small frigates:
+he blockaded the harbor of Algiers three months, and they subscribed
+to the terms he proposed. If it be admitted, however, that war, on the
+fairest prospects, is still exposed to uncertainties, I weigh against
+this the greater uncertainty of the duration of a peace bought with
+money, from such a people, from a Dey eighty years old, and by a nation
+who, on the hypothesis of buying peace, is to have no power on the sea
+to enforce an observance of it.
+
+So far I have gone on the supposition, that the whole weight of this war
+would rest on us. But, 1. Naples will join us. The character of their
+naval minister (Acton), his known sentiments with respect to the peace
+Spain is officiously trying to make for them, and his dispositions
+against the Algerines, give the best grounds to believe it. 2. Every
+principle of reason assures,us, that Portugal will join us. I state this
+as taking for granted, what all seem to believe, that they will not
+be at peace with Algiers. I suppose, then, that a convention might be
+formed between Portugal, Naples, and the United States, by which
+the burthen of the war might be quotaed on them, according to their
+respective wealth; and the term of it should be, when Algiers should
+subscribe to a peace with all three on equal terms. This might be left
+open for other nations to accede to, and many, if not most of the powers
+of Europe (except France, England, Holland, and Spain, if her peace be
+made), would sooner or later enter into the confederacy, for the sake of
+having their peace with the piratical States guarantied by the whole.
+I suppose, that, in this case, our proportion of force would not be the
+half of what I first calculated on.
+
+These are the reasons, which have influenced my judgment on this
+question. I give them to you, to show you that I am imposed on by a
+semblance of reason at least; and not with an expectation of their
+changing your opinion. You have viewed the subject, I am sure, in
+all its bearings. You have weighed both questions, with all their
+circumstances. You make the result different from what I do. The same
+facts impress us differently. This is enough to make me suspect an error
+in my process of reasoning, though I am not able to detect it. It is of
+no consequence; as I have nothing to say in the decision, and am ready
+to proceed heartily on any other plan, which may be adopted, if my
+agency should be thought useful. With respect to the dispositions of the
+States, I am utterly uninformed. I cannot help thinking, however, that
+on a view of all the circumstances, they might be united in either of
+the plans.
+
+Having written this on the receipt of your letter, without knowing
+of any opportunity of sending it, I know not when it will go: I add
+nothing, therefore, on any other subject, but assurances of the sincere
+esteem and respect, with which I am,
+
+Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXV.--TO JOHN JAY, August 11, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, August 11, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+Since the date of my last, which was of July the 8th, I have been
+honored with the receipt of yours of June the 16th. I am to thank you,
+on the part of the minister of Geneva, for the intelligence it contained
+on the subject of Gallatin, whose relations will be relieved by the
+receipt of it.
+
+The enclosed intelligence, relative to the instructions of the court of
+London to Sir Guy Carleton, came to me through the Count de la Touche
+and Marquis de la Fayette. De la Touche is a director under the Marechal
+de Castries, minister for the marine department, and possibly receives
+his intelligence from him, and he from their ambassador at London.
+Possibly, too, it might be fabricated here. Yet weighing the characters
+of the ministry of St. James's and Versailles, I think the former more
+capable of giving such instructions, than the latter of fabricating them
+for the small purposes the fabrication could answer.
+
+The Gazette of France, of July the 28th, announces the arrival of
+Peyrouse at Brazil, that he was to touch at Otaheite, and proceed to
+California, and still further northwardly. This paper, as you well
+know, gives out such facts as the court are willing the world should
+be possessed of. The presumption is, therefore, that they will make an
+establishment of some sort on the northwest coast of America.
+
+I trouble you with the copy of a letter from Schweighauser and Dobree,
+on a subject with which I am quite unacquainted. Their letter to
+Congress of November the 30th, 1780, gives their state of the matter.
+How far it be true and just, can probably be ascertained from Dr.
+Franklin, Dr. Lee, and other gentlemen now in America. I shall be glad
+to be honored with the commands of Congress on this subject. I have
+inquired into the state of the arms, mentioned in their letter to
+me. The principal articles were about thirty thousand bayonets, fifty
+thousand gunlocks, thirty cases of arms, twenty-two cases of sabres, and
+some other things of little consequence. The quay at Nantes having been
+overflowed by the river Loire, the greatest part of these arms was under
+water, and they are now, as I am informed, a solid mass of rust, not
+worth the expense of throwing them out of the warehouse, much less that
+of storage. Were not their want of value a sufficient reason against
+reclaiming the property of these arms, it rests with Congress to decide,
+whether other reasons are not opposed to this reclamation. They were the
+property of a sovereign body, they were seized by an individual, taken
+cognizance of by a court of justice, and refused, or at least not
+restored by the sovereign, within whose State they had been arrested.
+These are circumstances which have been mentioned to me. Doctor
+Franklin, however, will be able to inform Congress, with precision, as
+to what passed on this subject. If the information I have received be
+any thing like the truth, the discussion of this matter can only be with
+the court of Versailles. It would be very delicate, and could have but
+one of two objects; either to recover the arms, which are not worth
+receiving, or to satisfy us on the point of honor. Congress will judge
+how far the latter may be worth pursuing against a particular ally, and
+under actual circumstances. An instance, too, of acquiescence on our
+part under a wrong, rather than disturb our friendship by altercations,
+may have its value in some future case. However, I shall be ready to do
+in this what Congress shall be pleased to direct.
+
+I enclose the despatches relative to the Barbary negotiation, received
+since my last. It is painful to me to overwhelm Congress and yourself
+continually with these voluminous papers. But I have no right to
+suppress any part of them, and it is one of those cases, where, from
+a want of well digested information, we must be contented to examine a
+great deal of rubbish, in order to find a little good matter.
+
+The gazettes of Leyden and France, to the present date, accompany this,
+which, for want of direct and safe opportunities, I am obliged to send
+by an American gentleman, by the way of London. The irregularity of the
+French packets has diverted elsewhere the tide of passengers who used to
+furnish me occasions of writing to you, without permitting my letters
+to go through the post-office. So that when the packets go now, I can
+seldom write by them.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+     [The annexed is a translation of the paper referred to in
+     the preceding letter, on the subject of the instructions
+     given to Sir Guy Carleton.]
+
+_An extract of English political news, concerning North America, July
+14th, 1786_.
+
+General Carleton departs in a few days with M. de la Naudiere, a
+Canadian gentleman. He has made me acquainted with the Indian Colonel
+Joseph Brandt. It is certain that he departs with the most positive
+instructions to distress the Americans as much as possible, and to
+create them enemies on all sides.
+
+Colonel Brandt goes loaded with presents for himself, and for several
+chiefs of the tribes bordering on Canada. It would be well for the
+Americans to know in time, that enemies are raised against them, in
+order to derange their system of government, and to add to the confusion
+which already exists in it. The new possessions of England will not only
+gain what America shall lose, but will acquire strength in proportion to
+the weakening of the United States.
+
+Sooner or later, the new States which are forming will place themselves
+under the protection of England, which can always communicate with them
+through Canada; and which, in case of future necessity, can harass the
+United States on one side, by her shipping, and on the other, by her
+intrigues. This system has not yet come to maturity, but it is unfolded,
+and we may rely upon the instructions given to Colonel Brandt.
+
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXVI.--TO COLONEL MONROE, August 11, 1786
+
+
+TO COLONEL MONROE.
+
+Paris, August 11, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I wrote you last on the 9th of July; and since that, have received yours
+of the 16th of June, with the interesting intelligence it contained.
+I was entirely in the dark as to the progress of that negotiation, and
+concur entirely in the views you have taken of it The difficulty on
+which it hangs, is a _sine qua non_ with us. It would be to deceive them
+and ourselves, to suppose that an amity can be preserved, while this
+right is withheld. Such a supposition would argue, not only an ignorance
+of the people to whom this is most interesting, but an ignorance of the
+nature of man, or an inattention to it. Those who see but halfway into
+our true interest, will think that that concurs with the views of the
+other party. But those who see it in all its extent, will be sensible
+that our true interest will be best promoted, by making all the just
+claims of our fellow-citizens, wherever situated, our own, by urging and
+enforcing them with the weight of our whole influence, and by exercising
+in this, as in every other instance, a just government in their
+concerns, and making common cause, even where our separate interest
+would seem opposed to theirs. No other conduct can attach us together;
+and on this attachment depends our happiness.
+
+The King of Prussia still lives, and is even said to be better. Europe
+is very quiet at present. The only germ of dissension which shows itself
+at present, is in the quarter of Turkey. The Emperor, the Empress, and
+the Venetians seem all to be picking at the Turks. It is not probable,
+however, that either of the two first will do any thing to bring on an
+open rupture, while the King of Prussia lives.
+
+You will perceive by the letters I enclose to Mr. Jay, that Lambe, under
+the pretext of ill health, declines returning either to Congress, Mr.
+Adams, or myself. This circumstance makes me fear some malversation.
+The money appropriated to this object being in Holland, and having been
+always under the care of Mr. Adams, it was concerted between us that all
+the drafts should be on him. I know not, therefore, what sums may have
+been advanced to Lambe; I hope, however, nothing great. I am persuaded
+that an angel sent on this business, and so much limited in his terms,
+could have done nothing. But should Congress propose to try the line of
+negotiation again, I think they will perceive that Lambe is not a proper
+agent. I have written to Mr. Adams on the subject of a settlement with
+Lambe. There is little prospect of accommodation between the Algerines,
+and the Portuguese and Neapolitans. A very valuable capture too, lately
+made by them on the Empress of Russia, bids fair to draw her on them.
+The probability is therefore, that these three nations will be at war
+with them, and the possibility is that could we furnish a couple of
+frigates, a convention might be formed with those powers, establishing
+a perpetual cruise on the coast of Algiers, which would bring them to
+reason. Such a convention being left open to all powers willing to come
+into it, should have for its object a general peace, to be guarantied
+to each, by the whole. Were only two or three to begin a confederacy of
+this kind, I think every power in Europe would soon fall into it, except
+France, England, and perhaps Spain and Holland. Of these there is only
+England who would give any real aid to the Algerines. Morocco, you
+perceive, will be at peace with us. Were the honor and advantage of
+establishing such a confederacy out of the question, yet the necessity
+that the United States should have some marine force, and the happiness
+of this, as the ostensible cause for beginning it, would decide on its
+propriety. It will be said, there is no money in the treasury. There
+never will be money in the treasury till the confederacy shows its
+teeth. The States must see the rod; perhaps it must be felt by some
+one of them. I am persuaded, all of them would rejoice to see every
+one obliged to furnish its contributions. It is not the difficulty of
+furnishing them, which beggars the treasury, but the fear that others
+will not furnish as much. Every rational citizen must wish to see an
+effective instrument of coercion, and should fear to see it on any other
+element than the water. A naval force can never endanger our liberties,
+nor occasion bloodshed: a land force would do both. It is not in the
+choice of the States, whether they will pay money to cover their trade
+against the Algerines. If they obtain a peace by negotiation, they must
+pay a great sum of money for it; if they do nothing, they must pay a
+great sum of money, in the form of insurance; and in either way, as
+great a one as in the way of force, and probably less effectual.
+
+I look forward with anxiety to the approaching moment of your departure
+from Congress. Besides the interest of the confederacy and of the State,
+I have a personal interest in it. I know not to whom I may venture
+confidential communications, after you are gone. I take the liberty of
+placing here my respects to Mrs. Monroe, and assurances of the sincere
+esteem with which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXVII.--TO MR. WYTHE, August 13,1786
+
+
+TO MR. WYTHE.
+
+Paris, August 13,1786.
+
+Dear Sir
+
+Your favors of January the 10th and February the 10th, came to hand
+on the 20th and 23rd of May. I availed myself of the first opportunity
+which occurred, by a gentleman going to England, of sending to
+Mr. Joddrel a copy of the Notes on our country! with a line informing him,
+that it was you who had emboldened me to take that liberty. Madison, no
+doubt, informed you of the reason why I had sent only a single copy to
+Virginia. Being assured by him, that they will not do the harm I had
+apprehended, but on the contrary may do some good, I propose to send
+thither the copies remaining on hand, which are fewer than I had
+intended. But of the numerous corrections they need, there are one or
+two so essential, that I must have them made, by printing a few new
+leaves, and substituting them for the old. This will be done while
+they are engraving a map which I have constructed, of the country from
+Albemarle sound to Lake Erie, and which will be inserted in the book. A
+bad French translation which is getting out here, will probably oblige
+me to publish the original more freely; which it did not deserve,
+nor did I intend. Your wishes, which are laws to me, will justify my
+destining a copy for you, otherwise, I should as soon have thought
+of sending you a horn-book; for there is no truth in it which is not
+familiar to you, and its errors I should hardly have proposed to treat
+you with.
+
+Immediately on the receipt of your letter, I wrote to a correspondent at
+Florence to inquire after the family of Tagliaferro, as you desired.
+I received his answer two days ago, a copy of which I now enclose.
+The original shall be sent by some other occasion. I will have the
+copper-plate immediately engraved. This may be ready within a few days,
+but the probability is, that I shall be long getting an opportunity of
+sending it to you, as these rarely occur. You do not mention the size
+of the plate, but presuming it is intended for labels for the inside of
+books, I shall have it made of a proper size for that. I shall omit the
+word _agisos_, according to the license you allow me, because I think
+the beauty of a motto is to condense much matter in as few words as
+possible. The word omitted will be supplied by every reader.
+
+The European papers have announced, that the Assembly of Virginia were
+occupied on the revisal of their code of laws. This, with some other
+similar intelligence, has contributed much to convince the people of
+Europe, that what the English papers are constantly publishing of our
+anarchy, is false; as they are sensible that such a work is that of a
+people only, who are in perfect tranquillity. Our act for freedom of
+religion is extremely applauded. The ambassadors and ministers of the
+several nations of Europe, resident at this court, have asked of me
+copies of it, to send to their sovereigns, and it is inserted at full
+length in several books now in the press; among others, in the new
+_Encyclopedie_. I think it will produce considerable good even in these
+countries, where ignorance, superstition, poverty, and oppression of
+body and mind, in every form, are so firmly settled on the mass of the
+people, that their redemption from them can never be hoped. If all the
+sovereigns of Europe were to set themselves to work, to emancipate the
+minds of their subjects from their present ignorance and prejudices, and
+that, as zealously as they now endeavor the contrary, a thousand years
+would not place them on that high ground, on which our common people
+are now setting out. Ours could not have been so fairly placed under the
+control of the common sense of the people, had they not been separated
+from their parent stock, and kept from contamination, either from them,
+or the other people of the old world, by the intervention of so wide an
+ocean. To know the worth of this, one must see the want of it here. I
+think by far the most important bill in our whole code, is that for the
+diffusion of knowledge among the people. No other sure foundation can
+be devised for the preservation of freedom and happiness. If any body
+thinks, that kings, nobles, or priests are good conservators of the
+public happiness, send him here. It is the best school in the universe
+to cure him of that folly. He will see here, with his own eyes, that
+these descriptions of men are an abandoned confederacy against the
+happiness of the mass of the people. The omnipotence of their effect
+cannot be better proved, than in this country particularly, where,
+notwithstanding the finest soil upon earth, the finest climate under
+heaven, and a people of the most benevolent, the most gay and amiable
+character of which the human form is susceptible; where such a people, I
+say, surrounded by so many blessings from nature, are loaded with misery
+by kings, nobles, and priests, and by them alone. Preach, my dear Sir,
+a crusade against ignorance; establish and improve the law for educating
+the common people. Let our countrymen know, that the people alone can
+protect us against these evils, and that the tax which will be paid for
+this purpose, is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid
+to kings, priests, and nobles, who will rise up among us if we leave the
+people in ignorance. The people of England, I think, are less oppressed
+than here. But it needs but half an eye to see, when among them, that
+the foundation is laid in their dispositions for the establishment of
+a despotism. Nobility, wealth, and pomp are the objects of their
+admiration. They are by no means the free-minded people, we suppose
+them in America. Their learned men, too, are few in number, and are less
+learned, and infinitely less emancipated from prejudice, than those
+of this country. An event, too, seems to be preparing, in the order of
+things, which will probably decide the fate of that country. It is no
+longer doubtful, that the harbor of Cherbourg will be complete, that
+it will be a most excellent one, and capacious enough to hold the whole
+navy of France. Nothing has ever been wanting to enable this country
+to invade that, but a naval force conveniently stationed to protect the
+transports. This change of situation must oblige the English to keep up
+a great standing army, and there is no King, who, with sufficient force,
+is not always ready to make himself absolute. My paper warns me, it is
+time to recommend myself to the friendly recollection of Mrs. Wythe, of
+Colonel Taliaferro and his family, and particularly of Mr. R. T. and to
+assure you of the affectionate esteem, with which I am,
+
+Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXVIII.--TO MRS. COSWAY, October 12, 1786
+
+TO MRS. COSWAY.
+
+Paris, October 12, 1786.
+
+My Dear Madam,
+
+Having performed the last sad office of handing you into your carriage,
+at the pavillion de St. Denis, and seen the wheels get actually into
+motion, I turned on my heel and walked, more dead than alive, to the
+opposite door, where my own was awaiting me. Mr. Danquerville was
+missing. He was sought for, found, and dragged down stairs. We were
+crammed into the carriage, like recruits for the Bastille, and not
+having soul enough to give orders to the coachman, he presumed Paris our
+destination, and drove off. After a considerable interval, silence was
+broke, with a '_Je suis vraiment afflige du depart de ces bons
+gens._' This was a signal for mutual confession of distress. We began
+immediately to talk of Mr. and Mrs. Cosway, of their goodness, their
+talents, their amiability; and though we spoke of nothing else, we
+seemed hardly to have entered into the matter, when the coachman
+announced the rue St. Denis, and that we were opposite Mr.
+Danquerville's. He insisted on descending there, and traversing a short
+passage to his lodgings. I was carried home. Seated by my fire-side,
+solitary and sad, the following dialogue took place between my Head and
+my Heart.
+
+Head. Well, friend, you seem to be in a pretty trim.
+
+Heart. I am indeed the most wretched of all earthly beings. Overwhelmed
+with grief, every fibre of my frame distended beyond its natural powers
+to bear, I would willingly meet whatever catastrophe should leave me no
+more to feel, or to fear.
+
+Head. These are the eternal consequences of your warmth and
+precipitation. This is one of the scrapes into which you are ever
+leading us. You confess your follies, indeed; but still you hug and
+cherish them; and no reformation can be hoped, where there is no
+repentance.
+
+Heart. Oh, my friend! this is no moment to upbraid my foibles. I am rent
+into fragments by the force of my grief! If you have any balm, pour it
+into my wounds; if none, do not harrow them by new torments. Spare me
+in this awful moment! At any other, I will attend with patience to your
+admonitions.
+
+Head. On the contrary, I never found that the moment of triumph, with
+you, was the moment of attention to my admonitions. While suffering
+under your follies, you may perhaps be made sensible of them; but, the
+paroxysm over, you fancy it can never return. Harsh, therefore, as the
+medicine may be, it is my office to administer it. You will be pleased
+to remember, that when our friend Trumbull used to be telling us of the
+merits and talents of these good people, I never ceased whispering to
+you that we had no occasion for new acquaintances; that the greater
+their merit and talents, the more dangerous their friendship to our
+tranquillity, because the regret at parting would be greater.
+
+Heart. Accordingly, Sir, this acquaintance was not the consequence of my
+doings. It was one of your projects, which threw us in the way of it.
+It was you, remember, and not I, who desired the meeting at Legrand and
+Motinos. I never trouble myself with domes nor arches. The _Halle aux
+bleds_ might have rotted down, before I should have gone to see it. But
+you, forsooth, who are eternally getting us to sleep with your diagrams
+and crotchets, must go and examine this wonderful piece of architecture;
+and when you had seen it, oh! it was the most superb thing on earth!
+What you had seen there was worth all you had yet seen in Paris! I
+thought so too. But I meant it of the lady and gentleman to whom we had
+been presented; and not of a parcel of sticks and chips put together
+in pens. You then, Sir, and not I, have been the cause of the present
+distress.
+
+Head. It would have been happy for you, if my diagrams and crotchets
+had gotten you to sleep on that day, as you are pleased to say they
+eternally do. My visit to Legrand and Motinos, had public utility for
+its object. A market is to be built in Richmond. What a commodious plan
+is that of Legrand and Motinos; especially, if we put on it the noble
+dome of the _Halle aux bleds_. If such a bridge as they showed us, can
+be thrown across the Schuylkill, at Philadelphia, the floating bridges
+taken up, and the navigation of that river opened, what a copious
+resource will be added of wood and provisions, to warm and feed the poor
+of that city? While I was occupied with these objects, you were dilating
+with your new acquaintances, and contriving how to prevent a separation
+from them. Every soul of you had an engagement for the day. Yet all
+these were to be sacrificed, that you might dine together. Lying
+messengers were to be despatched into every quarter of the city, with
+apologies for your breach of engagement. You, particularly, had the
+effrontery to send word to the Duchess Danville, that on the moment
+we were setting out to dine with her, despatches came to hand, which
+required immediate attention. You wanted me to invent a more ingenious
+excuse; but I knew you were getting into a scrape, and I would have
+nothing to do with it. Well; after dinner to St. Cloud, from St. Cloud
+to Ruggieri's, from Ruggieri's to Krumfoltz; and if the day had been as
+long as a Lapland summer day, you would still have contrived means among
+you to have filled it.
+
+Heart. Oh! my dear friend, how you have revived me, by recalling to mind
+the transactions of that day! How well I remember them all, and that
+when I came home at night, and looked back to the morning, it seemed to
+have been a month agone. Go on, then, like a kind comforter, and paint
+to me the day we went to St. Germains. How beautiful was every object!
+the _Port de Reuilly_, the hills along the Seine, the rainbows of the
+machine of Marly, the terras of St. Germains, the chateaux, the gardens,
+the statues of Marly, the pavillion of Lucienne. Recollect, too, Madrid,
+Bagatelle, the King's garden, the Desert. How grand the idea excited by
+the remains of such a column. The spiral staircase, too, was beautiful.
+Every moment was filled with something agreeable. The wheels of time
+moved on with a rapidity, of which those of our carriage gave but a
+faint idea. And yet, in the evening, when one took a retrospect of the
+day, what a mass of happiness had we travelled over! Retrace all those
+scenes to me, my good companion, and I will forgive the unkindness with
+which you were chiding me. The day we went to St. Germains was a little
+too warm, I think; was it not?
+
+Head. Thou art the most incorrigible of all the beings that ever sinned!
+I reminded you of the follies of the first day, intending to deduce from
+thence some useful lessons for you, but instead of listening to them,
+you kindle at the recollection, you retrace the whole series with a
+fondness, which shows you want nothing but the opportunity, to act
+it over again. I often told you, during its course, that you were
+imprudently engaging your affections, under circumstances that must cost
+you a great deal of pain; that the persons, indeed, were of the greatest
+merit, possessing good sense, good humor, honest hearts, honest manners,
+and eminence in a lovely art; that the lady had, moreover, qualities and
+accomplishments belonging to her sex, which might form a chapter
+apart for her; such as music, modesty, beauty, and that softness of
+disposition, which is the ornament of her sex, and charm of ours: but
+that all these considerations would increase the pang of separation,
+that their stay here was to be short; that you rack our whole system
+when you are parted from those you love, complaining that such a
+separation is worse than death, inasmuch as this ends our sufferings,
+whereas that only begins them; and that the separation would, in this
+instance, be the more severe, as you, would probably never see them
+again.
+
+Heart. But they told me, they would come back again the next year.
+
+Head. But in the mean time, see what you surfer: and their return, too,
+depends on so many circumstances, that, if you had a grain of prudence,
+you would not count upon it. Upon the whole, it is improbable, and
+therefore you should abandon the idea of ever seeing them again.
+
+Heart. May Heaven abandon me, if I do!
+
+Head. Very well. Suppose, then, they come back. They are to stay two
+months, and when these are expired, what is to follow? Perhaps you
+flatter yourself they may come to America?
+
+Heart. God only knows what is to happen. I see nothing impossible in
+that supposition: and I see things wonderfully contrived sometimes to
+make us happy. Where could they find such objects as in America, for
+the exercise of their enchanting art; especially the lady, who paints
+landscapes so inimitably? She wants only subjects worthy of immortality,
+to render her pencil immortal. The Falling Spring, the Cascade of
+Niagara, the Passage of the Potomac through the Blue Mountains, the
+Natural Bridge; it is worth a voyage across the Atlantic to see these
+objects; much more to paint, and make them, and thereby ourselves, known
+to all ages. And our own dear Monticello; where has nature spread so
+rich a mantle under the eye?--mountains, forests rocks, rivers. With
+what majesty do we there ride above the storms! How sublime to look
+down into the workhouse of nature to see her clouds, hail, snow, rain,
+thunder, all fabricated at our feet! and the glorious sun when rising as
+if out of a distant water, lust gilding the tops of the mountains, and
+giving life to all nature! 1 hope in God, no circumstance may ever make
+either seek an asylum from grief! With what sincere sympathy I would
+open every cell of my composition, to receive the effusion of their
+woes!
+
+I would pour my tears into their wounds; and if a drop of balm could be
+found on the top of the Cordilleras, or at the remotest sources of the
+Missouri, I would go thither myself to seek and to bring it. Deeply
+practised in the school of affliction, the human heart knows no joy
+which I have not lost, no sorrow of which I have not drank! Fortune can
+present no grief of unknown form to me! Who, then, can so softly bind
+up the wound of another, as he who has felt the same wound himself? But
+Heaven forbid, they should ever know a sorrow! Let us turn over another
+leaf, for this has distracted me.
+
+Head. Well. Let us put this possibility to trial, then, on another
+point. When you consider the character which is given of our country
+by the lying newspapers of London, and their credulous copyers in other
+countries; when you reflect, that all Europe is made to believe we are a
+lawless banditti, in a state of absolute anarchy, cutting one another's
+throats, and plundering without distinction, how could you expect, that
+any reasonable creature would venture among us?
+
+Heart. But you and I know, that all this is false: that there is not a
+country on earth, where there is greater tranquillity; where the laws
+are milder, or better obeyed; where every one is more attentive to his
+own business, or meddles less with that of others; where strangers
+are better received, more hospitably treated, and with a more sacred
+respect.
+
+Head. True, you and I know this, but your friends do not know it.
+
+Heart. But they are sensible people, who think for themselves. They will
+ask of impartial foreigners, who have been among us, whether they saw or
+heard on the spot any instance of anarchy. They will judge, too, that a
+people occupied, as we are, in opening rivers, digging navigable canals,
+making roads, building public schools, establishing academies, erecting
+busts and statues to our great men, protecting religious freedom,
+abolishing sanguinary punishments, reforming and improving our laws in
+general; they will judge, I say, for themselves, whether these are not
+the occupations of a people at their ease; whether this is not better
+evidence of our true state, than a London newspaper, hired to lie, and
+from which no truth can ever be extracted, but by reversing every thing
+it says.
+
+Head. I did not begin this lecture, my friend, with a view to learn from
+you what America is doing. Let us return, then, to our point. I wish to
+make you sensible how imprudent it is to place your affections without
+reserve on objects you must so soon lose, and whose loss, when it comes,
+must cost you such severe pangs. Remember the last night. You knew your
+friends were to leave Paris to-day. This was enough to throw you into
+agonies. All night you tossed us from one side of the bed to the other;
+no sleep, no rest. The poor Crippled wrist, too, never left one moment
+in the same position; now up, now down, now here, now there; was it
+to be wondered at, if its pains returned? The surgeon then was to be
+called, and to be rated as an ignoramus, because he could not divine the
+cause of this extraordinary change. In fine, my friend, you must mend
+your manners. This is not a world to live at random in, as you do. To
+avoid those eternal distresses, to which you are for ever exposing
+us, you must learn to look forward before you take a step, which may
+interest our peace. Every thing in this world is matter of calculation.
+Advance, then, with caution, the balance in your hand. Put into one
+scale the pleasures which any object may offer; but put fairly into the
+other the pains which are to follow, and see which preponderates. The
+making an acquaintance is not a matter of indifference. When a new
+one is proposed to you, view it all round. Consider what advantages it
+presents, and to what inconveniences it may expose you. Do not bite at
+the bait of pleasure, till you know there is no hook beneath it. The
+art of life is the art of avoiding pain; and he is the best pilot, who
+steers clearest of the rocks and shoals with which it is beset. Pleasure
+is always before us; but misfortune is at our side: while running after
+that, this arrests us. The most effectual means of being secure
+against pain, is to retire within ourselves, and to suffice for our own
+happiness. Those which depend on ourselves, are the only pleasures a
+wise man will count on; for nothing is ours, which another may deprive
+us of. Hence the inestimable value of intellectual pleasures. Ever in
+our power, always leading us to something new, never cloying, we
+ride serene and sublime above the concerns of this mortal world,
+contemplating truth and nature, matter and motion, the laws which bind
+up their existence, and that Eternal Being, who made and bound them up
+by those laws. Let this be our employ. Leave the bustle and tumult of
+society to those who have not talents to occupy themselves without them.
+Friendship is but another name for an alliance with the follies and
+the misfortunes of others. Our own share of miseries is sufficient: why
+enter then as volunteers into those of another? Is there so little
+gall poured into our cup, that we must heed help to drink that of our
+neighbor? A friend dies, or leaves us: we feel as if a limb was cut off.
+He is sick: we must watch over him, and participate of his pains. His
+fortune is shipwrecked: ours must be laid under contribution. He loses a
+child, a parent, or a partner: we must mourn the loss as if it were our
+own.
+
+Heart. And what more sublime delight, than to mingle tears with one whom
+the hand of Heaven hath smitten! to watch over the bed of sickness, and
+to beguile its tedious and its painful moments! to share our bread with
+one to whom misfortune has left none! This world abounds indeed with
+misery: to lighten its burthen, we must divide it with one another. But
+let us now try the virtue of your mathematical balance, and as you have
+put into one scale the burthens of friendship, let me put its comforts
+into the other. When languishing then under disease, how grateful is the
+solace of our friends! how are we penetrated with their assiduities and
+attentions! how much are we supported by their encouragements and kind
+offices! When Heaven has taken from us some object of our love, how
+sweet is it to have a bosom whereon to recline our heads, and into which
+we may pour the torrent of our tears! Grief, with such a comfort, is
+almost a luxury! In a life where we are perpetually exposed to want and
+accident, yours is a wonderful proposition, to insulate ourselves,
+to retire from all aid, and to wrap ourselves in the mantle of
+self-sufficiency! For assuredly nobody will care for him, who cares for
+nobody. But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the
+sunshine of life: and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the
+greater part of life is sunshine. I will recur for proof to the days we
+have lately passed. On these, indeed, the sun shone brightly! How
+gay did the face of nature appear! Hills, valleys, chateaux, gardens,
+rivers, every object wore its liveliest hue! Whence did they borrow it?
+From the presence of our charming companion. They were pleasing, because
+she seemed pleased. Alone, the scene would have been dull and insipid:
+the participation of it with her gave it relish. Let the gloomy monk,
+sequestered from the world, seek unsocial pleasures in the bottom of his
+cell! Let the sublimated philosopher grasp visionary happiness, while
+pursuing phantoms dressed in the garb of truth! Their supreme wisdom is
+supreme folly: and they mistake for happiness the mere absence of pain.
+Had they ever felt the solid pleasure of one generous spasm of the
+heart, they would exchange for it all the frigid speculations of their
+lives, which you have been vaunting in such elevated terms. Believe
+me, then, my friend, that that is a miserable arithmetic, which could
+estimate friendship at nothing, or at less than nothing. Respect for
+you has induced me to enter into this discussion, and to hear principles
+uttered, which I detest and abjure. Respect for myself now obliges me to
+recall you into the proper limits of your office. When nature assigned
+us the same habitation, she gave us over it a divided empire. To you she
+allotted the field of science; to me that of morals.
+
+When the circle is to be squared, or the orbit of a comet to be traced;
+when the arch of greatest strength, or the solid of least resistance is
+to be investigated, take up the problem; it is yours; nature has given
+me no cognizance of it. In like manner, in denying to you the feelings
+of sympathy, of benevolence, of gratitude, of justice, of love, of
+friendship, she has excluded you from their control. To these she has
+adapted the mechanism of the heart. Morals were too essential to the
+happiness of man, to be risked on the uncertain combinations of the
+head. She laid their foundation, therefore, in sentiment, not in
+science. That she gave to all, as necessary to all: this to a few only,
+as sufficing with a few. I know indeed, that you pretend authority to
+the sovereign control of our conduct, in all its parts: and a respect
+for your grave saws and maxims, a desire to do what is right, has
+sometimes induced me to conform to your counsels. A few facts, however,
+which I can readily recall to your memory, will suffice to prove to you,
+that nature has not organized you for our moral direction. When the poor
+wearied soldier, whom we overtook at Chickahominy, with his pack on
+his back, begged us to let him get up behind our chariot, you began to
+calculate that the road was full of soldiers, and that if all should be
+taken up, our horses would fail in their journey. We drove on therefore.
+But soon becoming sensible you had made me do wrong, that though we
+cannot relieve all the distressed, we should relieve as many as we can,
+I turned about to take up the soldier; but he had entered a by-path,
+and was no more to be found: and from that moment to this, I could never
+find him out to ask his forgiveness. Again, when the poor woman came
+to ask a charity in Philadelphia, you whispered, that she looked like
+a drunkard, and that half a dollar was enough to give her for the
+ale-house. Those who want the dispositions to give, easily find reasons
+why they ought not to give. When I sought her out afterwards, and did
+what I should have done at first, you know, that she employed the money
+immediately towards placing her child at school. If our country, when
+pressed with wrongs at the point of the bayonet, had been governed by
+its heads instead of its' hearts, where should we have been now? Hanging
+on a gallows as high as Hainan's. You began to calculate, and to compare
+wealth and numbers: we threw up a few pulsations of our blood; we
+supplied enthusiasm against wealth and numbers; we put our existence to
+the hazard, when the hazard seemed against us, and we saved our country:
+justifying, at the same time, the ways of Providence, whose precept is,
+to do always what is right, and leave the issue to him. In short, my
+friend, as far as my recollection serves me, I do not know that I ever
+did a good thing on your suggestion, or a dirty one without it. I do for
+ever, then, disclaim your interference in my province. Fill paper as you
+please with triangles and squares: try how many ways you can hang and
+combine them together. I shall never envy nor control your sublime
+delights. But leave me to decide when and where friendships are to be
+contracted. You say I contract them at random. So you said the woman at
+Philadelphia was a drunkard. I receive none into my esteem, till I know
+they are worthy of it. Wealth, title, office, are no recommendations to
+my friendship. On the contrary, great good qualities are requisite to
+make amends for their having wealth, title, and office. You confess,
+that, in the present case, I could not have made a worthier choice.
+You only object, that I was so soon to lose them. We are not immortal
+ourselves, my friend; how can we expect our enjoyments to be so? We have
+no rose without its thorn; no pleasure without alloy. It is the law of
+our existence; and we must acquiesce. It is the condition annexed to all
+our pleasures, not by us who receive, but by him who gives them. True,
+this condition is pressing cruelly on me at this moment. I feel more fit
+for death than life. But when I look back on the pleasures of which
+it is the consequence, I am conscious they were worth the price I am
+paying. Notwithstanding your endeavors, too, to damp my hopes, I comfort
+myself with expectations of their promised return. Hope is sweeter than
+despair; and they were too good to mean to deceive me. 'In the summer,'
+said the gentleman; but 'In the spring,' said the lady; and I should
+love her for ever, were it only for that! Know, then, my friend, that I
+have taken these good people into my bosom; that I have lodged them in
+the warmest cell I could find; that I love them, and will continue to
+love them through life; that if fortune should dispose them on one side
+the globe, and me on the other, my affections shall pervade its whole
+mass to reach them. Knowing then my determination, attempt not to
+disturb it. If you can at any time furnish matter for their amusement,
+it will be the office of a good neighbor to do it. I will, in like
+manner, seize any occasion which may offer, to do the like good turn for
+you with Condorcet, Rittenhouse, Madison, La Cretelle, or any other of
+those worthy sons of science, whom you so justly prize.
+
+
+I thought this a favorable proposition whereon to rest the issue of the
+dialogue. So I put an end to it by calling for my nightcap. Methinks, I
+hear you wish to Heaven I had called a little sooner, and so spared you
+the _ennui_ of such a sermon. I did not interrupt them sooner, because
+I was in a mood for hearing sermons. You, too, were the subject; and on
+such a thesis, I never think the theme long; not even if I am to write
+it, and that slowly and awkwardly, as now, with the left hand. But
+that you may not be discouraged from a correspondence, which begins
+so formidably, I will promise you, on my honor, that my future letters
+shall be of a reasonable length. I will even agree to express but half
+my esteem for you, for fear of cloying you with too full a dose. But on
+your part, no curtailing. If your letters are as long as the Bible,
+they will appear short to me. Only let them be brim full of affection. I
+shall read them with the dispositions with which Arlequin, in _Les
+Deux Billets_, spelt the words '_Je t'aime,_' and wished that the whole
+alphabet had entered into their composition.
+
+We have had incessant rains since your departure. These make me fear for
+your health, as well as that you had an uncomfortable journey. The same
+cause has prevented me from being able to give you any account of your
+friends here. This voyage to Fontainebleau will probably send the Count
+de Moutier and the Marquis de Brehan to America. Danquerville promised
+to visit me, but has not done it as yet. De la Tude comes sometimes to
+take family soup with me, and entertains me with anecdotes of his five
+and thirty years' imprisonment. How fertile is the mind of man, which
+can make the Bastille and dungeon of Vincennes yield interesting
+anecdotes! You know this was for making four verses on Madame de
+Pompadour. But I think you told me you did not know the verses. They
+were these.
+
+     'Sans esprit, sans sentiment,
+     Sans etre belle, ni neuve,
+     En France on peut avoir le premier amant:
+     Pompadour en est Tepreuve.'
+
+I have read the memoir of his three escapes. As to myself, my health is
+good, except my wrist, which mends slowly, and my mind, which mends not
+at all, but broods constantly over your departure. The lateness of
+the season obliges me to decline my journey into the south of France.
+Present me in the most friendly terms to Mr. Cosway, and receive me into
+your own recollection with a partiality and warmth, proportioned not
+to my own poor merit, but to the sentiments of sincere affection and
+esteem, with which I have the honor to be, my Dear Madam,
+
+Your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXIX.--TO MRS. COSWAY, October 13, 1786
+
+
+TO MRS. COSWAY.
+
+Paris, October 13, 1786.
+
+My Dear Madam,
+
+Just as I had sealed the enclosed, I received a letter of a good length,
+dated Antwerp, with your name at the bottom. I prepared myself for a
+feast. I read two or three sentences: looked again at the signature, to
+see if I had not mistaken it. It was visibly yours. Read a sentence or
+two more. Diable! Spelt your name distinctly. There was not a letter of
+it omitted. Began to read again. In fine, after reading a little, and
+examining the signature alternately, half a dozen times, I found that
+your name was to four lines only, instead of four pages. I thank you
+for the four lines, however, because they prove you think of me; little,
+indeed, but better little than none. To show how much I think of you, I
+send you the enclosed letter of three sheets of paper, being a history
+of the evening I parted with you. But how expect you should read a
+letter of three mortal sheets of paper? I will tell you. Divide it into
+six doses of half a sheet each, and every day, when the toilette begins,
+take a dose, that is to say, read half a sheet. By this means, it
+will have the only merit its length and dulness can aspire to, that of
+assisting your coiffeuse to procure you six good naps of sleep. I will
+even allow you twelve days to get through it, holding you rigorously to
+one condition only, that is, that at whatever hour you receive this, you
+do not break the seal of the enclosed till the next toilette. Of this
+injunction I require a sacred execution. I rest it on your friendship,
+and that in your first letter, you tell me honestly, whether you have
+honestly performed it. I send you the song I promised. Bring me in
+return the subject, _Jours heureux!_ Were I a songster, I should sing it
+all to these words; '_Dans ces lieux qu'elle tarde a se rendre!_' Learn
+it, I pray you, and sing it with feeling. My right hand presents its
+devoirs to you, and sees with great indignation the left supplanting it
+in a correspondence so much valued. You will know the first moment it
+can resume its rights. The first exercise of them shall be addressed to
+you, as you had the first essay of its rival. It will yet, however, be
+many a day. Present my esteem to Mr. Cosway, and believe me to be yours
+very affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXX.--M. LE ROY DE L'ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES, November 13, 1786
+
+
+M. LE ROY DE L'ACADEMIE DES SCIENCES.
+
+Paris, November 13, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+I received the honor of yours of September the 18th, a day or two after
+the accident of a dislocated wrist had disabled me from writing. I have
+waited thus long in constant hope of recovering its use. But finding
+that this hope walks before me like my shadow, I can no longer oppose
+the desire and duty of answering your polite and learned letter. I
+therefore employ my left hand in the office of scribe, which it performs
+indeed slowly, awkwardly, and badly.
+
+The information given by me to the Marquis de Chastellux, and alluded to
+in his book and in your letter, was, that the sea breezes which prevail
+in the lower parts of Virginia, during the summer months, and in the
+warm parts of-the day, had made a sensible progress into the interior
+country: that formerly, within the memory of persons living, they
+extended but little above Williamsburg; that afterwards they became
+sensible as high as Richmond; and that, at present, they penetrate
+sometimes as far as the first mountains, which are above an hundred
+miles further from the sea coast, than Williamsburg is. It is very rare,
+indeed, that they reach those mountains, and not till the afternoon is
+considerably advanced. A light northwesterly breeze is, for the most
+part, felt there, while an easterly or northeasterly wind is blowing
+strongly in the lower country. How far northward and southward of
+Virginia, this easterly breeze Takes place, I am not informed. I must,
+therefore, be understood as speaking of that State only, which extends
+on the sea coast from 36 1/2 to 38 deg. of latitude.
+
+This is the fact. We know too little of the operations of nature in the
+physical world, to assign causes with any degree of confidence. Willing
+always, however, to guess at what we do not know, I have sometimes
+indulged myself with conjectures on the causes of the phenomena above
+stated. I will hazard them on paper, for your amusement, premising for
+their foundation some principles believed to be true.
+
+Air resting on a heated and reflecting surface, becomes warmer, rarer,
+and lighter: it ascends therefore, and the circumjacent air, which is
+colder and heavier, flows into its place, becomes warmed and lightened
+in its turn, ascends, and is succeeded as that which went before. If the
+heated surface be circular, the air flows to it from every quarter,
+like the rays of a circle to its centre. If it be a zone of determinate
+breadth and indefinite length, the air will flow from each side
+perpendicularly on it. If the currents of air flowing from opposite
+sides, be of equal force, they will meet in equilibrio, at a line
+drawn longitudinally through the middle of the zone. If one current be
+stronger than the other, the stronger one will force back the line of
+equilibrium, towards the further edge of the zone, or even beyond it:
+the motion it has acquired causing it to overshoot the zone, as the
+motion acquired by a pendulum in its descent, causes it to vibrate
+beyond the point of its lowest descent.
+
+Earth, exposed naked to the sun's rays, absorbs a good portion of them;
+but, being an opaque body, those rays penetrate to a small depth only.
+Its surface, by this accumulation of absorbed rays, becomes considerably
+heated. The residue of the rays are reflected into the air resting on
+that surface. This air, then, is warmed, 1. by the direct rays of the
+sun; 2. by its reflected rays; 3. by contact with the heated surface.
+A forest receiving the sun's rays, a part of them enters the intervals
+between the trees, and their reflection upwards is intercepted by the
+leaves and boughs. The rest fall on the trees, the leaves of which being
+generally inclined towards the horizon, reflect the rays downwards. The
+atmosphere here, then, receives little or no heat by reflection. Again,
+these leaves having a power of keeping themselves cool by their own
+transpiration, they impart no heat to the air by contact. Reflection
+and contact, then, two of the three modes before-mentioned, of
+communicating heat, are wanting here; and, of course, the air over
+a country covered by forest must be colder than that over cultivated
+grounds.
+
+The sea being pellucid, the sun's rays penetrate it to a considerable
+depth. Being also fluid, and in perpetual agitation, its parts are
+constantly mixed together; so that instead of its heat being all
+accumulated in its surface, as in the case of a solid, opaque body,
+it is diffused through its whole mass. Its surface, therefore, is
+comparatively cool, for these reasons; to which may be added that of
+evaporation. The small degree of reflection which might otherwise take
+place, is generally prevented by the rippled state of its surface. The
+air resting on the sea, then, like that resting on a forest, receives
+little or no heat by reflection or contact; and is therefore colder than
+that which lies over a cultivated country.
+
+To apply these observations to the phenomena under consideration. The
+first settlements of Virginia were made along the sea coast, bearing
+from the south, towards the north, a little eastwardly. These
+settlements formed a zone, in which, though every point was not cleared
+of its forest, yet a good proportion was cleared and cultivated. The
+cultivated earth, as the sun advances above the horizon in the morning,
+acquires from it an intense heat, which is retained and increased
+through the warm parts of the day. The air resting on it becomes warm
+in proportion, and rises. On one side is a country still covered with
+forest: on the other is the ocean. The colder air from both of these,
+then rushes towards the heated zone, to supply the place left vacant
+there by the ascent of its warm air. The breeze from the west is light
+and feeble; because it traverses a country covered with mountains and
+forests, which retard its current. That from the east is strong; as
+passing over the ocean, wherein there is no obstacle to its motion.
+It is probable, therefore, that this easterly breeze forces itself far
+into, or perhaps beyond, the zone which produces it. This zone is,
+by the increase of population, continually widening into the interior
+country. The line of equilibrium between the easterly and westerly
+breezes is, therefore, progressive.
+
+Did no foreign causes intervene, the sea breezes would be a little
+southwardly of the east, that direction being perpendicular to our
+coast. But within the tropics, there are winds which blow continually
+and strongly from the east. This current affects the course of the air,
+even without the tropics. The same cause, too, which produces a strong
+motion of the air, from east to west, between the tropics, to wit, the
+sun, exercises its influence without those limits, but more feebly, in
+proportion as the surface of the globe is there more obliquely presented
+to its rays. This effect, though not great, is not to be neglected when
+the sun is in or near our summer solstice, which is the season of these
+easterly breezes. The northern air, too, flowing towards the equatorial
+parts, to supply the vacuum made there by the ascent of their heated
+air, has only the small rotary motion of the polar latitudes from which
+it comes. Nor does it suddenly acquire the swifter rotation of the parts
+into which it enters. This gives it the effect of a motion opposed to
+that of the earth, that is to say, of an easterly one. And all these
+causes together are known to produce currents of air in the Atlantic,
+varying from east to northeast, as far as the fortieth degree of
+latitude. It is this current which presses our sea breeze out of its
+natural southeasterly direction, to an easterly, and sometimes almost a
+northeasterly one.
+
+We are led naturally to ask, where the progress of our sea breezes will
+ultimately be stopped? No confidence can be placed in any answer to
+this question. If they should ever pass the mountainous country which
+separates the waters of the ocean from those of the Mississippi, there
+may be circumstances which might aid their further progress, as far as
+the Mississippi. That mountainous country commences about two hundred
+miles from the sea coast, and consists of successive ranges passing
+from northeast to southwest, and rising the one above the other to the
+Allegany Ridge, which is the highest of all. From that, lower and lower
+ridges succeed one another again, till having covered, in the whole, a
+breadth of two hundred miles from southeast to northwest, they subside
+into a plain, fertile country, extending four hundred miles to the
+Mississippi, and probably much further on the other side, towards the
+heads of the western waters. When this country shall become cultivated,
+it will, for the reasons before explained, draw to it winds from
+the east and west. In this case, should the sea breezes pass the
+intermediate mountains, they will rather be aided than opposed in their
+further progress to the Mississippi. There are circumstances, however,
+which render it possible that they may not be able to pass those
+intermediate mountains. 1. These mountains constitute the highest lands
+within the United States. The air on them must consequently be very cold
+and heavy, and have a tendency to flow both to the east and west. 2.
+Ranging across the current of the sea breezes, they are in themselves,
+so many successive barriers opposed to their progress. 3. The country
+they occupy is covered with trees, which assist to weaken and spend
+the force of the breezes. 4. It will remain so covered; a very small
+proportion of it being capable of culture. 5. The temperature of its
+air, then, will never be softened by culture.
+
+Whether in the plain country between the Mississippi and Allegany
+mountains, easterly or westerly winds prevail at present, I am not
+informed. I conjecture, however, that they must be westerly: and I
+think with you, Sir, that if those mountains were to subside into
+plain country, as their opposition to the westerly winds would then be
+removed, they would repress more powerfully those from the east, and of
+course would remove the line of equilibrium nearer to the sea coast for
+the present.
+
+Having had occasion to mention the course of the tropical winds from
+east to west, I will add some observations connected with them. They are
+known to occasion a strong current in the ocean, in the same direction.
+This current breaks on that wedge of land of which Saint Roque is the
+point; the southern column of it probably turning off and washing the
+coast of Brazil. I say probably, because I have never heard the fact,
+and conjecture it from reason only. The northern column, having its
+western motion diverted towards the north, and reinforced by the
+currents of the great rivers Orinoko, Amazons, and Tocantin, has
+probably been the agent which formed the Gulf of Mexico, cutting the
+American continent nearly in two, in that part. It re-issues into the
+ocean at the northern end of the Gulf, and passes by the name of the
+Gulf Stream, all along the coast of the United States, to its northern
+extremity. There it turns off eastwardly, having formed by its eddy, at
+this turn, the Banks of Newfoundland. Through the whole of its course,
+from the Gulf to the Banks, it retains a very sensible warmth. The
+Spaniards are, at this time, desirous of trading to their Philippine
+Islands, by the way of the Cape of Good Hope: but opposed in it by the
+Dutch, under authority of the treaty of Munster, they are examining the
+practicability of a common passage through the Straits of Magellan, or
+round Cape Horn. Were they to make an opening through the Isthmus of
+Panama, a work much less difficult than some even of the inferior canals
+of France, however small this opening should be in the beginning, the
+tropical current entering it with all its force, would soon widen it
+sufficiently for its own passage, and thus complete in a short time,
+that work which otherwise will still employ it for ages. Less country,
+too, would be destroyed by it in this way. These consequences would
+follow. 1. Vessels from Europe or the western coast of Africa, by
+entering the tropics, would have a steady wind and tide to carry them
+through the Atlantic, through America and the Pacific ocean, to every
+part of the Asiatic coast, and of the eastern coast of Africa: thus
+performing with speed and safety the tour of the whole globe, to within
+about twenty-four degrees of longitude, or one fifteenth part of its
+circumference; the African continent, under the line, occupying about
+that space. 2. The Gulf of Mexico, now the most dangerous navigation in
+the world on account of its currents and moveable sands, would become
+stagnant and safe. 3. The Gulf Stream on the coast of the United States
+would cease, and with that, those derangements of course and reckoning,
+which now impede and endanger the intercourse with those States. 4. The
+fogs on the Banks of Newfoundland,* supposed to be the vapors of the
+Gulf Stream rendered turbid by cold air, would disappear. 5. Those Banks
+ceasing to receive supplies of sand, weeds, and warm water, by the Gulf
+Stream, it might become problematical what effect changes of pasture and
+temperatures would have on the fisheries. However it is time to
+relieve you from this long lecture. I wish its subject may have been
+sufficiently interesting to make amends for its details. These are
+submitted with entire deference to your better judgment. I will only
+add to them, by assuring you of the sentiments of perfect esteem and
+respect, with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and
+most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+     [* This ingenious and probable conjecture, I found in a
+     letter from Dr. Franklin to yourself, published in the late
+     volume of the American Philosophical Transactions.]
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXI.--TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, November 14, 1786
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+Paris, November 14, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+The house of Le Coulteux, which for some centuries has been the
+wealthiest of this place, has it in contemplation to establish a great
+company for the fur trade. They propose that partners interested
+one half in the establishment, should be American citizens, born and
+residing in the United States. Yet if I understood them rightly, they
+expect that the half of the company which resides here, should make the
+greatest part, or perhaps the whole of the advances, while those on
+our side the water should superintend the details. They had, at first,
+thought of Baltimore as the centre of their American transactions. I
+have pointed out to them the advantages of Alexandria for this purpose.
+They have concluded to take information as to Baltimore, Philadelphia,
+and New York, for a principal deposit, and having no correspondent at
+Alexandria, have asked me to procure a state of the advantages of that
+place, as also to get a recommendation of the best merchant there, to be
+adopted as partner and head of the business there. Skill, punctuality,
+and integrity are the requisites in such a character. They will decide
+on their whole information, as to the place for their principal factory.
+Being unwilling that Alexandria should lose its pretensions, I have
+undertaken to procure them information as to that place. If they
+undertake this trade at all, it will be on so great a scale as to decide
+the current of the Indian-trade to the place they adopt. I have no
+acquaintance at Alexandria or in its neighborhood; but believing you
+would feel an interest in the matter, from the same motives which I do,
+I venture to ask the favor of you to recommend to me a proper merchant
+for their purpose, and to engage some well informed person to send me a
+representation of the advantages of Alexandria, as the principal deposit
+of the fur trade.
+
+The author of the political part of the _Encyclopedie Methodique_
+desired me to examine his article, _Etats Unis_. I did so. I found it
+a tissue of errors; for in truth they know nothing about us here.
+Particularly, however, the article Cincinnati was a mere philippic
+against that institution: in which it appeared that there was an utter
+ignorance of facts and motives. I gave him notes on it. He reformed
+it, as he supposed, and sent it again to me to revise. In this reformed
+state, Colonel Humphreys saw it.
+
+I found it necessary to write that article for him. Before I gave it to
+him, I showed it to the Marquis de la Fayette, who made a correction or
+two. I then sent it to the author. He used the materials, mixing a great
+deal of his own with them. In a work which is sure of going down to the
+latest posterity, I thought it material to set facts to rights, as much
+as possible. The author was well disposed; but could not entirely get
+the better of his original bias. I send you the article as ultimately
+published. If you find any material errors in it, and will be so good
+as to inform me of them, I shall probably have opportunities of setting
+this author to rights. What has heretofore passed between us on this
+institution, makes it my duty to mention to you, that I have never heard
+a person in Europe, learned or unlearned, express his thoughts on this
+institution, who did not consider it as dishonorable and destructive
+to our governments; and that every writing which has come out since
+my arrival here, in which it is mentioned, considers it, even as now
+reformed, as the germ whose developement is one day to destroy the
+fabric we have reared. I did not apprehend this, while I had American
+ideas only. But I confess that what I have seen in Europe, has brought
+me over to that opinion; and that though the day may be at some
+distance, beyond the reach of our lives perhaps, yet it will certainly
+come, when a single fibre left of this institution will produce an
+hereditary aristocracy, which will change the form of our governments
+from the best to the worst in the world. To know the mass of evil which
+flows from this fatal source, a person must be in France; he must see
+the finest soil, the finest climate, the most compact state, the most
+benevolent character of people, and every earthly advantage combined,
+insufficient to prevent this scourge from rendering existence a curse to
+twenty-four out of twenty-five parts of the inhabitants of this country.
+With us, the branches of this institution cover all the states. The
+southern ones, at this time, are aristocratical in their dispositions:
+and that that spirit should grow and extend itself, is within the
+natural order of things. I do not flatter myself with the immortality
+of our governments: but I shall think little also of their longevity,
+unless this germ of destruction be taken out. When the society
+themselves shall weigh the possibility of evil, against the
+impossibility of any good to proceed from this institution, I cannot
+help hoping they will eradicate it. I know they wish the permanence of
+our governments, as much as any individuals composing them.
+
+An interruption here, and the departure of the gentleman by whom I send
+this, oblige me to conclude it with assurances of the sincere respect
+and esteem, with which I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXII.--TO JAMES MADISON, December 16, 1786
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, December 16, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+After a very long silence, I am at length able to write to you. An
+unlucky dislocation of my right wrist has disabled me from using that
+hand, three months. I now begin to use it a little, but with great pain;
+so that this letter must be taken up at such intervals as the state of
+my hand will permit, and will probably be the work of some days. Though
+the joint seems to be well set, the swelling does not abate, nor the use
+of it return. I am now, therefore, on the point of setting out, to
+the south of France, to try the use of some mineral waters there, by
+immersion. This journey will be of two or three months.
+
+I enclose you herein a copy of the letter from the minister of finance
+to me, making several advantageous regulations for our commerce. The
+obtaining this has occupied us a twelvemonth. I say us, because I find
+the Marquis de la Fayette so useful an auxiliary, that acknowledgements
+for his co-operation are always due. There remains still something to do
+for the articles of rice, turpentine, and ship duties. What can be done
+for tobacco when the late regulation expires, is very uncertain. The
+commerce between the United States and this country being put on a good
+footing, we may afterwards proceed to try if any thing can be done to
+favor our intercourse with her colonies. Admission into them for our
+fish and flour, is very desirable: but, unfortunately, both those
+articles would raise a competition against their own.
+
+I find by the public papers, that your commercial convention failed in
+point of representation. If it should produce a full meeting in May, and
+a broader reformation, it will still be well. To make us one nation as
+to foreign concerns, and keep us distinct in domestic ones, gives
+the outline of the proper division of powers between the general and
+particular governments. But to enable the federal head to exercise
+the powers given it, to best advantage, it should be organized, as the
+particular ones are, into legislative, executive, and judiciary. The
+first and last are already separated. The second should be. When last
+with Congress, I often proposed to members to do this, by making of
+the committee of the States an executive committee during the recess of
+Congress, and during its sessions to appoint a committee to receive and
+despatch all executive business, so that Congress itself should meddle
+only with what should be legislative. But I question if any Congress
+(much less all successively) can have self-denial enough to go, through
+with this distribution. The distribution, then, should be imposed
+on them. I find Congress have reversed their division of the western
+States, and proposed to make them fewer and larger. This is reversing
+the natural order of things. A tractable people may be governed in large
+bodies: but in proportion as they depart from this character, the extent
+of their government must be less. We see into what small divisions the
+Indians are obliged to reduce their societies. This measure, with the
+disposition to shut up the Mississippi, gives me serious apprehensions
+of the severance of the eastern and western parts of our confederacy. It
+might have been made the interest of the western States to remain united
+with us, by managing their interests honestly, and for their own good.
+But the moment we sacrifice their interests to our own, they will see
+it better to govern themselves. The moment they resolve to do this,
+the point is settled. A forced connection is neither our interest,
+nor within our power. The Virginia act for religious freedom has been
+received with infinite approbation in Europe, and propagated with
+enthusiasm. I do not mean by the governments, but by the individuals who
+compose them. It has been translated into French and Italian, has been
+sent to most of the courts of Europe, and has been the best evidence of
+the falsehood of those reports, which stated us to be in anarchy. It
+is inserted in the new _Encyclopedie_, and is appearing in most of the
+publications respecting America. In fact, it is comfortable to see the
+standard of reason at length erected, after so many ages, during which
+the human mind has been held in vassalage by kings, priests, and nobles:
+and it is honorable for us to have produced the first legislature who
+had the courage to declare, that the reason of man may be trusted with
+the formation of his own opinions.
+
+*****
+
+I thank you for your communications in Natural History. The several
+instances of trees, &c. found far below the surface of the earth, as in
+the case of Mr. Hay's well, seem to set the reason of man at defiance.
+
+I am, Dear Sir, with sincere esteem, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXIII.--TO CHARLES THOMSON, December 17,1780
+
+
+TO CHARLES THOMSON.
+
+Paris, December 17,1780.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+A dislocation of my right wrist has for three months past disabled me
+from writing, except with my left hand, which was too slow and awkward
+to be employed often. I begin to have so much use of my wrist as to be
+able to write, but it is slowly, and in pain. I take the first moment
+I can, however, to acknowledge the receipt of your letters of April the
+6th, July the 8th and 30th. In one of these, you say you have not
+been able to learn, whether, in the new mills in London, steam is the
+immediate mover of the machinery, or raises water to move it. It is the
+immediate mover. The power of this agent, though long known, is but
+now beginning to be applied to the various purposes of which it is
+susceptible. You observe, that Whitehurst supposes it to have been the
+agent, which bursting the earth, threw it up into mountains and vallies.
+You ask me what I think of this book. I find in it many interesting
+facts brought together, and many ingenious commentaries on them. But
+there are great chasms in his facts, and consequently in his reasoning,
+These he fills up by suppositions, which may be as reasonably denied
+as granted. A sceptical reader, therefore, like myself, is left in the
+lurch. I acknowledge, however, he makes more use of fact, than any other
+writer on a theory of the earth. But I give one answer to all these
+theorists. That is as follows. They all suppose the earth a created
+existence. They must suppose a creator then; and that he possessed
+power and wisdom to a great degree. As he intended the earth for the
+habitation of animals and vegetables, is it reasonable to suppose, he
+made two jobs of his creation, that he first made a chaotic lump,
+and set it into rotatory motion, and then waited the millions of ages
+necessary to form itself? That when it had done this, he stepped in a
+second time, to create the animals and plants which were to inhabit it?
+As the hand of a creator is to be called in, it may as well be called
+in at one stage of the process as another. We may as well suppose he
+created the earth at once, nearly in the state in which we see it, fit
+for the preservation of the beings he placed on it. But it is said, we
+have a proof that he did not create it in its present solid form, but in
+a state of fluidity: because its present shape of an oblate spheroid is
+precisely that, which a fluid mass revolving on its axis would assume.
+
+I suppose, that the same equilibrium between gravity and centrifugal
+force, which would determine a fluid mass into the form of an oblate
+spheroid, would determine the wise creator of that mass, if he made it
+in a solid state, to give it the same spheroidical form. A revolving
+fluid will continue to change its shape, till it attains that in which
+its principles of contrary motion are balanced. For if you suppose them
+not balanced, it will change its form. Now the same balanced form
+is necessary for the preservation of a revolving solid. The creator,
+therefore, of a revolving solid, would make it an oblate spheroid, that
+figure alone admitting a perfect equilibrium. He would make it in that
+form, for another reason; that is, to prevent a shifting of the axis of
+rotation. Had he created the earth perfectly spherical, its axis might
+have been perpetually shifting, by the influence of the other bodies
+of the system; and by placing the inhabitants of the earth successively
+under its poles, it might have been depopulated; whereas, being
+spheroidical, it has but one axis on which it can revolve in equilibrio.
+Suppose the axis of the earth to shift forty-five degrees; then cut it
+into one hundred and eighty slices, making every section in the plane
+of a circle of latitude, perpendicular to the axis: every one of these
+slices, except the equatorial one, would be unbalanced, as there would
+be more matter on one side of its axis than on the other. There could be
+but one diameter drawn through such a slice, which would divide it into
+two equal parts. On every other possible diameter, the parts would hang
+unequal. This would produce an irregularity in the diurnal rotation.
+We may, therefore, conclude it impossible for the poles of the earth
+to shift, if it was made spheroidical; and that it would be made
+spheroidical, though solid, to obtain this end. I use this reasoning
+only on the supposition, that the earth has had a beginning. I am sure I
+shall read your conjectures on this subject with great pleasure, though
+I bespeak beforehand, a right to indulge my natural incredulity and
+scepticism. The pain in which I write, awakens me here from my reverie,
+and obliges me to conclude with compliments to Mrs. Thomson, and
+assurances to yourself of the esteem and affection with which I am
+sincerely, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+P. S. Since writing the preceding, I have had a conversation on the
+subject of the steam-mills, with the famous Boulton, to whom those of
+London belong, and who is here at this time. He compares the effect of
+steam with that of horses, in the following manner. Six horses, aided
+with the most advantageous combination of the mechanical powers hitherto
+tried, will grind six bushels of flour in an hour; at the end of which
+time they are all in a foam, and must rest. They can work thus six hours
+in the twenty-four, grinding thirty-six bushels of flour, which is
+six to each horse, for the twenty-four hours. His steam-mill in London
+consumes one hundred and twenty bushels of coal in twenty-four hours,
+turns ten pair of stones, which grind eight bushels of flour an hour
+each, which is nineteen hundred and twenty bushels in the twenty-four
+hours. This makes a peck and a half of coal perform exactly as much as a
+horse in one day can perform.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXIV.--TO COLONEL MONROE, December 18, 1786
+
+
+TO COLONEL MONROE.
+
+Paris, December 18, 1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your letters of August the 19th and October the 12th have come duly to
+hand. My last to you was of the 11th of August. Soon after that date I
+got my right wrist dislocated, which has till now deprived me of the use
+of that hand; and even now I can use it but slowly, and with pain. The
+revisal of the Congressional intelligence contained in your letters,
+makes me regret the loss of it on your departure. I feel, too, the
+want of a person there to whose discretion I can trust confidential
+communications, and on whose friendship I can rely against the unjust
+designs of malevolence. I have no reason to suppose I have enemies in
+Congress; yet it is too possible, to be without that fear. Some
+symptoms make me suspect, that my proceedings to redress the abusive
+administration of tobacco by the Farmers General have indisposed towards
+me a powerful person in Philadelphia, who was profiting from that abuse.
+An expression in the enclosed letter of M. de Calonne, would seem to
+imply, that I had asked the abolition of Mr. Morris's contract. I never
+did. On the contrary, I always observed to them, that it would be unjust
+to annul that contract. I was led to this, by principles both of justice
+and interest. Of interest, because that contract would keep up the price
+of tobacco here to thirty-four, thirty-six, and thirty-eight livres,
+from which it will fall when it shall no longer have that support.
+However, I have done what was right, and I will not so far wound my
+privilege of doing that, without regard to any man's interest, as to
+enter into any explanations of this paragraph with him. Yet I esteem him
+highly, and suppose that hitherto he had esteemed me. You will see by
+Calonne's letter, that we are doing what we can to get the trade of the
+United States put on a good footing. I am now about setting out on
+a journey to the south of France, one object of which is to try the
+mineral waters there for the restoration of my hand; but another is,
+to visit all the seaports where we have trade, and to hunt up all the
+inconveniences under which it labors, in order to get them rectified.
+I shall visit, and carefully examine too, the canal of Languedoc. On
+my return, which will be early in the spring, I shall send you several
+_livraisons_ of the _Encyclopedie_, and the plan of your house. I wish
+to Heaven, you may continue in the disposition to fix it in Albemarle.
+Short will establish himself there, and perhaps Madison may be tempted
+to do so. This will be society enough, and it will be the great
+sweetener of our lives. Without society, and a society to our taste,
+men are never contented. The one here supposed, we can regulate to our
+minds, and we may extend our regulations to the sumptuary department,
+so as to set a good example to a country which needs it, and to preserve
+our own happiness clear of embarrassment. You wish not to engage in the
+drudgery of the bar. You have two asylums from that. Either to accept
+a seat in the Council, or in the judiciary department. The latter,
+however, would require a little previous drudgery at the bar, to qualify
+you to discharge your duty with satisfaction to yourself. Neither of
+these would be inconsistent with a continued residence in Albemarle. It
+is but twelve hours drive in a sulky from Charlottesville to Richmond,
+keeping a fresh horse always at the half-way, which would be a small
+annual expense. I am in hopes, that Mrs. M. will have in her domestic
+cares occupation and pleasure sufficient to fill her time, and insure
+her against the _tedium vitae_: that she will find, that the distractions
+of a town, and the waste of life under these, can bear no comparison
+with the tranquil happiness of domestic life. If her own experience has
+not yet taught her this truth, she has in its favor the testimony of
+one, who has gone through the various scenes of business, of bustle, of
+office, of rambling, and of quiet retirement, and who can assure her,
+that the latter is the only point upon which the mind can settle at
+rest. Though not clear of inquietudes, because no earthly situation
+is so, they are fewer in number, and mixed with more objects of
+contentment, than in any other mode of life. But I must not philosophize
+too much with her, lest I give her too serious apprehensions of a
+friendship I shall impose on her. I am with very great esteem, Dear Sir,
+your sincere friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXV.--TO MR. CARMICHAEL, December 26,1786
+
+
+TO MR. CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, December 26,1786.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+A note from me of the 22nd of September apprized you it would be some
+time before I should be able to answer your letters. I did not then
+expect it would have been so long.
+
+I enclose herein a resolution of Congress recalling Mr. Lambe, which I
+will beg the favor of you to have delivered him. I have written to Mr.
+Adams on the subject of directing him to settle with Mr. Barclay, and
+attend his answer. In the mean time, I am not without hopes Mr. Barclay
+has done the business. I send also a note desiring Mr. Lambe to deliver
+you his cipher: and a copy of a letter from the minister of finance here
+to me, announcing several regulations in favor of our commerce.
+
+My Notes on Virginia, having been hastily written, need abundance of
+corrections. Two or three of these are so material, that I am reprinting
+a few leaves to substitute for the old. As soon as these shall be ready,
+I will beg your acceptance of a copy. I shall be proud to be permitted
+to send a copy also to the Count de Campomanes, as a tribute to his
+science and his virtues. You will find in them, that the Natural Bridge
+has found an admirer in me also. I should be happy to make with you the
+tour of the curiosities you will find therein mentioned. That kind of
+pleasure surpasses much, in my estimation, whatever I find on this side
+the Atlantic. I sometimes think of building a little hermitage at the
+Natural Bridge (for it is my property), and of passing there a part of
+the year at least.
+
+I have received American papers to the 1st of November. Some tumultuous
+meetings of the people have taken place in the eastern States; i.e. one
+in Massachusetts, one in Connecticut, and one in New Hampshire. Their
+principal demand was a respite in the judiciary proceedings. No injury
+was done, however, in a single instance, to the person or property
+of any one, nor did the tumult continue twenty-four hours in any one
+instance. In Massachusetts this was owing to the discretion which the
+malcontents still preserved; in Connecticut and New Hampshire the body
+of the people rose in support of government, and obliged the malcontents
+to go to their homes. In the last mentioned State they seized about
+forty, who were in jail for trial. It is believed this incident will
+strengthen our government. Those people are not entirely without excuse.
+Before the war these States depended on their whale-oil and fish.
+The former was consumed in England, and much of the latter in the
+Mediterranean. The heavy duties on American whale-oil, now required in
+England, exclude it from that market: and the Algerines exclude them
+from bringing their fish into the Mediterranean. France is opening
+her ports for their oil, but in the mean while their ancient debts are
+pressing them, and they have nothing to pay with. The Massachusetts
+Assembly, too, in their zeal for paying their public debt, had laid
+a tax too heavy to be paid, in the circumstances of their State. The
+Indians seem disposed, too, to make war on us. These complicated causes
+determined Congress to increase their forces to two thousand men. The
+latter was the sole object avowed, yet the former entered for something
+into the measure. However, I am satisfied the good sense of the people
+is the strongest army our governments can ever have, and that it will
+not fail them. The commercial convention at Annapolis was not full
+enough to do business. They found, too, their appointments too narrow,
+being confined to the article of commerce. They have proposed a meeting
+at Philadelphia in May, and that it may be authorized to propose
+amendments of whatever is defective in the federal constitution.
+
+When I was in England, I formed a portable copying press, on the
+principles of the large one they make there, for copying letters. I had
+a model made there, and it has answered perfectly. A workman here has
+made several from that model. The itinerant temper of your court will, I
+think, render one of these useful to you. You must, therefore, do me the
+favor to accept of one. I have it now in readiness, and shall send it
+by the way of Bayonne, to the care of Mr. Alexander there, unless Don
+Miguel de Lardi-zabal can carry it with him.
+
+My hand admonishes me it is time to stop, and that I must defer writing
+to Mr. Barclay till to-morrow.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the highest esteem and
+respect,
+
+Dear Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXVI.--TO MR. VAUGHAN, December 29, 1786
+
+
+TO MR. VAUGHAN.
+
+Paris, December 29, 1786.
+
+Sir,
+
+When I had the honor of seeing you in London, you were so kind as to
+permit me to trouble you, sometimes with my letters, and particularly
+on the subject of mathematical or philosophical instruments. Such a
+correspondence will be too agreeable to me, and at the same time too
+useful, not to avail myself of your permission. It has been an opinion
+pretty generally received among philosophers, that the atmosphere of
+America is more humid than that of Europe. Monsieur de Buffon makes this
+hypothesis one of the two pillars whereon he builds his system of the
+degeneracy of animals in America. Having had occasion to controvert this
+opinion of his, as to the degeneracy of animals there, I expressed a
+doubt of the fact assumed, that our climates are more moist. I did not
+know of any experiments, which might authorize a denial of it. Speaking
+afterwards on the subject with Dr. Franklin, he mentioned to me the
+observations he had made on a case of magnets, made for him by Mr.
+Nairne in London. Of these you will see a detail in the second volume of
+the American Philosophical Transactions, in a letter from Dr. Franklin
+to Mr. Nairne, wherein he recommends to him to take up the principle
+therein explained, and endeavor to make an hygrometer, which, taking
+slowly the temperature of the atmosphere, shall give its mean degree of
+moisture, and enable us thus to make with more certainty a comparison
+between the humidities of different climates. May I presume to trouble
+you with an inquiry of Mr. Nairne, whether he has executed the
+Doctor's idea; and if he has, to get him to make for me a couple of
+the instruments he may have contrived. They should be made of the same
+piece, and under like circumstances, that sending one to America, I may
+rely on its indications there, compared with those of the one I shall
+retain here. Being in want of a set of magnets also, I would be glad
+if he would at the same time send me a set, the case of which should be
+made as Dr. Franklin describes his to have been, so that I may repeat
+his experiment. Colonel Smith will do me the favor to receive these
+things from Mr. Nairne, and to pay him for them.
+
+I think Mr. Rittenhouse never published an invention of his in this
+way, which was a very good one. It was of an hygrometer, which, like
+the common ones, was to give the actual moisture of the air. He has
+two slips of mahogany about five inches long, three fourths of an inch
+broad, and one tenth of an inch thick, the one having the grain running
+lengthwise, and the other crosswise. These are glued together by their
+faces, so as to form a piece five inches long, three fourths of an inch
+broad, and one third of an inch thick, which is stuck by its lower end
+into a little plinth of wood, presenting their edge to the view. The
+fibres of the wood you know are dilated, but not lengthened by moisture.
+The slip, therefore, whose grain is lengthwise, becomes a standard,
+retaining always the same precise length. That which has its grain
+crosswise, dilates with moisture, and contracts for the want of it.
+If the right hand piece be the cross-grained one, when the air is very
+moist, it lengthens, and forces its companion to form a kind of interior
+annulus of a circle on the left. When the air is dry, it contracts,
+draws its companion to the right, and becomes itself the interior
+annulus. In order to show this dilation and contraction, an index is
+fixed on the upper end of the two slips; a plate of metal or wood is
+fastened to the front of the plinth, so as to cover the two slips from
+the eye. A slit, being nearly the portion of a circle, is cut in this
+plate, so that the shank of the index may play freely through its whole
+range. On the edge of the slit is a graduation. The objection to this
+instrument is, that it is not fit for comparative observations, because
+no two pieces of wood being of the same texture exactly, no two will
+yield exactly alike to the same agent. However, it is less objectionable
+on this account, than most of the substances used. Mr. Rittenhouse had
+a thought of trying ivory: but I do not know whether he executed it. All
+these substances not only vary from one another at the same time, but
+from themselves at different times. All of them, however, have some
+peculiar advantages, and I think this, on the whole, appeared preferable
+to any other I had ever seen. Not knowing whether you had heard of this
+instrument, and supposing it would amuse you, I have taken the liberty
+of detailing it to you.
+
+I beg you to be assured of the sentiments of perfect esteem and respect
+with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXVII.--TO JOHN JAY, December 31, 1786
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, December 31, 1786
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor of addressing you on the 12th of the last month; since
+which your favor of October the 12th has been received, enclosing a copy
+of the resolution of Congress for recalling Mr. Lambe. My letter by Mr.
+Randall informed you, that we had put an end to his powers, and required
+him to repair to Congress. I lately received a letter from him, dated
+Alicant, October the 10th, of which I have the honor to enclose you a
+copy: by which you will perceive, that the circumstance of ill health,
+either true or false, is urged for his not obeying our call. I shall
+immediately forward the order of Congress. I am not without fear, that
+some misapplication of the public money may enter into the causes of
+his declining to return. The moment that I saw a symptom of this in
+his conduct, as it was a circumstance which did not admit the delay
+of consulting Mr. Adams, I wrote to Mr. Carmichael, to stop any monies
+which he might have in the hands of his banker. I am still unable to
+judge whether he is guilty of this or not, as by the arrangements with
+Mr. Adams, who alone had done business with the bankers of the United
+States, in Holland, Mr. Lambe's drafts were to be made on him, and
+I know not what their amount has been. His drafts could not have been
+negotiated, if made on us both, at places so distant. Perhaps it may be
+thought, that the appointment of Mr. Lambe was censurable in the moment
+in which it was made. It is a piece of justice, therefore, which I owe
+to Mr. Adams, to declare that the proposition went first from me to him.
+I take the liberty of enclosing you a copy of my letter to Mr. Adams,
+of September the 24th, 1785, in which that proposition was made. It
+expresses the motives operating on my mind in that moment, as well as
+the cautions I thought it necessary to take. To these must be added the
+difficulty of finding an American in Europe fit for the business, and
+willing to undertake it. I knew afterwards, that Dr. Bancroft (who is
+named in the letter) could not, on account of his own affairs, have
+accepted even a primary appointment. I think it evident, that no
+appointment could have succeeded without a much greater sum of money.
+
+I am happy to find that Mr. Barclay's mission has been attended with
+complete success. For this we are indebted, unquestionably, to the
+influence and good offices of the court of Madrid. Colonel Franks, the
+bearer of this, will have the honor to put into your hands the original
+of the treaty, with other papers accompanying it. It will appear
+by these, that Mr. Barclay has conducted himself with a degree of
+intelligence and of good faith which reflects the highest honor on him.
+
+A copy of a letter from Captain O'Bryan to Mr. Carmichael is also
+herewith enclosed. The information it contains will throw farther light
+on the affairs of Algiers. His observations on the difficulties which
+arise from the distance of Mr. Adams and myself from that place, and
+from one another, and the delays occasioned by this circumstance, are
+certainly just. If Congress should propose to revive the negotiations,
+they will judge whether it will not be more expedient to send a person
+to Algiers, who can be trusted with full powers: and also whether a
+mission to Constantinople may not be previously necessary. Before I quit
+this subject, I must correct an error in the letter of Captain O'Bryan.
+Mr. Lambe was not limited, as he says, to one hundred, but to two
+hundred dollars apiece for our prisoners. This was the price which had
+been just paid for a large number of French prisoners, and this was our
+guide.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXVIII.--TO SAMUEL OSGOOD, January 5, 1787
+
+
+TO SAMUEL OSGOOD.
+
+Paris, January 5, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am desired to forward to you the enclosed queries, and to ask the
+favor of you to give such an answer to them, as may not give you too
+much trouble. Those which stand foremost on the paper, can be addressed
+only to your complaisance; but the last may possibly be interesting to
+your department, and to the United States. I mean those which suggest
+the possibility of borrowing money in Europe, the principal of which
+shall be ultimately payable in land, and in the mean time, a good
+interest. You know best whether the suggestion can be turned to any
+profit, and whether it will be worth while to introduce any proposition
+to Congress thereon. Among the possible shapes into which a matter of
+this kind may be formed, the following is one. Let us suppose the public
+lands to be worth a dollar, hard money, the acre. If we should ask of a
+monied man a loan of one hundred dollars, payable with one hundred
+acres of land at the end of ten years, and in the mean time, carrying
+an interest of five per cent., this would be more disadvantageous to the
+lender than a common loan, payable ultimately in cash. But if we should
+say, we will deliver you the one hundred acres of land immediately,
+which is in fact an immediate payment of the principal, and will
+nevertheless pay your interest of five per cent., for ten years, this
+offers a superior advantage, and might tempt money-holders. But what
+should we in fact receive, in this way, for our lands? Thirty-seven
+dollars and one fourth, being left in Europe, on an interest of five per
+cent., would pay annually the interest of the one hundred dollars for
+ten years. There would remain then only sixty-two dollars and three
+quarters, for the one hundred acres of land; that is to say, about
+two thirds of its price. Congress can best determine, whether any
+circumstances in our situation, should induce us to get rid of any of
+our debts in that way. I beg you to understand, that I have named rates
+of interest, term of payment and price of land, merely to state the
+case, and without the least knowledge that a loan could be obtained on
+these terms. It remains to inform you, from whom this suggestion comes.
+The person from whom I receive it, is a Monsieur Claviere, connected
+with the monied men of Amsterdam. He is, on behalf of a company there,
+actually treating with the Comptroller General here, for the purchase of
+our debt to this country, at a considerable discount. Whether he has an
+idea of offering a loan to us, on terms such as I have above spoken of,
+I know not; nor do I know that he is authorized to make the suggestion
+he has made. If the thing should be deemed worthy the attention of
+Congress, they can only consider it as a possibility, and take measures
+to avail themselves of it, if the possibility turns out in their favor,
+and not to be disappointed if it does not. Claviere's proposition not
+being formal enough for me to make an official communication of it, you
+will make what use of it you see best.
+
+I am, with very sincere esteem and attachment, Dear Sir, your most
+obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XXXIX.--TO JOHN JAY, January 9, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, January 9, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+My last, of December the 31st, acknowledged the receipt of yours of
+October the 12th, as the present does those of October the 3rd, 9th, and
+27th, together with the resolution of Congress of October the 16th,
+on the claim of Schweighaeuser. I will proceed in this business on
+the return of Mr. Barclay, who being fully acquainted with all the
+circumstances, will be enabled to give me that information, the want of
+which might lead me to do wrong on the one side or the other.
+
+Information of the signature of the treaty with Morocco has been long on
+its passage to you. I will beg leave to recur to dates, that you may see
+that no part of it has been derived from me. The first notice I had
+of it, was in a letter from Mr. Barclay, dated, Daralbeyda, August the
+11th. I received this on the 13th of September. No secure conveyance
+offered till the 26th of the same month, being thirteen days after
+my receipt of it. In my letter of that date, which went by the way of
+London, I had the honor to enclose you a copy of Mr. Barclay's letter.
+The conveyance of the treaty itself is suffering a delay here at
+present, which all my anxiety cannot prevent. Colonel Franks' baggage,
+which came by water from Cadiz to Rouen, has been long and hourly
+expected. The moment it arrives, he will set out to London, to have
+duplicates of the treaty signed by Mr. Adams, and from thence he will
+proceed to New York.
+
+The Chevalier del Pinto, who treated with us on behalf of Portugal,
+being resident at London, I have presumed that causes of the delay of
+that treaty had been made known to Mr. Adams, and by him communicated
+to you. I will write to him by Colonel Franks, in order that you may be
+answered on that subject.
+
+The publication of the enclosed extract from my letter of May the 27th,
+1786, will, I fear, have very mischievous effects. It will tend to
+draw on the Count de Vergennes the formidable phalanx of the Farms; to
+prevent his committing himself to me in any conversation which he does
+not mean for the public papers; to inspire the same diffidence into all
+other ministers, with whom I might have to transact business; to defeat
+the little hope, if any hope existed, of getting rid of the Farm on the
+article of tobacco; and to damp that freedom of, communication which
+the resolution of Congress of May the 3rd, 1784, was intended to
+re-establish. Observing by the proceedings of Congress, that they are
+about to establish a coinage, I think it my duty to inform them, that a
+Swiss, of the name of Drost, established here, has invented a method of
+striking the two faces and the edge of a coin, at one stroke. By this,
+and other simplifications of the process of coinage, he is enabled to
+coin from twenty-five thousand to thirty thousand pieces a day, with
+the assistance of only two persons, the pieces of metal being first
+prepared. I send you by Colonel Franks three coins of gold, silver, and
+copper, which you will perceive to be perfect medals: and I can assure
+you, from having seen him coin many, that every piece is as perfect as
+these. There has certainly never yet been seen any coin, in any country,
+comparable to this. The best workmen in this way acknowledge that his
+is like a new art. Coin should always be made in the highest perfection
+possible, because it is a great guard against the danger of false
+coinage. This man would be willing to furnish his implements to
+Congress, and if they please, he will go over and instruct a person to
+carry on the work: nor do I believe he would ask any thing unreasonable.
+It would be very desirable, that in the institution of a new coinage,
+we could set out on so perfect a plan as this, and the more so, as while
+the work is so exquisitely done, it is done cheaper.
+
+I will certainly do the best I can for the reformation of the consular
+convention, being persuaded that our States would be very unwilling to
+conform their laws either to the convention, or to the scheme. But it
+is too difficult and too delicate, to form sanguine hopes. However, that
+there may be room to reduce the convention, as much as circumstances
+will admit, will it not be expedient for Congress to give me powers,
+in which there shall be no reference to the scheme? The powers sent
+me, oblige me to produce that scheme, and certainly, the moment it is
+produced, they will not abate a tittle from it. If they recollect the
+scheme, and insist on it, we can but conclude it; but if they have
+forgotten it (which may be), and are willing to reconsider the whole
+subject, perhaps we may get rid of something the more of it. As the
+delay is not injurious to us, because the convention, whenever and
+however made, is to put us in a worse state than we are in now, I shall
+venture to defer saying a word on the subject, till I can hear from
+you in answer to this. The full powers may be sufficiently guarded, by
+private instructions to me, not to go beyond the former scheme. This
+delay may be well enough ascribed (whenever I shall have received new
+powers) to a journey, I had before apprized the minister that I should
+be obliged to take, to some mineral waters in the south of France, to
+see if by their aid I may recover the use of my right hand, of which a
+dislocation about four months ago, threatens to deprive me in a great
+measure. The surgeons have long insisted on this measure. I shall return
+by Bordeaux, Nantes, and L'Orient, to get the necessary information for
+finishing our commercial regulations here. Permit me, however, to ask,
+as immediately as possible, an answer, either affirmative or negative,
+as Congress shall think best, and to ascribe the delay on which I
+venture, to my desire to do what is for the best.
+
+I send you a copy of the late marine regulations of this country. There
+are things in it, which may become interesting to us. Particularly,
+what relates to the establishment of a marine militia, and their
+classification.
+
+You will have seen in the public papers, that the King has called an
+Assembly of the Notables of this country. This has not been done for one
+hundred and sixty years past. Of course, it calls up all the attention
+of the people. The objects of this Assembly are not named: several are
+conjectured. The tolerating the Protestant religion; removing all the
+internal Custom-houses to the frontier; equalizing the _gabelles_ on
+salt through the kingdom; the sale of the King's domains, to raise
+money; or, finally, the effecting this necessary end by some other
+means, are talked of. But, in truth, nothing is known about it. This
+government practises secrecy so systematically, that it never publishes
+its purposes or its proceedings, sooner or more extensively than
+necessary. I send you a pamphlet, which, giving an account of the last
+_Assemblee des Notable_, may give an idea of what the present will be.
+
+A great desire prevails here of encouraging manufactures. The famous
+Boulton and Watt, who are at the head of the plated manufactures
+of Birmingham, the steam mills of London, copying presses and other
+mechanical works, have been here. It is said, also, that Wedgewood has
+been here, who is famous for his steel manufactories, and an earthen
+ware in the antique style; but as to this last person, I am not certain.
+It cannot, I believe be doubted, but that they came at the request
+of government, and that they will be induced to establish similar
+manufactures here.
+
+The transferring hither those manufactures, which contribute so much to
+draw our commerce to England, will have a great tendency to strengthen
+our connections with this country, and loosen them with that.
+
+The enfranchising the port of Honfleur at the mouth of the Seine, for
+multiplying the connections with us, is at present an object. It meets
+with opposition in the ministry; but I am in hopes it will prevail.
+If natural causes operate, uninfluenced by accidental circumstances,
+Bordeaux and Honfleur, or Havre, must ultimately take the greatest part
+of our commerce. The former, by the Garonne and canal of Languedoc,
+opens the southern provinces to us; the latter, the northern ones and
+Paris. Honfleur will be peculiarly advantageous for our rice and whale
+oil, of which the principal consumption is at Paris. Being free, they
+can be re-exported when the market here shall happen to be overstocked.
+
+The labors of the ensuing summer will close the eastern half of the
+harbor of Cherbourg, which will contain and protect forty sail of the
+line. It has from fifty to thirty-five feet of water next to the
+cones, shallowing gradually to the shore. Between this and Dunkirk, the
+navigation of the channel will be rendered much safer in the event of a
+war with England, and invasions on that country become more practicable.
+
+The gazettes of France and Leyden, to the present date, accompany this.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect respect,
+Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XL.--TO JOHN ADAMS, January 11, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, January 11, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Mr. Jay, in his last letter to me, observes they hear nothing further of
+the treaty with Portugal. I have taken the liberty of telling him that
+I will write to you on the subject, and that he may expect to hear from
+you on it, by the present conveyance. The Chevalier del Pinto being at
+London, I presume he has, or can inform you why it is delayed on their
+part. I will thank you also for the information he shall give you.
+
+There is here an order of priests called the Mathurins, the object
+of whose institution is, the begging of alms for the redemption of
+captives. About eighteen months ago, they redeemed three hundred,
+which cost them about fifteen hundred livres a piece. They have agents
+residing in the Barbary States, who are constantly employed in searching
+and contracting for the captives of their nation, and they redeem at
+a lower price than any other people can. It occurred to me, that
+their agency might be engaged for our prisoners at Algiers. I have had
+interviews with them, and the last night a long one with the General
+of the order. They offer their services with all the benignity and
+cordiality possible. The General told me, he could not expect to redeem
+our prisoners as cheap as their own, but that he would use all the means
+in his power to do it on the best terms possible, which will be the
+better, as there shall be the less suspicion that he acts for our
+public. I told him I would write to you on the subject, and speak to him
+again. What do you think of employing them, limiting them to a certain
+price, as three hundred dollars, for instance, or any other sum you
+think proper? He will write immediately to his instruments there, and
+in two or three months we can know the event. He will deliver them
+at Marseilles, Cadiz, or where we please, at our expense. The money
+remaining of the fund destined to the Barbary business, may, I suppose,
+be drawn on for this object. Write me your opinion, if you please, on
+this subject, finally, fully, and immediately, that, if you approve the
+proposition, I may enter into arrangements with the General before my
+departure to the waters of Aix, which will be about the beginning of
+February,
+
+I have the honor to be, with very sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLI.--TO MONSIEUR LE DUC D'HARCOURT, January 14, 1787
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR LE DUC D'HARCOURT, GOUVERNEUR DU DAUPHIN.
+
+Paris, January 14, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+In the conversation with which you were pleased to honor me a few days
+ago, on the enfranchisement of the port of Honfleur, I took the liberty
+of observing, that I was not instructed by my constituents to make
+any proposition on that subject. That it would be agreeable to them,
+however, I must suppose, because it will offer the following advantages.
+
+1. It is a convenient _entrepot_ for furnishing us with the manufactures
+of the northern parts of France, and particularly of Paris, and for
+receiving and distributing the productions of our country in exchange.
+
+2. Cowes, on the opposite side of the channel, has heretofore been the
+deposite for a considerable part of our productions, landed in Great
+Britain in the first instance, but intended for re-exportation. From
+thence our rice, particularly, has been distributed to France and other
+parts of Europe. I am not certain, whether our tobaccos were deposited
+there, or carried to London to be sorted for the different markets.
+To draw this business from Cowes, no place is so favorably situated as
+Honfleur.
+
+3. It would be a convenient deposite for our whale-oil, of which, after
+the supply of Paris, there will be a surplus for re-exportation.
+
+4. Should our fur-trade be recovered out of the hands of the English, it
+will naturally come to Honfleur, as the out-port of Paris.
+
+5. Salt is an important article in all our return cargoes; because,
+being carried as ballast, its freight costs nothing. But on account
+of some regulations, with which I am not well acquainted, it cannot at
+present be shipped to advantage from any port on the Seine.
+
+6. Our vessels being built sharp, for swift sailing, suffer extremely
+in most of the western ports of France, in which they are left on dry
+ground at every ebb of the tide. But at Honfleur, I am told, they can
+ride in bold water, on a good bottom, and near the shore, at all times.
+
+These facts may, perhaps, throw some light on the question in which, for
+the good of both countries, you are pleased to interest yourself. I take
+the liberty, therefore, of barely mentioning them, and with the more
+pleasure, as it furnishes me an occasion of assuring you of those
+sentiments of respect and esteem, with which I have the honor to be your
+most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLII.--TO MONSIEUR DE CREVE-COEUR, January 15,1787
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR DE CREVE-COEUR.
+
+Paris, January 15,1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I see by the Journal of this morning, that they are robbing us of
+another of our inventions, to give it to the English. The writer,
+indeed, only admits them to have revived what he thinks was known to the
+Greeks, that is, the making the circumference of a wheel of one single
+piece. The farmers in New Jersey were the first who practised it, and
+they practised it commonly. Dr. Franklin, in one of his trips to London,
+mentioned this practice to the man now in London, who has the patent for
+making those wheels. The idea struck him. The Doctor promised to go to
+his shop, and assist him in trying to make the wheel of one piece. The
+Jersey farmers do it by cutting a young sapling, and bending it, while
+green and juicy, into a circle; and leaving it so until it becomes
+perfectly seasoned. But in London there are no saplings. The difficulty
+was, then, to give to old wood the pliancy of young. The Doctor and the
+workman labored together some weeks, and succeeded; and the man obtained
+a patent for it, which has made his fortune. I was in his shop in
+London; he told me the whole story himself, and acknowledged not only
+the origin of the idea, but how much the assistance of Dr. Franklin had
+contributed to perform the operation on dry wood. He spoke of him
+with love and gratitude. I think I have had a similar account from
+Dr. Franklin, but cannot be quite certain. I know, that being in
+Philadelphia when the first set of patent wheels arrived from London,
+and were spoken of, by the gentleman (an Englishman) who brought them,
+as a wonderful discovery, the idea of its being a new discovery was
+laughed at by the Philadelphians, who, in their Sunday parties across
+the Delaware, had seen every farmer's cart mounted on such wheels.
+The writer in the paper supposes the English workman got his idea from
+Homer. But it is more likely the Jersey farmer got his idea from thence,
+because ours are the only farmers who can read Homer; because, too, the
+Jersey practice is precisely that stated by Homer: the English practice
+very different. Homer's words are (comparing a young hero killed by Ajax
+to a poplar felled by a workman) literally thus: 'He fell on the ground,
+like a poplar, which has grown smooth, in the west part of a
+great meadow; with its branches shooting from its summit. But the
+chariot-maker, with his sharp axe, has felled it, that he may bend
+a wheel for a beautiful chariot. It lies drying on the banks of the
+river.' Observe the circumstances, which coincide with the Jersey
+practice. 1. It is a tree growing in a moist place, full of juices,
+and easily bent. 2. It is cut while green. 3. It is bent into the
+circumference of a wheel. 4. It is left to dry in that form. You, who
+write French well and readily, should write a line for the Journal, to
+reclaim the honor of our farmers. Adieu. Yours affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLIII.--TO COLONEL EDWARD CARRINGTON, January 16, 1787
+
+
+TO COLONEL EDWARD CARRINGTON.
+
+Paris, January 16, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Uncertain whether you might be at New York at the moment of Colonel
+Franks' arrival, I have enclosed my private letters for Virginia, under
+cover to our delegation in general, which, otherwise, I would have taken
+the liberty to enclose particularly to you, as best acquainted with the
+situation of the persons to whom they are addressed. Should this find
+you at New York, I will still ask your attention to them.
+
+In my letter to Mr. Jay, I have mentioned the meeting of the Notables,
+appointed for the 29th instant. It is now put off to the 7th or 8th
+of next month. This event, which will hardly excite any attention in
+America, is deemed here the most important one, which has taken place in
+their civil line during the present century. Some promise their country
+great things from it, some nothing. Our friend De la Fayette was placed
+on the list originally. Afterwards his name disappeared; but finally was
+reinstated. This shows, that his character here is not considered as
+an indifferent one; and that it excites agitation. His education in
+our school has drawn on him a very jealous eye, from a court whose
+principles are the most absolute despotism. But I hope he has nearly
+passed his crisis. The King, who is a good man, is favorably disposed
+towards him; and he is supported by powerful family connections, and
+by the public good will. He is the youngest man of the Notables, except
+one, whose office placed him on the list.
+
+The Count de Vergennes has, within these ten days, had a very severe
+attack of what is deemed an unfixed gout. He has been well enough,
+however, to do business to-day. But anxieties for him are not yet
+quieted. He is a great and good minister, and an accident to him might
+endanger the peace of Europe.
+
+The tumults in America I expected would have produced in Europe an
+unfavorable opinion of our political state. But it has not. On the
+contrary, the small effect of these tumults seems to have given more
+confidence in the firmness of our governments. The interposition of the
+people themselves on the side of government, has had a great effect
+on the opinion here. I am persuaded myself, that the good sense of the
+people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray
+for a moment, but will soon correct themselves. The people are the only
+censors of their governors; and even their errors will tend to keep
+these to the true principles of their institution. To punish these
+errors too severely, would be to suppress the only safeguard of the
+public liberty. The way to prevent these irregular interpositions of the
+people, is to give them full information of their affairs through the
+channel of the public papers, and to contrive that those papers should
+penetrate the whole mass of the people. The basis of our governments
+being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep
+that right; and were it left to me to decide, whether we should have
+a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I
+should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean,
+that every man should receive those papers, and be capable of reading
+them. I am convinced that those societies (as the Indians), which live
+without government, enjoy in their general mass an infinitely greater
+degree of happiness, than those who live under the European governments.
+Among the former, public opinion is in the place of law, and restrains
+morals as powerfully as laws ever did any where. Among the latter, under
+pretence of governing, they have divided their nations into two classes,
+wolves and sheep. I do not exaggerate. This is a true picture of Europe.
+Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their
+attention. Do not be too severe upon their errors, but reclaim them
+by enlightening them. If once they become inattentive to the public
+affairs, you, and I, and Congress, and Assemblies, Judges and Governors,
+shall all become wolves. It seems to be the law of our general nature,
+in spite of individual exceptions: and experience declares, that man is
+the only animal which devours his own kind; for I can apply no milder
+term to the governments of Europe, and to the general prey of the rich
+on the poor. The want of news has led me into disquisition instead of
+narration, forgetting you have every day enough of that. I shall be
+happy to hear from you sometimes, only observing, that whatever passes
+through the post is read, and that when you write what should be read
+by myself only, you must be so good as to confide your letter to some
+passenger, or officer of the packet. I will ask your permission to write
+to you sometimes, and to assure you of the esteem and respect with which
+I have the honor to be,
+
+Dear Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLIV--TO JAMES MADISON, January 30, 1787 *
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, January 30, 1787.
+
+     [* The latter part of this letter is in cipher; but appended
+     to the copy preserved, are explanatory notes, which have
+     enabled us to publish it entire, except a few words, to
+     which they afford no key. These are either marked thus * * *,
+     or the words, which the context seemed to require, inserted
+     in italics.]
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of the 16th of December; since which I have received
+yours of November the 25th and December the 4th, which afforded me,
+as your letters always do, a treat on matters public, individual and
+economical. I am impatient to learn your sentiments on the late troubles
+in the Eastern States. So far as I have yet seen, they do not appear
+to threaten serious consequences. Those States have suffered by the
+stoppage of the channels of their commerce, which have not yet found
+other issues. This must render money scarce, and make the people uneasy.
+This uneasiness has produced acts absolutely unjustifiable: but I hope
+they will provoke no severities from their governments. A consciousness
+of those in power, that their administration of the public affairs has
+been honest, may, perhaps, produce too great a degree of indignation:
+and those characters wherein fear predominates over hope, may apprehend
+too much from these instances of irregularity. They may conclude
+too hastily, that nature has formed man insusceptible of any other
+government than that of force, a conclusion not founded in truth
+nor experience. Societies exist under three forms, sufficiently
+distinguishable. 1. Without government, as among our Indians. 2. Under
+governments, wherein the will of every one has a just influence; as is
+the case in England, in a slight degree, and in our States, in a
+great one. 3. Under governments of force; as is the case in all other
+monarchies, and in most of the other republics. To have an idea of
+the curse of existence under these last, they must be seen. It is a
+government of wolves over sheep. It is a problem, not clear in my
+mind, that the first condition is not the best. But I believe it to be
+inconsistent with any great degree of population. The second state has
+a great deal of good in it. The mass of mankind under that enjoys a
+precious degree of liberty and happiness. It has its evils too: the
+principal of which is the turbulence to which it is subject. But weigh
+this against the oppressions of monarchy, and it becomes nothing. _Malo
+periculosam libertatem quam quietam servitutem_. Even this evil is
+productive of good. It prevents the degeneracy of government, and
+nourishes a general attention to the public affairs. I hold it, that a
+little rebellion now and then is a good thing, and as necessary in the
+political world, as storms in the physical. Unsuccessful rebellions,
+indeed, generally establish the encroachments on the rights of the
+people, which have produced them. An observation of this truth should
+render honest republican governors so mild in their punishment of
+rebellions, as not to discourage them too much. It is a medicine
+necessary for the sound health of government.
+
+If these transactions give me no uneasiness, I feel very differently
+at another piece of intelligence, to wit, the possibility that the
+navigation of the Mississippi may be abandoned to Spain. I never had any
+interest westward of the Allegany; and I never will have any. But I
+have had great opportunities of knowing the character of the people
+who inhabit that country; and I will venture to say, that the act which
+abandons the navigation of the Mississippi, is an act of separation
+between the eastern and western country. It is a relinquishment of five
+parts out of eight of the territory of the United States; an abandonment
+of the fairest subject for the payment of our public debts, and the
+chaining those debts on our own necks, _in perpetuum_. I have the utmost
+confidence in the honest intentions of those who concur in this measure;
+but I lament their want of acquaintance with the character and physical
+advantages of the people, who, right or wrong, will suppose their
+interests sacrificed on this occasion to the contrary interests of that
+part of the confederacy in possession of present power. If they declare
+themselves a separate people, we are incapable of a single effort to
+retain them. Our citizens can never be induced, either as militia or as
+soldiers, to go there to cut the throats of their own brothers and sons,
+or rather, to be themselves the subjects, instead of the perpetrators,
+of the parricide. Nor would that country quit the cost of being retained
+against the will of its inhabitants, could it be done. But it cannot be
+done. They are able already to rescue the navigation of the Mississippi
+out of the hands of Spain, and to add New Orleans to their own,
+territory. They will be joined by the inhabitants of Louisiana. This
+will bring on a war between them and Spain; and that will produce the
+question with us, whether it will not be worth our while to become
+parties with them in the war, in order to re-unite them with us, and
+thus correct our error. And were I to permit my forebodings to go one
+step further, I should predict, that the inhabitants of the United
+States would force their rulers to take the affirmative of that
+question. I wish I may be mistaken in all these opinions.
+
+We have for some time expected, that the Chevalier de la Luzerne would
+obtain a promotion in the diplomatic line, by being appointed to some
+of the courts where this country keeps an ambassador. But none of the
+vacancies taking place, which had been counted on, I think the present
+disposition is to require his return to his station in America. He told
+me himself, lately, that he should return in the spring. I have never
+pressed this matter on the court, though I knew it to be desirable and
+desired on our part; because if the compulsion on him to return had been
+the work of Congress, he would have returned in such ill temper with
+them, as to disappoint them in the good they expected from it. He would
+for ever have laid at their door his failure of promotion. I did not
+press it for another reason, which is, that I have great reason to
+believe, that the character of the Count de Moutier, who would go, were
+the Chevalier to be otherwise provided for, would give the most perfect
+satisfaction in America.
+
+As you have now returned into Congress, it will become of importance,
+that you should form a just estimate of certain public characters; on
+which, therefore, I will give you such notes as my knowledge of them
+has furnished me with. You will compare them with the materials you are
+otherwise possessed of, and decide on a view of the whole.
+
+You know the opinion I formerly entertained of my friend, Mr. Adams. *
+* * and the Governor were the first who shook that opinion. I afterwards
+saw proofs, which convicted him of a degree of vanity, and of a
+blindness to it, of which no germ appeared in Congress. A seven months'
+intimacy with him here and as many weeks in London, have given me
+opportunities of studying him closely. He is vain, irritable, and a bad
+calculator of the force and probable effect of the motives which govern
+men. This is all the ill which can possibly be said of him. He is as
+disinterested as the Being who made him: he is profound in his views;
+and accurate in his judgment, except where knowledge of the world is
+necessary to form a judgment. He is so amiable, that I pronounce you
+will love him, if ever you become acquainted with him. He would be, as
+he was, a great man in Congress.
+
+Mr. Carmichael is, I think, very little known in America. I never saw
+him, and while I was in Congress I formed rather a disadvantageous idea
+of him. His letters received then showed him vain, and more attentive to
+ceremony and etiquette, than we suppose men of sense should be. I
+have now a constant correspondence with him, and find him a little
+hypochondriac and discontented. He possesses a very good understanding,
+though not of the first order. I have had great opportunities of
+searching into his character, and have availed myself of them. Many
+persons of different nations, coming from Madrid to Paris, all speak of
+him as in high esteem, and I think it certain that he has more of the
+Count de Florida Blanca's friendship, than any diplomatic character at
+that court. As long as this minister is in office, Carmichael can do
+more than any other person who could be sent there.
+
+You will see Franks, and doubtless he will be asking some appointment. I
+wish there may be any one for which he is fit. He is light, indiscreet,
+active, honest, affectionate. Though Bingham is not in diplomatic
+office, yet as he wishes to be so, I will mention such circumstances of
+him, as you might otherwise be deceived in. He will make you believe he
+was on the most intimate footing with the first characters in Europe,
+and versed in the secrets of every cabinet. Not a word of this is true.
+He had a rage for being presented to great men, and had no * * * in the
+methods by which he could effect it. * * * * *
+
+The Marquis de la Fayette is a most valuable auxiliary to me. His zeal
+is unbounded, and his weight with those in power, great. His education
+having been merely military, commerce was an unknown field to him.
+But his good sense enabling him to comprehend perfectly whatever is
+explained to him, his agency has been very efficacious. He has a great
+deal of sound genius, is well remarked by the King, and rising in
+popularity. He has nothing against him, but the suspicion of republican
+principles. I think he will one day be of the ministry. His foible is
+a canine appetite for popularity and fame; but he will get above this.
+_The Count de Vergennes is ill_. The possibility of his _recovery_
+renders it dangerous for us to express a doubt of it; but he is in
+danger. He is a great minister in European affairs, but has very
+imperfect ideas of our institutions, and no confidence in them. His
+devotion to the principles of pure despotism, renders him unaffectionate
+to our governments. But his fear of England makes him value us as a
+make-weight. He is cool, reserved in political conversations, but free
+and familiar on other subjects, and a very attentive, agreeable person
+to do business with. It is impossible to have a, clearer, better
+organized head; but age has chilled his heart,
+
+Nothing should be spared on our part, to attach this country to us. It
+is the only one on which we can rely for support, under every event.
+Its inhabitants love us more, I think, than they do any other nation on
+earth. This is very much the effect of the good dispositions with which
+the French officers returned. In a former letter, I mentioned to you the
+dislocation of my wrist. I can make not the least use of it, except for
+the single article of writing, though it is going on five months since
+the accident happened. I have great anxieties, lest I should never
+recover any considerable use of it. I shall, by the advice of my
+surgeons, set out in a fortnight for the waters of Aix, in Provence. I
+chose these out of several they proposed to me, because if they fail to
+be effectual, my journey will not be useless altogether. It will give
+me an opportunity of examining the canal of Languedoc, and of acquiring
+knowledge of that species of navigation, which may be useful hereafter:
+but, more immediately, it will enable me to make the tour of the ports
+concerned in commerce with us, to examine, on the spot, the defects
+of the late regulations, respecting our commerce, to learn the further
+improvements which may be made in it, and, on my return, to get this
+business finished. I shall be absent between two and three months,
+unless anything happens to recall me here sooner, which may always be
+effected in ten days, in whatever part of my route I may be.
+
+In speaking of characters, I omitted those of Reyneval and Hennin,
+the two eyes of Count de Vergennes. The former is the most important
+character, because possessing the most of the confidence of the Count.
+He is rather cunning than wise, his views of things being neither great
+nor liberal. He governs himself by principles which he has learned
+by rote, and is fit only for the details of execution. His heart
+is susceptible of little passions, but not of good ones. He is
+brother-in-law to M. Gerard, from whom he received disadvantageous
+impressions of us, which cannot be effaced. He has much duplicity.
+Hennin is a philosopher, sincere, friendly, liberal, learned, beloved by
+every body: the other by nobody. I think it a great misfortune that the
+United States are in the department of the former. As particulars
+of this kind may be useful to you, in your present situation, I may
+hereafter continue the chapter. I know it will be safely lodged in your
+discretion. Feb. 5. Since writing thus far, Franks has returned from
+England. I learn that Mr. Adams desires to be recalled, and that Smith
+should be appointed _Charge des Affaires_ there. It is not for me to
+decide whether any diplomatic character should be kept at a court, which
+keeps none with us. You can judge of Smith's abilities by his letters.
+They are not of the first order, but they are good. For his honesty, he
+is like our friend Monroe; turn his soul wrong side outwards, and there
+is not a speck on it. He has one foible, an excessive inflammability of
+temper, but he feels it when it comes on, and has resolution enough to
+suppress it, and to remain silent till it passes over.
+
+I send you, by Colonel Franks, your pocket telescope, walking stick, and
+chemical box. The two former could not be combined together. The latter
+could not be had in the form you referred to. Having a great desire
+to have a portable copying machine, and being satisfied from some
+experiment, that the principle of the large machine might be applied in
+a small one, I planned one when in England, and had it made. It answers
+perfectly. I have since set a workman to making them here, and they are
+in such demand that he has his hands full. Being assured that you will
+be pleased to have one, when you shall have tried its convenience, I
+send you one by Colonel Franks. The machine costs ninety-six livres, the
+appendages twenty-four livres, and I send you paper and ink for twelve
+livres; in all, one hundred and thirty-two livres. There is a printed
+paper of directions: but you must expect to make many essays before
+you succeed perfectly. A soft brush, like a shaving-brush, is more
+convenient than the sponge. You can get as much ink and paper as you
+please, from London. The paper costs a guinea a ream. I am, Dear Sir,
+with sincere esteem and affection, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLV.--TO JOHN JAY, February 1, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, February 1, 1787.
+
+My last letters were of the 31st of December and 9th of January; since
+which last date, I have been honored with yours of December the 13th and
+14th. I shall pay immediate attention to your instructions relative
+to the South Carolina frigate. I had the honor of informing you of
+an improvement in the art of coining, made here by one Drost, and of
+sending you, by Colonel Franks, a specimen of his execution in gold and
+silver. I expected to have sent also a coin of copper. The enclosed note
+from Drost will explain the reason why this was not sent. It will let
+you see also, that he may be employed; as I suppose he is not so certain
+as he was of being engaged here. Mr. Grand, who knows him, gives me
+reason to believe he may be engaged reasonably. Congress will decide
+whether it be worth their attention.
+
+In some of my former letters, I suggested an opportunity of obliging the
+court, by borrowing as much money in Holland as would pay the debt due
+here, if such a loan could be obtained; as to which, I was altogether
+ignorant. To save time, I wrote to Mr. Dumas, to know whether he thought
+it probable a loan could be obtained, enjoining on him the strictest
+secrecy, and informing him I was making the inquiry merely of my own
+motion, and without instruction. I enclose you his answer. He thinks
+purchasers of the debt could be found, with a sacrifice of a small part
+of the capital, and a postponement be obtained of some of the first
+reimbursements. The proposition by him, for an immediate adoption of
+this measure by me, was probably urged, on his mind by a desire to serve
+our country, more than a strict attention to my duty, and the magnitude
+of the object. I hope, on the contrary, that if it should be thought
+worth a trial, it may be put into the hands of Mr. Adams, who knows the
+ground, and is known there, and whose former successful negotiations in
+this line would give better founded hopes of success on this occasion.
+
+I formerly mentioned to you the hopes of preferment, entertained by the
+Chevalier de la Luzerne. They have been baffled by events; none of the
+vacancies taking place which had been expected. Had I pressed his being
+ordered back, I have reason to believe the order would have been given.
+But he would have gone back in ill humor with Congress, he would have
+laid for ever at their door the failure of a promotion then viewed
+as certain; and this might have excited dispositions that would have
+disappointed us of the good we hoped from his return. The line I have
+observed with him has been, to make him sensible that nothing was more
+desired by Congress than his return, but that they would not willingly
+press it, so as to defeat him of a personal advantage. He sees his
+prospects fail, and will return in the approaching spring unless
+something unexpected should turn up in his favor. In this case, the
+Count de Moutier has the promise of succeeding to him, and if I do not
+mistake his character, he would give great satisfaction. So that I think
+you may calculate on seeing one or the other, by midsummer.
+
+It had been suspected that France and England might adopt those
+concerted regulations of commerce for their West Indies, of which your
+letter expresses some apprehensions. But the expressions in the
+4th, 5th, 7th, 11th, 18th, and other articles of their treaty, which
+communicate to the English the privileges of the most favored European
+nation only, has lessened, if not removed those fears. They have clearly
+reserved a right of favoring, specially, any nation not European; and
+there is no nation out of Europe, who could so probably have been
+in their eye at that time, as ours. They are wise. They must see it
+probable, at least, that any concert with England will be but of
+short duration; and they could hardly propose to sacrifice for that, a
+connection with us, which may be perpetual.
+
+We have been for some days, in much inquietude for the Count de
+Vergennes. He is very seriously ill. Nature seems struggling to decide
+his disease into a gout. A swelled foot, at present gives us a hope-of
+this issue. His loss would at all times have been great; but it would be
+immense during the critical poise of European affairs, existing at
+this moment. I enclose you a letter from one of the foreign officers,
+complaining of the non-payment of their interest. It is only one out
+of many I have received. This is accompanied by a second copy of the
+Moorish declaration sent me by Mr. Barclay. He went to Alicant to settle
+with Mr. Lambe; but on his arrival there, found he was gone to Minorca.
+A copy of his letter will inform you of this circumstance, and of some
+others relative to Algiers, with his opinion on them. Whatever the
+States may enable Congress to do for obtaining the peace of that
+country, it is a separate question whether they will redeem our
+captives, how, and at what price. If they decide to redeem them, I will
+beg leave to observe, that it is of great importance that the first
+redemption be made at as low a price as possible, because it will form
+the future tariff. If these pirates find that they can have a very great
+price for Americans, they will abandon proportionably their pursuits
+against other nations, to direct them towards ours. That the choice
+of Congress may be enlarged, as to the instruments they may use for
+effecting the redemption, I think it my duty to inform them, that there
+is here an order of priests called the Mathurins, the object of whose
+institution is to beg alms for the redemption of captives. They keep
+members always in Barbary, searching out the captives of their country,
+and redeem, I believe, on better terms than any other body, public or
+private. It occurred to me, that their agency might be obtained for the
+redemption of our prisoners at Algiers. I obtained conferences with the
+General, and with some members of the order. The General, with all
+the benevolence and cordiality possible, undertook to act for us if we
+should, desire it. He told me that their last considerable redemption
+was of about three hundred prisoners, who cost them somewhat upwards
+of fifteen hundred livres apiece. But that they should not be able
+to redeem ours, as cheap as they do their own; and that it must be
+absolutely unknown that the public concern themselves in the operation,
+or the price would be greatly enhanced. The difference of religion was
+not once mentioned, nor did it appear to me to be thought of. It was
+a silent reclamation and acknowledgment of fraternity, between two
+religions of the same family, which historical events of ancient
+date had rendered more hostile to one another, than to their common
+adversaries. I informed the General, that I should communicate the
+good dispositions of his order, to those who alone had the authority to
+decide whatever related to our captives. Mr. Carmichael informs me, that
+monies have been advanced for the support of our prisoners at Algiers,
+which ought to be replaced. I infer from the context of his letter,
+that these advances have been made by the court of Madrid. I submit the
+information to Congress.
+
+A treaty of commerce is certainly concluded between France and Russia.
+The particulars of it are yet secret.
+
+I enclose the gazettes of France and Leyden to this date, and have the
+honor of assuring you of those sentiments of perfect esteem and respect,
+with which I am, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLVI.--TO MRS. BINGHAM, February 7, 1787
+
+
+TO MRS. BINGHAM.
+
+Paris, February 7, 1787.
+
+I know, Madam, that the twelve-month is not yet expired; but it will be,
+nearly, before this will have the honor of being put into your hands.
+You are then engaged to tell me, truly and honestly, whether you do not
+find the tranquil pleasures of America, preferable to the empty bustle
+of Paris. For to what does that bustle tend? At eleven o'clock, it is
+day, _chez madame_, the curtains are drawn. Propped on bolsters and
+pillows, and her head scratched into a little order, the bulletins of
+the sick are read, and the billets of the well. She writes to some of
+her acquaintance, and receives the visits of others. If the morning is
+not very thronged, she is able to get out and hobble round the cage of
+the Palais Royal; but she must hobble quickly, for the coiffeurs turn is
+come; and a tremendous turn it is! Happy, if he does not make her arrive
+when dinner is half over! The torpitude of digestion a little passed,
+she flutters half an hour through the streets, by way of paying visits,
+and then to the spectacles. These finished; another half hour is devoted
+to dodging in and out of the doors of her very sincere friends, and away
+to supper. After supper, cards and after cards, bed; to rise at noon the
+next day, and to tread, like a mill-horse, the same trodden circle over
+again. Thus the days of life are consumed, one by one, without an object
+beyond the present moment; ever flying from the ennui of that, yet
+carrying it with us; eternally in pursuit of happiness, which keeps
+eternally before us. If death or bankruptcy happen to trip us out of
+the circle, it is matter for the buzz of the evening, and is completely
+forgotten by the next morning. In America, on the other hand,
+the society of your husband, the fond cares for the children, the
+arrangements of the house, the improvements of the grounds, fill
+every moment with a healthy and an useful activity. Every exertion is
+encouraging, because to present amusement it joins the promise of some
+future good. The intervals of leisure are filled by the society of real
+friends, whose affections are not thinned to cobweb, by being spread
+over a thousand objects. This is the picture, in the light it is
+presented to my mind; now let me have it in yours. If we do not concur
+this year, we shall the next; or if not then, in a year or two more. You
+see I am determined not to suppose myself mistaken.
+
+To let you see that Paris is not changed in its pursuits, since it was
+honored with your presence, I send you its monthly history. But this
+relating only to the embellishments of their persons, I must add, that
+those of the city go on well also. A new bridge, for example, is begun
+at the _Place Louis Quinze_; the old ones are clearing of the rubbish
+which encumbered them in the form of houses 5 new hospitals erecting;
+magnificent walls of inclosure, and Custom-houses at their entrances,
+&c. &c. &c. I know of no interesting change among those whom you honored
+with your acquaintance, unless Monsieur de Saint James was of that
+number. His bankruptcy, and taking asylum in the Bastille, have
+furnished matter of astonishment. His garden, at the Pont de Neuilly,
+where, on seventeen acres of ground he had laid out fifty thousand
+louis, will probably sell for somewhat less money. The workmen of Paris
+are making rapid strides towards English perfection. Would you believe,
+that in the course of the last two years, they have learned even to
+surpass their London rivals in some articles? Commission me to have you
+a phaeton made, and if it is not as much handsomer than a London one,
+as that is than a fiacre, send it back to me. Shall I fill the box with
+caps, bonnets, &c.? Not of my own choosing, but I was going to say,
+of Mademoiselle Bertin's, forgetting for the moment, that she too is
+bankrupt. They shall be chosen then by whom you please; or, if you are
+altogether nonplused by her eclipse, we will call an _Assemblees des
+Notables_, to help you out of the difficulty, as is now the fashion.
+In short, honor me with your, commands of any kind, and they shall be
+faithfully executed. The packets now established from Havre to New York
+furnish good opportunities of sending whatever you wish.
+
+I shall end where I began, like a Paris day, reminding you of your
+engagement to write me a letter of respectable length, an engagement
+the more precious to me, as it has furnished me the occasion, after
+presenting my respects to Mr. Bingham, of assuring you of the sincerity
+of those sentiments of esteem and respect, with which I have the honor
+to be, Dear Madam, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson,
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLVII.--TO GOVERNOR RANDOLPH, February 7, 1787
+
+TO GOVERNOR RANDOLPH.
+
+Paris, February 7, 1787.
+
+I have the honor of enclosing to your Excellency a report of the
+proceedings on the inauguration of the bust of the Marquis de la
+Fayette, in this city. This has been attended with a considerable, but
+a necessary delay. The principle that the King is the sole fountain
+of honor in this country, opposed a barrier to our desires, which
+threatened to be insurmountable. No instance of a similar proposition
+from a foreign power, had occurred in their history. The admitting it
+in this case, is a singular proof of the King's friendly dispositions
+towards the States of America, and of his personal esteem for the
+character of the Marquis de la Fayette.
+
+I take this, the earliest occasion, of congratulating my country on your
+excellency's appointment to the chair of government, and of assuring
+you, with great sincerity, of those sentiments of perfect esteem and
+respect, with which I have the honor to be your. Excellency's most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, February 8, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, February 8, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+The packet being to sail the day after to-morrow, I have awaited the
+last possible moment of writing by her, in hopes I might be able
+to announce some favorable change in the situation of the Count de
+Vergennes. But none has occurred, and in the mean time he has become
+weaker by the continuance of his illness. Though not desperately ill, he
+is dangerously so. The Comptroller General, M. de Calonne, has been very
+ill also, but he is getting well. These circumstances have occasioned
+the postponement of the Assemblee des Notables to the 14th instant, and
+will probably occasion a further postponement. As I shall set out this
+day se'nnight for the waters of Aix, you will probably hear the issue
+of the Count de Vergennes illness through some other channel, before I
+shall have the honor of addressing you again. I may observe the same as
+to the final decision for the enfranchisement of Honfleur, which is in
+a fair way of being speedily concluded. The exertions of Monsieur de
+Creve-coeur, and particularly his influence with the Duke d'Harcourt,
+the principal instrument in effecting it, have been of chief consequence
+in this matter.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XLIX.--TO MR. DUMAS, February 9, 1787
+
+
+TO MR. DUMAS.
+
+Paris, February 9, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+My last to you was dated December the 25th; since which I have been
+honored with your several favors of December the 29th, January the 5th,
+9th, and 23rd. I thought that your affairs could not be more interesting
+than they have been for a considerable time. Yet in the present moment
+they are become more so, by the apparent withdrawing of so considerable
+a personage in the drama, as the King of Prussia. To increase this
+interest, another person, whose importance scarcely admits calculation,
+is in a situation which fills us with alarm. Nature is struggling to
+relieve him by a decided gout; she has my sincere prayers to aid her, as
+I am persuaded she has yours. I have letters and papers from America
+as late as the 15th of December. The government of Massachusetts had
+imprisoned three of the leaders of their insurgents. The insurgents,
+being collected to the number of three or four hundred, had sent in
+their petition to the government, praying another act of pardon for
+their leaders and themselves, and on this condition offering to go every
+man home, and conduct himself dutifully afterwards. This is the latest
+intelligence.
+
+I thank you for your attention to the question I had taken the liberty
+of proposing to you. I think with you, that it would be advisable to
+have our debt transferred to individuals of your country. There could
+and would be no objection to the guarantee remaining as you propose;
+and a postponement of the first payments of capital would surely be a
+convenience to us. For though the resources of the United States are
+great and growing, and their dispositions good, yet their machine is
+new, and they have not got it to go well. It is the object of their
+general wish at present, and they are all in movement, to set it in a
+good train; but their movements are necessarily slow. They will surely
+effect it in the end, because all have the same end in view; the
+difficulty being only to get all the thirteen States to agree on the
+same means. Divesting myself of every partiality, and speaking from that
+thorough knowledge which I have of the country, their resources, and
+their principles, I had rather trust money in their hands, than in that
+of any government on earth; because, though for a while the payments of
+the interest might be less regular, yet the final reimbursement of the
+capital would be more sure.
+
+I set out next week for the south of France, to try whether some mineral
+waters in that quarter, much recommended, will restore the use of my
+hand. I shall be absent from Paris two or three months; but I take
+arrangements for the regular receipt of your favors, as if I were here.
+It will be better, however, for you to put your letters to Mr. Jay under
+cover to Mr. Short, who remains here, and will forward them.
+
+I have thought it my duty to submit to Congress the proposition about
+the French debt, and may expect their answer in four months.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sincere esteem and respect, Sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER L.--TO JOHN JAY, February 14, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, February 14, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+In the letter of the 8th instant, which I had the honor of writing you,
+I informed you that the Count de Vergennes was dangerously ill. He
+died yesterday morning, and the Count de Montmorin is appointed
+his successor. Your personal knowledge of this gentleman renders it
+unnecessary for me to say any thing of him.
+
+Mr. Morris, during his office, being authorized to have the medals
+and swords executed, which had been ordered by Congress, he authorized
+Colonel Humphreys to take measures here for the execution. Colonel
+Humphreys did so; and the swords were finished in time for him to carry
+them. The medals not being finished, he desired me to attend to them.
+The workman who was to make that of General Greene, brought me yesterday
+the medal in gold, twenty-three in copper, and the die. Mr. Short,
+during my absence, will avail himself of the first occasion which shall
+offer, of forwarding the medals to you. I must beg leave, through you,
+to ask the pleasure of Congress as to the number they would choose
+to have struck. Perhaps they might be willing to deposite one of each
+person in every college of the United States. Perhaps they might choose
+to give a series of them to each of the crowned heads of Europe, which
+would be an acceptable present to them. They will be pleased to decide.
+In the mean time I have sealed up the die, and shall retain it till I
+am honored with their orders as to this medal, and the others also when
+they shall be finished.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect,
+
+Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LI.--TO JOHN JAY, February 23, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, February 23, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+The _Assemblee des Notables_ being an event in the history of
+this country which excites notice, I have supposed it would not be
+disagreeable to you to learn its immediate objects, though no way
+connected with our interests. The Assembly met yesterday: the King, in a
+short but affectionate speech, informed them of his wish to consult
+with them on the plans he had digested, and on the general good of his
+people, and his desire to imitate the head of his family, Henry IV.,
+whose memory is so dear to the nation. The _Garde des Sceaux_ then spoke
+about twenty minutes, chiefly in compliment to the orders present. The
+Comptroller General, in a speech of about an hour, opened the budget,
+and enlarged on the several subjects which will be under their
+deliberation. He explained the situation of the finances at his
+accession to office, the expenses which their arrangement had rendered
+necessary, their present state with the improvements made in them, the
+several plans which had been proposed for their further improvement, a
+change in the form of some of their taxes, the removal of the interior
+Custom-houses to the frontiers, and the institution of Provincial
+Assemblies. The Assembly was then divided into committees, with a prince
+of the blood at the head of each. In this form they are to discuss
+separately the subjects which will be submitted to them. Their decision
+will be reported by two members to the minister, who, on view of the
+separate decisions of all the committees, will make such changes in his
+plans, as will best accommodate them to their views, without too much
+departing from his own, and will then submit them to the vote (but
+I believe not to the debate) of the General Assembly, which will
+be convened for this purpose one day in every week, and will vote
+individually.
+
+The event (C)f the Count de Vergennes'death, of which I had the honor to
+inform you in a letter of the 14th instant, the appointment of the Count
+Montmorin, and the propriety of my attending at his first audience,
+which will be on the 27th, have retarded the journey I had proposed a
+few days.
+
+I shall hope, on my return, to meet here new powers for the consular
+convention, as, under those I have, it will be impossible to make the
+changes in the convention, which may be wished for.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LII.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, February 28, 1787
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Paris, February 28, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am just now in the moment of my departure. Monsieur de Montmorin
+having given us audience at Paris yesterday, I missed the opportunity
+of seeing you once more. I am extremely pleased with his modesty, the
+simplicity of his manners, and his dispositions towards us. I promise
+myself a great deal of satisfaction in doing business with him. I hope
+he will not give ear to any unfriendly suggestions. I flatter myself I
+shall hear from you sometimes. Send your letters to my hotel as usual,
+and they will be forwarded to me. I wish you success in your meeting.
+I should form better hopes of it, if it were divided into two Houses
+instead of seven. Keeping the good model of your neighboring country
+before your eyes, you may get on, step by step, towards a good
+constitution. Though that model is not perfect, yet, as it would unite
+more suffrages than any new one which could be proposed, it is better to
+make that the object. If every advance is to be purchased by filling the
+royal coffers with gold, it will be gold well employed. The King, who
+means so well, should be encouraged to repeat these Assemblies. You see
+how we republicans are apt to preach, when we get on politics. Adieu, my
+dear friend.
+
+Yours affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LIII.--TO MADAME LA COMTESSE DE TESSE, March 20, 1787
+
+
+TO MADAME LA COMTESSE DE TESSE.
+
+Nismes, March 20, 1787.
+
+Here I am, Madam, gazing whole hours at the _Maison Quarree_, like a
+lover at his mistress. The stocking-weavers and silk-spinners around it,
+consider me as a hypochondriac Englishman, about to write with a pistol
+the last chapter of his history. This is the second time I have been in
+love since I left Paris. The first was with a Diana at the Chateau de
+Lay-Epinaye in Beaujolois, a delicious morsel of sculpture, by M. A.
+Slodtz. This, you will say, was in rule, to fall in love with a female
+beauty: but with a house! It is out of all precedent. No, Madam, it
+is not without a precedent, in my own history. While in Paris, I
+was violently smitten with the Hotel de Salm, and used to go to the
+Tuileries almost daily to look at it. The _loueuse des chaises_,
+inattentive to my passion, never had the complaisance to place a chair
+there, so that, sitting on the parapet, and twisting my neck round to
+see the object of my admiration, I generally left it with a torticollis.
+
+From Lyons to Nismes I have been nourished with the remains of Roman
+grandeur. They have always brought you to my mind, because I know your
+affection for whatever is Roman and noble. At Vienne I thought of you.
+But I am glad you were not there; for you would have seen me more
+angry than I hope you will ever see me. The Praetorian palace, as it is
+called, comparable, for its fine proportions, to the _Maison Quarree_,
+defaced by the barbarians who have converted it to its present purpose,
+its beautiful fluted Corinthian columns cut out in part to make space
+for Gothic windows, and hewed down in the residue to the plane of
+the building, was enough, you must admit, to disturb my composure. At
+Orange, too, I thought of you. I was sure you had seen with pleasure
+the sublime triumphal arch of Marius at the entrance of the city. I went
+then to the Arena. Would you believe, Madam, that in this eighteenth
+century, in France, under the reign of Louis XVI., they are at this
+moment pulling down the circular wall of this superb remain to pave a
+road? And that too from a hill which is itself an entire mass of stone,
+just as fit, and more accessible? A former intendant, a M. de Basville,
+has rendered his memory dear to the traveller and amateur, by the
+pains he took to preserve and restore these monuments of antiquity. The
+present one (I do not know who he is) is demolishing the object to make
+a good road to it. I thought of you again, and I was then in great good
+humor, at the _Pont du Gard_, a sublime antiquity, and well preserved.
+But most of all here, where Roman taste, genius, and magnificence excite
+ideas analogous to yours at every step. I could no longer oppose the
+inclination to avail myself of your permission to write to you, a
+permission given with too much complaisance by you, and used by me with
+too much indiscretion. Madame de Tott did me the same honor.
+
+But she being only the descendant of some of those puny heroes who
+boiled their own kettles before the walls of Troy, I shall write to her
+from a Grecian, rather than a Roman canton: when I shall find myself,
+for example, among her Phocaean relations at Marseilles.
+
+Loving, as you do, Madam, the precious remains of antiquity, loving
+architecture, gardening, a warm sun, and a clear sky, I wonder you have
+never thought of moving Chaville to Nismes. This, as you know, has
+not always been deemed impracticable; and, therefore, the next time a
+_Surintendant des bailments du roi_, after the example of M. Colbert,
+sends persons to Nismes to move the _Maison Quarree_ to Paris, that they
+may not come empty-handed, desire them to bring Chaville with them to
+replace it. _A propos_ of Paris. I have now been three weeks from there,
+without knowing any thing of what has passed. I suppose I shall meet
+it all at Aix, where I have directed my letters to be lodged, _poste
+restante_. My journey has given me leisure to reflect on this _Assemblee
+des Notables_. Under a good and a young King, as the present, I think
+good may be made of it. I would have the deputies, then, by all means,
+so conduct themselves as to encourage him to repeat the calls of this
+Assembly. Their first step should be to get themselves divided into two
+chambers instead of seven; the Noblesse and the Commons separately. The
+second, to persuade the King, instead of choosing the deputies of the
+Commons himself, to summon those chosen by the people for the Provincial
+administrations. The third, as the Noblesse is too numerous to be all
+of the Assemblee, to obtain permission for that body to choose its own
+deputies. Two Houses, so elected, would contain a mass of wisdom, which
+would make the people happy, and the King great; would place him in
+history where no other act can possibly place him. They would thus put
+themselves in the track of the best guide they can follow, they would
+soon overtake it, become its guide in turn, and lead to the wholesome
+modifications wanting in that model, and necessary to constitute a
+rational government. Should they attempt more than the established
+habits of the people are ripe for, they must lose all, and retard
+indefinitely the ultimate object of their aim. These, Madam, are my
+opinions; but I wish to know yours, which I am sure will be better.
+
+From a correspondent at Nismes you will not expect news. Were I to
+attempt to give you news, I should tell you stories one thousand years
+old. I should detail to you the intrigues of the courts of the Caesars,
+how they affect us here, the oppressions of their praetors, prefects,
+&c. I am immersed in antiquities from morning to night. For me the city
+of Rome is actually existing in all the splendor of its empire. I am
+filled with alarms for the event of the irruptions daily making on us
+by the Goths, the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and Vandals, lest they should
+re-conquer us to our original barbarism. If I am sometimes induced to
+look forward to the eighteenth century, it is only when recalled to
+it by the recollection of your goodness and friendship, and by those
+sentiments of sincere esteem and respect, with which I have the honor to
+be,
+
+Madam, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LIV.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, April 11, 1787
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Nice, April 11, 1787.
+
+Your head, my dear friend, is full of _Notable_ things; and being better
+employed, therefore, I do not expect letters from you. I am constantly
+roving about to see what I have never seen before, and shall never see
+again. In the great cities, I go to see what travellers think alone
+worthy of being seen; but I make a job of it, and generally gulp it
+all down in a day. On the other hand, I am never satiated with rambling
+through the fields and farms, examining the culture and cultivators with
+a degree of curiosity, which makes some take me to be a fool, and others
+to be much wiser than I am. I have been pleased to find among the people
+a less degree of physical misery than I had expected. They are generally
+well clothed, and have a plenty of food, not animal indeed, but
+vegetable, which is as wholesome. Perhaps they are over-worked, the
+excess of the rent required by the landlord obliging them to too many
+hours of labor in order to produce that, and wherewith to feed and
+clothe themselves. The soil of Champagne and Burgundy I have found more
+universally good than I had expected, and as I could not help making a
+comparison with England, I found that comparison more unfavorable to
+the latter than is generally admitted. The soil, the climate, and the
+productions are superior to those of England, and the husbandry as
+good, except in one point; that of manure. In England, long leases for
+twenty-one years, or three lives, to wit, that of the farmer, his wife,
+and son, renewed by the son as soon as he comes to the possession, for
+his own life, his wife's, and eldest child's, and so on, render the
+farms there almost hereditary, make it worth the farmer's while to
+manure the lands highly, and give the landlord an opportunity of
+occasionally making his rent keep pace with the improved state of the
+lands. Here the leases are either during pleasure, or for three, six, or
+nine years, which does not give the farmer time to repay himself for the
+expensive operation of well manuring, and therefore, he manures ill,
+or not at all. I suppose, that could the practice of leasing for three
+lives be introduced in the whole kingdom, it would, within the term of
+your life, increase agricultural productions fifty per cent.; or were
+any one proprietor to do it with his own lands, it would increase his
+rents fifty per cent, in the course of twenty-five years. But I am told
+the laws do not permit it. The laws then, in this particular, are
+unwise and unjust, and ought to give that permission. In the southern
+provinces, where the soil is poor, the climate hot and dry, and there
+are few animals, they would learn the art, found so precious in England,
+of making vegetable manure, and thus improving the provinces in the
+article in which nature has been least kind to them. Indeed, these
+provinces afford a singular spectacle. Calculating on the poverty of
+their soil, and their climate by its latitude only, they should have
+been the poorest in France. On the contrary, they are the richest, from
+one fortuitous circumstance. Spurs or ramifications of high mountains,
+making down from the Alps, and, as it were, reticulating these
+provinces, give to the vallies the protection of a particular inclosure
+to each, and the benefit of a general stagnation of the northern winds
+produced by the whole of them, and thus countervail the advantage of
+several degrees of latitude. From the first olive fields of Pierrelatte,
+to the orangeries of Hieres, has been continued rapture to me. I have
+often wished for you. I think you have not made this journey. It is a
+pleasure you have to come, and an improvement to be added to the many
+you have already made. It will be a great comfort to you, to know, from
+your own inspection, the condition of all the provinces of your own
+country, and it will be interesting to them at some future day, to be
+known to you. This is, perhaps, the only moment of your life in which
+you can acquire that knowledge. And to do it most effectually, you must
+be absolutely incognito, you must ferret the people out of their hovels
+as I have done, look into their kettles, eat their bread, loll on their
+beds under pretence of resting yourself, but in fact to find if they
+are soft. You will feel a sublime pleasure in the course of this
+investigation, and a sublimer one hereafter, when you shall be able to
+apply your knowledge to the softening of their beds, or the throwing a
+morsel of meat into their kettle of vegetables.
+
+You will not wonder at the subjects of my letter: they are the only ones
+which have been presented to my mind for some time past; and the waters
+must always be what are the fountains from which they flow. According
+to this, indeed, I should have intermixed, from beginning to end, warm
+expressions of friendship to you. But, according to the ideas of our
+country, we do not permit ourselves to speak even truths, when they may
+have the air of flattery. I content myself, therefore, with saying once
+for all, that I love you, your wife, and children. Tell them so, and
+adieu.
+
+Yours affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LV.--TO WILLIAM SHORT, April 12, 1787
+
+
+TO WILLIAM SHORT.
+
+Nice, April 12, 1787,
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+At Marseilles, they told me I should encounter the rice fields of
+Piedmont soon after crossing the Alps. Here they tell me there are none
+nearer than Vercelli and Novara, which is carrying me almost to Milan. I
+fear that this circumstance will occasion me a greater delay than I
+had calculated on. However, I am embarked in the project, and shall go
+through with it. To-morrow, I set out on my passage over the Alps, being
+to pursue it ninety-three miles to Coni, on mules, as the snows are
+not yet enough melted to admit carriages to pass. I leave mine here,
+therefore, proposing to return by water from Genoa. I think it will
+be three weeks before I get back to Nice. I find this climate quite
+as delightful as it has been represented. Hieres is the only place in
+France, which may be compared with it. The climates are equal. In favor
+of this place, are the circumstances of gay and dissipated society,
+a handsome city, good accommodations, and some commerce. In favor of
+Hieres, are environs of delicious and extensive plains, a society more
+contracted, and therefore more capable of esteem, and the neighborhood
+of Toulon, Marseilles, and other places, to which excursions may be
+made. Placing Marseilles in comparison with Hieres, it has extensive
+society, a good theatre, freedom from military control, and the most
+animated commerce. But its winter climate is far inferior. I am now in
+the act of putting my baggage into portable form for my bat-mule; after
+praying you, therefore, to let my daughter know I am well, and that I
+shall not be heard of again in three weeks, I take my leave of you for
+that time, with assurances of the sincere esteem with which I am, Dear
+Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LVI.--TO JOHN JAY, May 4, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Marseilles, May 4, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor of receiving at Aix, your letter of February the 9th,
+and immediately wrote to the Count de Montmorin, explaining the delay
+of the answer of Congress to the King's letter, and desired Mr. Short to
+deliver that answer, with my letter, to Monsieur de Montmorin, which he
+informs me he has accordingly done.
+
+My absence prevented my noting to you, in the first moment, the
+revolution which has taken place at Paris, in the department of finance,
+by the substitution of Monsieur de Fourqueux in the place of Monsieur
+de Calonne; so that you will have heard of it through other channels,
+before this will have the honor of reaching you.
+
+Having staid at Aix long enough to prove the inefficacy of the waters,
+I came on to this place, for the purpose of informing myself here, as I
+mean to do at the other seaport towns, of whatever may be interesting to
+our commerce. So far as carried on in our own bottoms, I find it almost
+nothing; and so it must probably remain, till something can be done with
+the Algerines. Though severely afflicted with the plague, they have
+come out within these few days, and showed themselves in force along the
+coast of Genoa, cannonading a little town and taking several vessels.
+
+Among other objects of inquiry, this was the place to learn something
+more certain on the subject of rice, as it is a great emporium for that
+of the Levant, and of Italy. I wished particularly to know, whether it
+was the use of a different machine for cleaning, which brought European
+rice to market less broken than ours, as had been represented to me, by
+those who deal in that article in Paris. I found several persons who had
+passed through the rice country of Italy, but not one who could explain
+to me the nature of the machine. But I was given to believe, that I
+might see it myself immediately on entering Piedmont. As this would
+require but about three weeks, I determined to go, and ascertain this
+point; as the chance only of placing our rice above all rivalship in
+quality, as it is in color, by the introduction of a better machine, if
+a better existed, seemed to justify the application of that much time to
+it. I found the rice country to be in truth Lombardy, one hundred miles
+further than had been represented, and that though called Piedmont rice,
+not a grain is made in the country of Piedmont. I passed through the
+rice-fields of the Vercellese and Milanese, about sixty miles, and
+returned from thence last night, having found that the machine is
+absolutely the same as ours, and of course, that we need not listen more
+to that suggestion. It is a difference in the species of grain; of which
+the government of Turin is so sensible, that, as I was informed, they
+prohibit the exportation of rough rice, on pain of death. I have taken
+measures, however, which I think will not fail, for obtaining a quantity
+of it, and I bought on the spot a small parcel, which I have with me.
+As further details on this subject to Congress would be misplaced, I
+propose, on my return to Paris, to communicate them, and send the rice
+to the society at Charleston for promoting agriculture, supposing that
+they will be best able to try the experiment of cultivating the rice of
+this quality, and to communicate the species to the two States of South
+Carolina and Georgia, if they find it answers. I thought the staple of
+these two States was entitled to this attention, and that it must be
+desirable to them, to be able to furnish rice of the two qualities
+demanded in Europe, especially, as the greater consumption is in the
+forms for which the Lombardy quality is preferred. The mass of our
+countrymen being interested in agriculture, I hope I do not err in
+supposing, that in a time of profound peace, as the present, to enable
+them to adapt their productions to the market, to point out markets for
+them, and endeavor to obtain favorable terms of reception, is within the
+line of my duty.
+
+My journey into this part of the country has procured me information,
+which I will take the liberty of communicating to Congress. In October
+last, I received a letter, dated Montpelier, October the 2nd, 1786,
+announcing to me that the writer was a foreigner, who had a matter
+of very great consequence to communicate to me, and desired I would
+indicate the channel through which it might pass safely. I did so.
+
+I received soon after, a letter in the following words, omitting only
+the formal parts. [_A translation of it is here given._]
+
+'I am a native of Brazil. You are not ignorant of the frightful
+slavery under which my country groans. This continually becomes more
+insupportable, since the epoch of your glorious independence; for
+the cruel Portuguese omit nothing which can render our condition more
+wretched, from an apprehension that we may follow your example. The
+conviction, that these usurpers against the laws of nature and humanity
+only meditate new oppressions, has decided us to follow the guiding
+light which you have held out to us, to break our chains, to revive
+our almost expiring liberty, which is nearly overwhelmed by that force,
+which is the sole foundation of the authority that Europeans exercise
+over America. But it is necessary that some power should extend
+assistance to the Brazilians, since Spain would certainly unite herself
+with Portugal; and in spite of our advantages for defence, we could not
+make it effectual, or, at least, it would be imprudent to hazard the
+attempt, without some assurance of success. In this state of affairs,
+Sir, we can, with propriety, look only to the United States, not only
+because we are following her example, but, moreover, because nature, in
+making us inhabitants of the same continent, has in some sort united
+us in the bonds of a common patriotism. On our part, we are prepared to
+furnish the necessary supplies of money, and at all times to acknowledge
+the debt of gratitude due to our benefactors. I have thus, Sir, laid
+before you a summary of my views. It is in discharge of this commission
+that I have come to France, since I could not effect it in America
+without exciting suspicion. It now remains for you to decide whether
+those views can be accomplished. Should you desire to consult your
+nation on them, it is in my power to give you all the information you
+may require.'
+
+As by this time, I had been advised to try the waters of Aix, I wrote
+to the gentleman my design, and that I would go off my road as far as
+Nismes, under the pretext of seeing the antiquities of that place, if
+he would meet me there. He met me, and the following is the sum of the
+information I received from him. 'Brazil contains as many inhabitants
+as Portugal. They are, 1. Portuguese. 2. Native whites. 3. Black and
+mulatto slaves. 4. Indians, civilized and savage. 1. The Portuguese are
+few in number, mostly married there, have lost sight of their native
+country, as well as the prospect of returning to it, and are disposed to
+become independent. 2. The native whites form the body of their nation.
+3. The slaves are as numerous as the free. 4. The civilized Indians have
+no energy, and the savage would not meddle. There are twenty thousand
+regular troops. Originally these were Portuguese. But as they died off,
+they were replaced by natives, so that these compose at present the
+mass of the troops, and may be counted on by their native country. The
+officers are partly Portuguese, partly Brazilians: their bravery is not
+doubted, and they understand the parade, but not the science of their
+profession. They have no bias for Portugal, but no energy either for any
+thing. The priests are partly Portuguese, partly Brazilians, and will
+not interest themselves much. The Noblesse are scarcely known as such.
+They will, in no manner, be distinguished from the people. The men of
+letters are those most desirous of a revolution. The people are not
+much under the influence of their priests, most of them read and write,
+possess arms, and are in the habit of using them for hunting. The slaves
+will take the side of their masters. In short, as to the question of
+revolution, there is but one mind in that Country. But there appears no
+person capable of conducting a revolution, or willing to venture himself
+at its head, without the aid of some powerful nation, as the people of
+their own might fail them. There is no printing press in Brazil. They
+consider the North American revolution as a precedent for theirs. They
+look to the United States as most likely to give them honest support,
+and, from a variety of considerations, have the strongest prejudices in
+our favor. This informant is a native and inhabitant of Rio Janeiro,
+the present metropolis, which contains fifty thousand inhabitants, knows
+well St. Salvador, the former one, and the _mines d'or_, which are
+in the centre of the country. These are all for a revolution; and,
+constituting the body of the nation, the other parts will follow them,
+The King's fifth of the mines, yields annually thirteen millions of
+crusadoes or half dollars. He has the sole right of searching for
+diamonds and other precious stones, which yield him about half as much.
+His income from those two resources alone, then, is about ten millions
+of dollars annually; but the remaining part of the produce of the
+mines, being twenty-six millions, might be counted on for effecting
+a revolution. Besides the arms in the hands of the people, there are
+public magazines. They have abundance of horses, but only a part of
+their country would admit the service of horses. They would want cannon,
+ammunition, ships, sailors, soldiers, and officers, for which they are
+disposed to look to the United States, it being always understood, that
+every service and furniture will be well paid. Corn costs about
+twenty livres the one hundred pounds. They have flesh in the greatest
+abundance, insomuch, that in some parts, they kill beeves for the skin
+only. The whale fishery is carried on by Brazilians altogether, and not
+by Portuguese; but in very small vessels, so that the fishermen know
+nothing of managing a large ship. They would want of us; at all times,
+shipping, corn, and salt fish. The latter is a great article, and they
+are at present supplied with it from Portugal. Portugal being without
+either army or navy, could not attempt an invasion under a twelvemonth.
+Considering of what it would be composed, it would not be much to be
+feared, and if it failed, they would probably never attempt a second.
+Indeed, this source of their wealth being intercepted, they are scarcely
+capable of a first effort. The thinking part of the nation are so
+sensible of this, that they consider an early separation inevitable.
+There is an implacable hatred between the Brazilians and Portuguese;
+to reconcile which, a former minister adopted the policy of letting
+the Brazilians into a participation of public offices; but subsequent
+administrations have reverted to the ancient policy of keeping the
+administrations in the hands of native Portuguese. There is a mixture
+of natives, of the old appointments, still remaining in office. If Spain
+should invade them on their southern extremities, these are so distant
+from the body of their settlements, that they could not penetrate
+thence; and Spanish enterprise is not formidable. The _mines d'or_ are
+among mountains, inaccessible to any army; and Rio Janeiro is considered
+the strongest port in the world after Gibraltar. In case of a successful
+revolution, a republican government in a single body would probably be
+established.'
+
+I took care to impress on him, through the whole of our conversation,
+that I had neither instructions nor authority to say a word to any
+body on this subject, and that I could only give him my own ideas, as
+a single individual: which were, that we were not in a condition at
+present to meddle nationally in any war; that we wished particularly to
+cultivate the friendship of Portugal, with whom we have an advantageous
+commerce. That yet, a successful revolution in Brazil could not be
+uninteresting to us. That prospects of lucre might possibly draw numbers
+of individuals to their aid, and purer motives our officers, among whom
+are many excellent. That our citizens being free to leave their own
+country individually, without the consent of their governments, are
+equally free to go to any other.
+
+A little before I received the first letter of the Brazilian, a
+gentleman informed me there was a Mexican in Paris, who wished to have
+some conversation with me. He accordingly called on me. The substance of
+the information I drew from him, was as follows. He is himself a native
+of Mexico, where his relations are, principally. He left it about
+seventeen years of age, and seems now to be about thirty-three or
+thirty-four. He classes and characterizes the inhabitants of that
+country, as follows. 1. The natives of Old Spain, possessed of most of
+the offices of government, and firmly attached to it. 2. The clergy,
+equally attached to the government. 3. The natives of Mexico, generally
+disposed to revolt, but without instruction, without energy, and much
+under the dominion of their priests. 4. The slaves, mulatto and black;
+the former enterprising and intelligent, the latter brave, and of very
+important weight, into whatever scale they throw themselves; but he
+thinks they will side with their masters. 5. The conquered Indians,
+cowardly, not likely to take any side, nor important which they take. 6.
+The free Indians, brave and formidable, should they interfere, but not
+likely to do so, as being at a great distance. I asked him the numbers
+of these several classes, but he could not give them. The first, he
+thought very inconsiderable; that the second formed the body of the
+freemen; the third equal to the two first; the fourth, to all the
+preceding: and as to the fifth, he could form no idea of their
+proportion. Indeed, it appeared to me, that his conjectures as to the
+others were on loose grounds. He said he knew from good information,
+there were three hundred thousand inhabitants in the city of Mexico. I
+was still more cautious with him than with the Brazilian, mentioning
+it as my private opinion (unauthorized to say a word on the subject,
+otherwise), that a successful revolution was still at a distance with
+them; that I feared they must begin by enlightening and emancipating
+the minds of their people; that as to us, if Spain should give us
+advantageous terms of commerce, and remove other difficulties, it was
+not probable that we should relinquish certain and present advantages,
+though smaller, for uncertain and future ones, however great. I was led
+into this caution by observing, that this gentleman was intimate at the
+Spanish ambassador's, and that he was then at Paris, employed by Spain
+to settle her boundaries with France, on the Pyrenees. He had much
+the air of candor, but that can be borrowed; so that I was not able to
+decide about him in my own mind.
+
+Led by a unity of subject, and a desire to give Congress as general a
+view of the disposition of our southern countrymen, as my information
+enables me, I will add an article which, old and insulated, I did not
+think important enough to mention at the time I received it. You will
+remember, Sir, that during the late war, the British papers often
+gave details of a rebellion in Peru. The character of those papers
+discredited the information. But the truth was, that the insurrections
+were so general, that the event was long on the poise. Had Commodore
+Johnson, then expected on that coast, touched and landed there two
+thousand men, the dominion of Spain in that country would have been at
+an end. They only wanted a point of union, which this body would have
+constituted. Not having this, they acted without concert, and were are
+length subdued separately. This conflagration was quenched in blood;
+two hundred thousand souls, on both sides, having perished; but the
+remaining matter is very capable of combustion. I have this information
+from a person who was on the spot at the time, and whose good faith,
+understanding, and means of information leave no doubt of the facts. He
+observed, however, that the numbers above supposed to have perished were
+on such conjectures only as he could collect.
+
+I trouble Congress with these details, because, however distant we may
+be, both in condition and dispositions, from taking an active part in
+any commotions in that country, nature has placed it too near us to
+make its movements altogether indifferent to our interests, or to our
+curiosity.
+
+I hear of another _Arret_ of this court, increasing the duties on
+foreign stock-fish, and the premium on their own imported into their
+islands; but not having yet seen it, I can say nothing certain on it. I
+hope the effect of this policy will be defeated by the practice which,
+I am told, takes place on the Banks of Newfoundland, of putting our
+fish into the French fishing-boats, and the parties sharing the premium,
+instead of ours paying the duty.
+
+I am in hopes Mr. Short will be able to send you the medals of General
+Gates by this packet. I await a general instruction as to these medals.
+The academies of Europe will be much pleased to receive each a set.
+
+I propose to set out the day after to-morrow for Bordeaux (by the canal
+of Languedoc), Mantes, L'Orient, and Paris.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LVII.--TO M. GUIDE, May 6, 1787
+
+
+TO M. GUIDE.
+
+Marseilles, May 6, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+A desire of seeing a commerce commenced between the dominions of his
+Majesty, the King of Sardinia, and the United States of America, and a
+direct exchange of their respective productions, without passing through
+a third nation, led me into the conversation which I had the honor of
+having with you on that subject, and afterwards with Monsieur Tallon at
+Turin, to whom I promised that I would explain to you, in writing, the
+substance of what passed between us. The articles of your produce wanted
+with us are brandies, wines, oil, fruits, and manufactured silks:
+those with which we can furnish you are indigo, potash, tobacco, flour,
+salt-fish, furs and peltries, ships and materials for building them.
+The supply of tobacco, particularly, being in the hands of government
+solely, appeared to me to offer an article for beginning immediately the
+experiment of direct commerce. That of the first quality can be had at
+first hand only from James river in Virginia; those of the second and
+third from the same place, and from Baltimore in Maryland. The first
+quality is delivered in the ports of France at thirty-eight livres
+the quintal, the second at thirty-six livres, the third at thirty-four
+livres, weight and money of France, by individuals generally. I send you
+the copy of a large contract, wherein the three qualities are averaged
+at thirty-six livres. They may be delivered at Nice for those prices.
+Indeed, it is my opinion, that by making shipments of your own produce
+to those places, and buying the tobaccos on the spot, they may be had
+more advantageously. In this case, it would be expedient that merchants
+of Nice, Turin, and America, should form a joint concern for conducting
+the business in the two countries. Monsieur Tallon desired me to point
+out proper persons in America who might be addressed for this purpose.
+The house of the most extensive reputation, concerned in the tobacco
+trade, and on the firmest funds, is that of Messrs. Ross and Pleasants
+at Richmond, in Virginia. If it should be concluded on your part to make
+any attempt of this kind, and to address yourselves to these gentlemen,
+or any others, it would be best to write them your ideas, and receive
+theirs, before you make either purchases or shipments. A more hasty
+conduct might occasion loss, and retard, instead of encouraging, the
+establishment of this commerce. I would undertake to write, at the same
+time, to these or any other merchants whom you should prefer, in order
+to dispose them favorably, and as disinterestedly as possible, for the
+encouragement of this essay. I must observe to you, that our vessels are
+fearful of coming into the Mediterranean on account of the Algerines:
+and that if you should freight vessels, those of the French will be most
+advantageous for you, because received into our ports without paying
+any duties on some of those articles, and lighter than others on all of
+them. English vessels, on the other hand, are distinguished by paying
+heavier duties than those of any other nation. Should you desire any
+further information, or to pass letters with certainty to any mercantile
+house in America, do me the favor to address yourselves to me at Paris,
+and I shall do whatever depends on me for this object.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of high esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+MEMORANDA TAKEN ON A JOURNEY FROM PARIS IN 1787
+
+
+_Memoranda taken on a Journey from Paris into the Southern Parts of
+France, and Northern of Italy, in the year 1787_.
+
+
+CHAMPAGNE. March 3. _Sens_ to _Vermanton_. The face of the country is in
+large hills, not too steep for the plough, somewhat resembling the Elk
+hill and Beaver-dam hills of Virginia. The soil is generally a rich
+mulatto loam, with a mixture of coarse sand, and some loose stone. The
+plains of the Yonne are of the same color. The plains are in corn, the
+hills in vineyard, but the wine not good. There are a few apple-trees,
+but none of any other kind, and no enclosures. No cattle, sheep, or
+swine; fine mules.
+
+Few _chateaux_; no farm-houses, all the people being gathered in
+villages. Are they thus collected by that dogma of their religion, which
+makes them believe, that to keep the Creator in good humor with his own
+works, they must mumble a mass every day? Certain it is, that they are
+less happy and less virtuous in villages, than they would be insulated
+with their families on the grounds they cultivate. The people are illy
+clothed. Perhaps they have put on their worst clothes at this moment, as
+it is raining. But I observe women and children carrying heavy burthens,
+and laboring with the hoe. This is an unequivocal indication of extreme
+poverty. Men, in a civilized country, never expose their wives and
+children to labor above their force and sex, as long as their own labor
+can protect them from it. I see few beggars. Probably this is the effect
+of a police.
+
+
+BURGUNDY. March 4. _Lucy-le-Bois. Cussy-les-Forges. Rouvray.
+Maison-neuve. Vitieaux. La Chaleure. Pont de Panis. Dijon_. The hills
+are higher, and more abrupt. The soil a good red loam and sand, mixed
+with more or less grit, small stone, and sometimes rock. All in corn.
+Some forest wood here and there, broom, whins, and holly, and a few
+enclosures of quick-hedge. Now and then a flock of sheep.
+
+The people are well clothed, but it is Sunday. They have the appearance
+of being well fed. The Chateau de Sevigny, near Cussy-les-Forges, is
+a charming situation. Between Maison-neuve and Vitteaux the road leads
+through an avenue of trees, eight American miles long, in a right line.
+It is impossible to paint the ennui of this avenue. On the summits of
+the hills, which border the valley in which Vitteaux is, there is a
+parapet of rock, twenty, thirty, or forty feet perpendicular, which
+crowns the hills. The tops are nearly level, and appear to be covered
+with earth. Very singular. Great masses of rock in the hills between La
+Chaleure and Pont de Panis, and a conical hill in the approach to the
+last place.
+
+_Dijon_. The tavern price of a bottle of the best wine (e. g. of Vaune)
+is four livres. The best round potatoes here, I ever saw. They have
+begun a canal thirty feet wide, which is to lead into the Saone at
+---------. It is fed by springs. They are not allowed to take any water
+out of the riviere d'Ouche, which runs through this place, on account of
+the mills on that river. They talk of making a canal to the Seine, the
+nearest navigable part of which, at present, is fifteen leagues from
+hence. They have very light wagons here for the transportation of their
+wine. They are long and narrow; the fore-wheels as high as the hind. Two
+pieces of wine are drawn by one horse in one of these wagons. The road
+in this part of the country is divided into portions of forty or fifty
+feet by stones, numbered, which mark the task of the laborers.
+
+March 7 and 8. From _La Baraque_ to _Chagny_. On the left are plains,
+which extend to the Saone; on the right the ridge of mountains, called
+the Cote. The plains are of a reddish-brown, rich loam, mixed with much
+small stone. The Cote has for its basis a solid rock, on which is about
+a foot of soil and small stone, in equal quantities, the soil red, and
+of middling quality. The plains are in corn; the Cote in vines. The
+former have no enclosures, the latter is in small ones, of dry stone
+wall. There is a good deal of forest. Some small herds of small cattle
+and sheep. Fine mules, which come from Provence, and cost twenty louis.
+They break them at two years old, and they last to thirty.
+
+The corn-lands here rent for about fifteen livres the arpent. They are
+now planting, pruning, and sticking their vines. When a new vineyard
+is made, they plant the vines in gutters about four feet apart. As the
+vines advance, they lay them down. They put out new shoots, and fill
+all the intermediate space, till all trace of order is lost. They have
+ultimately about one foot square to each vine. They begin to yield good
+profit at five or six years old, and last one hundred, or one hundred
+and fifty years. A vigneron at Volnay carried me into his vineyard,
+which was of about ten arpents. He told me, that some years it produced
+him sixty pieces of wine, and some not more than three pieces. The
+latter is the most advantageous produce, because the wine is better in
+quality, and higher in price, in proportion as less is made; and the
+expenses, at the same time, diminish in the same proportion. Whereas,
+when much is made, the expenses are increased, while the quality and
+price become less. In very plentiful years, they often give one half the
+wine for casks to contain the other half. The cask for two hundred and
+fifty bottles costs six livres in scarce years, and ten in plentiful.
+The feuillette is of one hundred and twenty-five bottles, the piece of
+two hundred and fifty, and the queue or botte of five hundred. An arpent
+rents at from twenty to sixty livres. A farmer of ten arpents has about
+three laborers engaged by the year. He pays four louis to a man, and
+half as much to a woman, and feeds them. He kills one hog, and salts it,
+which is all the meat used in the family during the year. Their ordinary
+food is bread and vegetables. At Pomard and Volnay, I observed them
+eating good wheat bread; at Meursault, rye. I asked the reason of the
+difference. They told me, that the white wines fail in quality much
+oftener than the red, and remain on hand. The farmer, therefore, cannot
+afford to feed his laborers so well. At Meursault only white wines
+are made, because there is too much stone for the red. On such slight
+circumstances depends the condition of man! The wines which have given
+such celebrity to Burgundy grow only on the Cote, an extent of about
+five leagues long, and half a league wide. They begin at Chambertin,
+and go through Vougeau, Romanie, Veaune, Nuits, Beaune, Pomard, Volnay,
+Meursault, and end at Monrachet. Those of the two last are white; the
+others red. Chambertin, Vougeau, and Beaune are the strongest, and will
+bear transportation and keeping. They sell, therefore, on the spot for
+twelve hundred livres the queue, which is forty-eight sous the bottle.
+Volnay is the best of the other reds, equal in flavor to Chambertin,
+&c., but being lighter, will not keep, and therefore sells for not more
+than three hundred livres the queue, which is twelve sous the bottle.
+It ripens sooner than they do, and consequently is better for those who
+wish to broach at a year old. In like manner of the white wines, and
+for the same reason, Monrachet sells for twelve hundred livres the queue
+(forty-eight sous the bottle), and Meursault of the best quality, viz.
+the _Goutte d'or_, at only one hundred and fifty livres (six sous the
+bottle). It is remarkable, that the best of each kind, that is, of
+the red and white, is made at the extremities of the line, to wit, at
+Chambertin and Monrachet. It is pretended, that the adjoining vineyards
+produce the same qualities, but that, belonging to obscure individuals,
+they have not obtained a name, and therefore sell as other wines. The
+aspect of the Cote is a little south of east. The western side is also
+covered with vines, and is apparently of the same soil; yet the wines
+are only of the coarsest kinds. Such, too, are those which are produced
+in the plains; but there the soil is richer, and less strong. Vougeau
+is the property of the monks of Citeaux, and produces about two hundred
+pieces. Monrachet contains about fifty arpents, and produces, one year
+with another, about one hundred and twenty pieces. It belongs to
+two proprietors only, Monsieur de Clarmont, who leases to some
+wine-merchants, and the Marquis de Sarsnet, of Dijon, whose part is
+farmed to a Monsieur de la Tour, whose family, for many generations,
+have had the farm. The best wines are carried to Paris by land. The
+transportation costs thirty-six livres the piece. The more indifferent
+go by water. Bottles cost four and a half sous each.
+
+March 9. _Chalons. Sennecey. Tournus. St. Albin. Macon._ On the left are
+the fine plains of the Saone; on the right high lands, rather waving
+than hilly, sometimes sloping gently to the plains, sometimes dropping
+down in precipices, and occasionally broken into beautiful vallies[sp.]
+by the streams which run into the Saone. The plains are a dark rich
+loam, in pasture and corn; the heights more or less red or reddish,
+always gritty, of middling quality only, their sides in vines, and their
+summits in corn. The vineyards are enclosed with dry stone-walls, and
+there are some quick-hedges in the corn-grounds. The cattle are few and
+indifferent. There are some good oxen, however. They draw by the head.
+Few sheep, and small. A good deal of wood-lands.
+
+I passed three times the canal called Le Charollois, which they are
+opening from Chalons on the Saone to Dijon on the Loire. It passes near
+Chagny, and will be twenty-three leagues long. They have worked on it
+three years, and will finish it in four more. It will reanimate the
+languishing commerce of Champagne and Burgundy, by furnishing a water
+transportation for their wines to Nantes, which also will receive new
+consequence by becoming the emporium of that commerce. At some distance
+on the right are high mountains, which probably form the separation
+between the waters of the Saone and Loire. Met a malefactor in the hands
+of one of the Marichausee; perhaps a dove in the talons of the hawk. The
+people begin now to be in separate establishments, and not in villages.
+Houses are mostly covered with tile.
+
+
+BEAUJOLOIS.[Sp.] _Maison Blanche. St. George. Chateau de Laye-Epinaye_.
+The face of the country is like that from Chalons to Macon. The plains
+are a dark rich loam, the hills a red loam of middling quality, mixed
+generally with more or less coarse sand and grit, and a great deal of
+small stone. Very little forest. The vineyards are mostly enclosed with
+dry stone-wall. A few small cattle and sheep. Here, as in Burgundy, the
+cattle are all white. This is the richest country I ever beheld. It
+is about ten or twelve leagues in length, and three, four, or five
+in breadth; at least that part of it, which is under the eye of a
+traveller. It extends from the top of a ridge of mountains, running
+parallel with the Saone, and sloping down to the plains of that river,
+scarce any where too steep for the plough. The whole is thick set with
+farm-houses, chateaux, and the bastides of the inhabitants of Lyons. The
+people live separately, and not in villages. The hill-sides are in vine
+and corn: the plains in corn and pasture. The lands are farmed either
+for money, or on half-stocks. The rents of the corn-lands, farmed for
+money, are about ten or twelve livres the arpent. A farmer takes perhaps
+about one hundred and fifty arpents, for three, six, or nine years. The
+first year they are in corn; the second in other small grain, with
+which he sows red clover. The third is for the clover. The spontaneous
+pasturage is of greensward, which they call fromenteau. When lands
+are rented on half-stocks, the cattle, sheep, &c. are furnished by the
+landlord. They are valued, and must be left of equal value. The increase
+of these, as well as the produce of the farm is divided equally.
+These leases are only from year to year. They have a method of mixing
+beautifully the culture of vines, trees, and corn. Rows of fruit-trees
+are planted about twenty feet apart. Between the trees, in the row, they
+plant vines four feet apart, and espalier them. The intervals are sowed
+alternately in corn, so as to be one year in corn, the next in pasture,
+the third in corn, the fourth in pasture, &c. One hundred toises of
+vines in length, yield generally about four pieces of wine. In Dauphine,
+I am told, they plant vines only at the roots of the trees, and let
+them cover the whole trees. But this spoils both the wine and the fruit.
+Their wine, when distilled, yields but one-third its quantity in brandy.
+The wages of a laboring man here are five louis; of a woman, one half.
+The women do not work with the hoe: they only weed the vines, the corn,
+&c, and spin. They speak a patois very difficult to understand. I
+passed some time at the Chateau de Laye-Epinaye. Monsieur de Laye has a
+seignory of about fifteen thousand arpents, in pasture, corn, vines,
+and wood. He has over this, as is usual, a certain jurisdiction,
+both criminal and civil. But this extends only to the first crude
+examination, which is before his judges. The subject is referred,
+for final examination and decision, to the regular judicatures of the
+country. The Seigneur is keeper of the peace on his domains. He
+is therefore subject to the expenses of maintaining it. A criminal
+prosecuted to sentence and execution costs M. de Laye about five
+thousand livres. This is so burthensome to the Seigneurs, that they are
+slack in criminal prosecutions. A good effect from a bad cause. Through
+all Champagne, Burgundy, and the Beaujolois, the husbandry seems good,
+except that they manure too little. This proceeds from the shortness of
+their leases. The people of Burgundy and Beaujolois are well clothed,
+and have the appearance of being well fed. But they experience all the
+oppressions which result from the nature of the general government, and
+from that of their particular tenures, and of the seignorial government
+to which they are subject. What a cruel reflection, that a rich country
+cannot long be a free one. M. de Laye has a Diana and Endymion, a very
+superior morsel of sculpture by Michael Angelo Slodtz, done in 1740. The
+wild gooseberry is in leaf; the wild pear and sweet-briar in bud.
+
+_Lyons_. There are some feeble remains here of an amphitheatre of two
+hundred feet diameter, and of an aqueduct in brick. The Pont d'Ainay has
+nine arches of forty feet from centre to centre. The piers are of six
+feet. The almond is in bloom.
+
+
+DAUPHINE. From _St. Fond_ to _Mornant_. March 15, 16, 17, 18. The Rhone
+makes extensive plains, which lie chiefly on the eastern side, and are
+often in two stages. Those of Montelimart are three,or four miles wide,
+and rather good. Sometimes, as in the neighborhood of Vienne, the
+hills come in precipices to the river, resembling then very much our
+Susquehanna and its hill, except that the Susquehanna is ten times as
+wide as the Rhone. The highlands are often very level. The soil both of
+hill and plain, where there is soil, is generally tinged, more or less,
+with red. The hills are sometimes mere masses of rock, sometimes a
+mixture of loose stone and earth. The plains are always stony, and as
+often as otherwise covered perfectly with a coat of round stones, of
+the size of the fist, so as to resemble the remains of inundations, from
+which all the soil has been carried away. Sometimes they are middling
+good, sometimes barren. In the neighborhood of Lyons there is more corn
+than wine. Towards Tains more wine than corn. From thence the plains,
+where best, are in corn, clover, almonds, mulberries, walnuts: where
+there is still some earth, they are in corn, almonds, and oaks. The
+hills are in vines. There is a good deal of forest-wood near Lyons,
+but not much afterwards. Scarcely any enclosures. There are a few small
+sheep before we reach Tains; there the'number increases.
+
+Nature never formed a country of more savage aspect, than that on
+both sides the Rhone. A huge torrent rushes like an arrow between high
+precipices, often of massive rock, at other times of loose stone, with
+but little earth. Yet has the hand of man subdued this savage scene, by
+planting corn where there is a little fertility, trees where there is
+still less, and vines where there is none. On the whole, it assumes a
+romantic, picturesque, and pleasing air. The hills on the opposite
+side of the river, being high, steep, and laid up in terraces, are of
+a singular appearance. Where the hills are quite in waste, they are
+covered with broom, whins, box, and some clusters of small pines. The
+high mountains of Dauphine and Languedoc are now covered with snow. The
+almond is in general bloom, and the willow putting out its leaf. There
+were formerly olives at Tain; but a great cold, some years ago, killed
+them, and they have not been replanted. I am told at Montelimart, that
+an almond tree yields about three livres profit a year. Supposing them
+three toises apart, there will be one hundred to the arpent, which
+gives three hundred livres a year, besides the corn growing on the same
+ground. A league below Vienne, on the opposite side of the river, is
+Cote Rotie. It is a string of broken hills, extending a league on the
+river, from the village of Ampuis to the town of Condrieu. The soil
+is white, tinged a little, sometimes, with yellow, sometimes with red,
+stony, poor, and laid up in terraces. Those parts of the hills only,
+which look to the sun at mid-day, or the earlier hours of the afternoon,
+produce wines of the first quality. Seven hundred vines, three feet
+apart, yield a _feuillette_, which is about two and a half _pieces_,
+to the arpent. The best red wine is produced at the upper end, in the
+neighborhood of Ampuis; the best white, next to Condrieu. They sell of
+the first quality and last vintage, at one hundred and fifty livres the
+_piece_, equal to twelve sous the bottle. Transportation to Paris is
+sixty livres, and the bottle four sous; so it may be delivered at Paris
+in bottles, at twenty sous. When old, it costs ten or eleven louis the
+_piece_. There is a quality which keeps well, bears transportation, and
+cannot be drunk under four years. Another must be drunk at a year old.
+They are equal in flavor and price.
+
+The wine called Hermitage, is made on the hills impending over the
+village of Tain; on one of which is the hermitage which gives name to
+the hills for about two miles, and to the wine made on them. There are
+but three of those hills which produce wine of the first quality, and
+of these, the middle regions only. They are about three hundred feet
+perpendicular height, three quarters of a mile in length, and have a
+southern aspect. The soil is scarcely tinged red, consists of small
+rotten stone, and is, where the best wine is made, without any
+perceptible mixture of earth. It is in sloping terraces. They use a
+little dung. An _homme de vignes_, which consists of seven hundred
+plants, three feet apart, yields generally about three quarters of a
+_piece_, which is nearly four _pieces_ to the arpent. When new, the
+piece is sold at about two hundred and twenty-five livres; when old, at
+three hundred. It cannot be drunk under four years, and improves fastest
+in a hot situation. There is so little white made in proportion to the
+red, that it is difficult to buy it separate. They make the white sell
+the red. If bought separately, it is from fifteen to sixteen louis the
+piece, new, and three livres the bottle, old. To give quality to
+the red, they mix one eighth of white grapes. Portage to Paris is
+seventy-two livres the piece, weighing six hundred pounds. There are but
+about one thousand _pieces_ of both red and white, of the first quality,
+made annually. Vineyards are never rented here, nor are laborers in the
+vineyard hired by the year. They leave buds proportioned to the strength
+of the vine, sometimes as much as fifteen inches. The last hermit died
+in 1751.
+
+In the neighborhood of Montelimart, and below that, they plant vines in
+rows, six, eight, or ten feet apart, and two feet asunder in the row,
+filling the intervals with corn. Sometimes the vines are in double rows,
+two feet apart. I saw single asses in ploughs proportioned to their
+strength. There are few chateaux in this province. The people, too,
+are mostly gathered into villages. There are, however, some scattering
+farm-houses. These are made either of mud, or of round stone and mud.
+They make enclosures also, in both those ways. Day-laborers receive,
+sixteen or eighteen sous the day, and feed themselves. Those by the year
+receive, men three louis, women half that, and are fed. They rarely eat
+meat; a single hog, salted, being the year's stock for a family. But
+they have plenty of cheese, eggs, potatoes, and other vegetables, and
+walnut oil with their salad. It is a trade here, to gather dung along
+the road for their vines. This proves they have few cattle. I have seen
+neither hares nor partridges since I left Paris, nor wild fowl on any
+of the rivers. The roads from Lyons to St. Rambert are neither paved
+nor gravelled. After that, they are coated with broken flint. The
+ferry-boats on the Rhone and the Isere, are moved by the stream, and
+very rapidly. On each side of the river is a moveable stage, one end of
+which is on an axle and two wheels, which, according to the tide, can
+be advanced or withdrawn, so as to apply to the gunwale of the boat. The
+Praetorian Palace at Vienne, is forty-four feet wide, of the Corinthian
+order, four columns in front, and four in flank. It was begun in the
+year 400, and finished by Charlemagne.
+
+The sepulchral Pyramid, a little way out of the town, has an order for
+its basement, the pedestal of which, from point to point of its cap,
+is twenty-four feet, one inch. At each angle, is a column, engaged one
+fourth in the wall. The circumference of the three fourths disengaged,
+is four feet four inches; consequently, the diameter is twenty-three
+inches. The base of the column indicates it to be Ionic, but the
+capitals are not formed. The cornice, too, is a bastard Ionic, without
+modillions or dentils. Between the columns, on each side, is an arch of
+eight feet, four inches, opening with a pilaster on each side of it. On
+the top of the basement is a zocle, in the plane of the frieze below.
+On that is the pyramid, its base in the plane of the collarins of the
+pilaster below. The pyramid is a little truncated on its top. This
+monument is inedited.
+
+March 18. _Principality of Orange_. The plains on the Rhone here, are
+two or three leagues wide, reddish, good, in corn, clover, almonds,
+olives. No forests. Here begins the country of olives, there being very
+few till we enter this principality. They are the only tree which I see
+planted among vines. Thyme grows wild here on the hills. Asses, very
+small, sell here for two or three louis. The high hills in Dauphine are
+covered with snow. The remains of the Roman aqueduct are of brick: a
+fine piece of Mosaic, still on its bed, forming the floor of a cellar.
+Twenty feet of it still visible. They are taking down the circular wall
+of the Amphitheatre to pave a road.
+
+
+March 19 to 23. LANGUEDOC. _Pont-St.-Esprit. Bagnols. Connaux.
+Valignitres. Remoulins. St. Gervasy. Vismes. Pont d'Aries._ To
+Remoulins, there is a mixture of hill and dale. Thence to Nismes, hills
+on the right, on the left, plains extending to the Rhone and the sea.
+The hills are rocky. Where there is soil, it is reddish and poor. The
+-plains generally reddish and good, but stony. When you approach the
+Rhone, going to Arles, the soil becomes a dark gray loam with some sand,
+and very good. The culture is corn, clover, saintfoin, olives, vines,
+mulberries, willow, and some almonds. There is no forest. The hills are
+enclosed in dry stone-wall. Many sheep.
+
+From the summit of the first hill, after leaving Pont-St.-Esprit, there
+is a beautiful view of the bridge at about two miles' distance, and a
+fine landscape of the country both ways. From thence, an excellent
+road, judiciously conducted, through very romantic scenes. In one part,
+descending the face of a hill, it is laid out in serpentine, and not
+zigzag, to ease the descent. In others, it passes through a winding
+meadow, from fifty to one hundred yards wide, walled, as it were, on
+both sides, by hills of rock; and at length issues into plain country.
+The waste hills are covered with thyme, box, and chene-vert. Where the
+body of the mountains has a surface of soil, the summit has sometimes a
+crown of rock, as observed in Champagne. At Nismes, the earth is full of
+lime-stone. The horses are shorn. They are now pruning the olive. A very
+good tree produces sixty pounds of olives, which yield fifteen pounds of
+oil: the best quality selling at twelve sous the pound, retail, and ten
+sous, wholesale. The high hills of Languedoc still covered with snow.
+The horse-chestnut and mulberry are leafing; apple trees and peas
+blossoming. The first butterfly I have seen. After the vernal equinox,
+they are often six or eight months without rain. Many separate
+farm-houses, numbers of people in rags, and abundance of beggars. The
+_mine_ of wheat, weighing thirty pounds, costs four livres and ten
+sous. Wheat bread, three sous the pound. _Vin ordinaire_, good, and of
+a strong body, two or three sous the bottle. Oranges, one sous
+apiece. They are nearly finishing at Nismes a great mill, worked by a
+steam-engine, which pumps water from a lower into an upper cistern, from
+whence two overshot wheels are supplied, each of which turns two pair
+of stones. The upper cistern being once filled with water, it passes
+through the wheels into the lower one, from whence it is returned to the
+upper by the pumps. A stream of water of one quarter or one half inch
+diameter, supplies the waste of evaporation, absorption, fee. This is
+furnished from a well by a horse. The arches of the Pont-St.-Esprit
+are of eighty-eight feet. Wild figs, very flourishing, grow out of the
+joints of the Pont-du-Gard. The fountain of Nismes is so deep, that a
+stone was thirteen seconds descending from the surface to the bottom.
+
+March 24. From Nismes to Arles. The plains extending from Nismes to the
+Rhone, in the direction of Aries, are broken in one place by a skirt
+of low hills. They are red and stony at first, but as you approach the
+Rhone, they are of a dark gray mould, with a little sand, and very good.
+They are in corn and clover, vines, olives, almonds, mulberries, and
+willow. There are some sheep, no wood, no enclosures.
+
+The high hills of Languedoc are covered with snow. At an ancient church,
+in the suburbs of Aries, are some hundreds of ancient stone coffins,
+along the road-side. The ground is thence called _Les Champs Elysees_.
+In a vault in a church, are some curiously wrought, and in a back yard
+are many ancient statues, inscriptions, &c. Within the town are a part
+of two Corinthian columns, and of the pediment with which they were
+crowned, very rich, having belonged to the ancient capitol of the place.
+
+But the principal monument here, is an amphitheatre, the external
+portico of which is tolerably complete. How many porticoes there were,
+cannot be seen; but at one of the principal gates there are still five,
+measuring, from out to in, seventy-eight feet, ten inches, the vault
+diminishing inwards. There are sixty-four arches, each of which is, from
+centre to centre, twenty feet, six inches. Of course, the diameter is of
+four hundred and thirty-eight feet; or of four hundred and fifty feet,
+if we suppose the four principal arches a little larger than the rest.
+The ground floor is supported on innumerable vaults. The first story,
+externally, has a tall pedestal, like a pilaster, between every two
+arches; the upper story, a column, the base of which would indicate it
+Corinthian. Every column is truncated as low as the impost of the arch,
+but the arches are all entire. The whole of the upper entablature is
+gone, and of the Attic, if there was one. Not a single seat of the
+internal is visible. The whole of the inside, and nearly the whole
+of the outside, is masked by buildings. It is supposed there are one
+thousand inhabitants within the amphitheatre. The walls are more entire
+and firm than those of the _ampitheatre_ at Nismes. I suspect its plan and
+distribution to have been very different from that.
+
+_Terrasson_. The plains of the Rhone from Arles to this place, are
+a league or two wide; the mould is of a dark gray, good, in corn and
+lucerne. Neither wood, nor enclosures. Many sheep.
+
+_St. Remy_. From Terrasson to St. Remy, is a plain of a league or two
+wide, bordered by broken hills of massive rock. It is gray and stony,
+mostly in olives. Some almonds, mulberries, willows, vines, corn, and
+lucerne. Many sheep. No forest, nor enclosures.
+
+A laboring man's wages here, are one hundred and fifty livres, a woman's
+half, and fed. Two hundred and eighty pounds of wheat sell for forty-two
+livres. They make no butter here. It costs, when brought, fifteen sous
+the pound. Oil is ten sous the pound. Tolerably good olive trees yield,
+one with another, about twenty pounds of oil. An olive tree must be
+twenty years old before it has paid its own expenses. It lasts for ever.
+In 1765, it was so cold, that the Rhone was frozen over at Aries for two
+months. In 1767, there was a cold spell of a week, which killed all the
+olive trees. From being fine weather, in one hour there was ice hard
+enough to bear a horse. It killed people on the road. The old roots of
+the olive trees put out again. Olive grounds sell for twenty-four livres
+a tree, and lease at twenty-four sous the tree. The trees are fifteen
+pieds apart. But lucerne is a more profitable culture. An arpent yields
+one hundred quintals of hay a year, worth three livres the quintal.
+It is cut four or five times a year. It is sowed in the broadcast, and
+lasts five or six years. An arpent of ground for corn rents at from
+thirty to thirty-six livres. Their leases are for six or nine years.
+They plant willow for fire-wood, and for hoops to their casks. It
+seldom rains here in summer. There are some chateaux, many separate
+farm-houses, good, and ornamented in the small way, so as to show
+that the tenant's whole time is not occupied in procuring physical
+necessaries.
+
+March 25. _Orgon. Pontroyal. St. Cannat_. From Orgon to Pontroyal, after
+quitting the plains of the Rhone, the country seems still to be a plain,
+cut into compartments by chains of mountains of massive rock, running
+through it in various directions. From Pontroyal to St. Cannat, the land
+lies rather in basins. The soil is very various, gray and clay, gray and
+stony, red and stony; sometimes good, sometimes middling, often barren.
+We find some golden willows. Towards Pontroyal, the hills begin to be
+in vines and afterwards in some pasture of greensward and clover. About
+Orgon are some enclosures of quick-set, others of conical yews planted
+close. Towards St. Cannat, they begin to be of stone.
+
+The high mountains are covered with snow. Some separate farm-houses of
+mud. Near Pontroyal is a canal for watering the country; one branch goes
+to Terrasson, the other to Arles.
+
+March 25, 26, 27, 28. _Aix_. The country is waving, in vines, pasture
+of greensward and clover, much enclosed with stone, and abounding with
+sheep.
+
+On approaching Aix, the valley which opens from thence towards the mouth
+of the Rhone and the sea, is rich and beautiful; a perfect grove of
+olive trees, mixed among which are corn, lucerne, and vines. The waste
+grounds throw out thyme and lavender. Wheat bread is three sous the
+pound. Cow's milk sixteen sous the quart, sheep's milk six sous, butter
+of sheep's milk twenty sous the pound. Oil, of the best quality, is
+twelve sous the pound, and sixteen sous if it be virgin oil. This
+is what runs from the olive when put into the press, spontaneously;
+afterwards they are forced by the press and by hot water. Dung costs ten
+sous the one hundred pounds. Their fire-wood is chene-vert and willow.
+The latter is lopped every three years. An ass sells for from one to
+three louis; the best mules for thirty louis. The best asses will carry
+two hundred pounds; the best horses three hundred pounds; the best mules
+six hundred pounds. The temperature of the mineral waters of Aix is 90 deg.
+of Fahrenheit's thermometer, at the spout. A mule eats half as much as
+a horse. The allowance to an ass for the day, is a handful of bran mixed
+with straw. The price of mutton and beef, about six and a half sous the
+pound. The beef comes from Auvergne, and is poor and bad. The mutton
+is small, but of excellent flavor. The wages of a laboring man are one
+hundred and fifty livres the year, a woman's sixty to sixty-six livres,
+and fed. Their bread is half wheat, half rye, made once in three or four
+weeks, to prevent too great a consumption. In the morning they eat bread
+with an anchovy, or an onion. Their dinner in the middle of the day
+is bread, soup, and vegetables. Their supper the same. With their
+vegetables, they have always oil and vinegar. The oil costs about eight
+sous the pound. They drink what is called _piquette_. This is made after
+the grapes are pressed, by pouring hot water on the pumice. On Sunday
+they have meat and wine. Their wood for building comes mostly from the
+Alps, down the Durance and Rhone. A stick of pine, fifty feet long,
+girting six feet and three inches at one end, and three feet three
+inches at the other, costs, delivered here, from fifty-four to sixty
+livres. Sixty pounds of wheat cost seven livres. One of their little
+asses will travel with his burthen about five or six leagues a day, and
+day by day; a mule from six to eight leagues.*
+
+     * It is twenty American miles from Aix to Marseilles, and
+     they call it five leagues. Their league, then, is of four
+     American miles.
+
+March 29. Marseilles. The country is hilly, intersected by chains of
+hills and mountains of massive rock. The soil is reddish, stony, and
+indifferent where best. Wherever there is any soil, it is covered
+with olives. Among these are corn, vines, some lucerne, mulberry, some
+almonds, and willow. Neither enclosures, nor forest. A very few sheep.
+
+On the road I saw one of those little whirlwinds which we have in
+Virginia, also some gullied hill-sides. The people are in separate
+establishments. Ten morning observations of the thermometer, from the
+20th to the 31st of March inclusive, made at Nismes, St. Remy, Aix,
+and Marseilles, give me an average of 52 1/2 deg., and 46 deg. and 61 deg., for the
+greatest and least morning heats. Nine afternoon observations, yield an
+average of 62 2/3 deg., and 57 deg. and 66 deg., the greatest and least. The longest
+day here, from sunrise to sunset, is fifteen hours and fourteen minutes;
+the shortest is eight hours and forty-six minutes; the latitude being
+---------.
+
+There are no tides in the Mediterranean. It is observed to me, that the
+olive tree grows nowhere more than thirty leagues distant from that sea.
+I suppose, however, that both Spain and Portugal furnish proofs to the
+contrary, and doubt its truth as to Asia, Africa, and America. They are
+six or eight months at a time, here, without rain. The most delicate
+figs known in Europe, are those growing about this place, called _figues
+Marseilloises_, or _les veritables Marseilloises_, to distinguish them
+from others of inferior quality growing here. These keep any length of
+time. All others exude a sugar in the spring of the year, and become
+sour. The only process for preserving them, is drying them in the sun,
+without putting any thing to them whatever. They sell at fifteen sous
+the pound, while there are others as cheap as five sous the pound. I
+meet here a small dried grape from Smyrna, without a seed. There are few
+of the plants growing in this neighborhood. The best grape for drying,
+known here, is called _des Panses_. They are very large, with a thick
+skin and much juice. They are best against a wall of southern aspect, as
+their abundance of juice requires a great deal of sun to dry it. Pretty
+good fig trees are about the size of the apricot tree, and yield about
+twenty pounds of figs when dry, each. But the largest will yield the
+value of a louis. They are sometimes fifteen inches in diameter. It is
+said that the Marseilles fig degenerates when transported into any other
+part of the country. The leaves of the mulberry tree will sell for about
+three livres, the purchaser gathering them. The caper is a creeping
+plant. It is killed to the roots every winter. In the spring it puts out
+branches, which creep to the distance of three feet from the centre. The
+fruit forms on the stem, as that extends itself, and must be gathered
+every day, as it forms. This is the work of women. The pistache grows in
+this neighborhood also, but not very good. They eat them in their milky
+state. Monsieur de Bergasse has a wine-cellar two hundred and forty
+_pieds_ long, in which are one hundred and twenty tons, of from fifty to
+one hundred _pieces_ each. These tons are twelve _pieds_ diameter, the
+staves four inches thick, the heading two and a half _pouces_ thick. The
+temperature of his cellar is of 9 1/2 deg. of Reaumur. The best method of
+packing wine, when bottled, is to lay the bottles on their side, and
+cover them with sand. The 2d of April, the young figs are formed; the
+4th we have Windsor beans. They have had asparagus ever since the middle
+of March. The 5th, I see strawberries and the Guelder rose in blossom.
+To preserve the raisin, it is first dipped into ley, and then dried in
+the sun. The aloe grows in the open ground. I measure a mule, not
+the largest, five feet and two inches high. Marseilles is in an
+amphitheatre, at the mouth of the Veaune, surrounded by high mountains
+of naked rock, distant two or three leagues. The country within that
+amphitheatre is a mixture of small hills, vallies, and plains. The
+latter are naturally rich. The hills and vallies are forced into
+production. Looking from the _Chateau de Notre Dame de la Garde_, it
+would seem as if there was a _bastide_ for every arpent. The plain-lands
+sell for one hundred louis the _carterelle_, which is less than an acre.
+The ground of the arsenal in Marseilles sold for from fifteen to forty
+louis the square verge, being nearly the square yard English. In the
+fields open to the sea, they are obliged to plant rows of canes, every
+here and there, to break the force of the wind. Saw at the Chateau
+Borelli pumps worked by the wind.
+
+April 6. From _Marseilles_ to _Aubagne_. A valley on the Veaune,
+bordered on each side by high mountains of massive rock, on which
+are only some small pines. The interjacent valley is of small hills,
+vallies, and plains, reddish, gravelly, and originally poor, but
+fertilized by art, and covered with corn, vines, olives, figs, almonds,
+mulberries, lucerne, and clover. The river is twelve or fifteen feet
+wide, one or two feet deep, and rapid.
+
+From _Aubagne_ to _Cuges, Beausset, Toulon_. The road, quitting the
+Veaune and its wealthy valley, a little after Aubagne, enters those
+mountains of rock, and is engaged with them about a dozen miles. Then it
+passes six or eight miles through a country still very hilly and stony,
+but laid up in terraces, covered with olives, vines, and corn. It
+then follows for two or three miles a hollow between two of those
+high mountains, which has been, found or made by a small stream.
+The mountains then reclining a little from their perpendicular, and
+presenting a coat of soil, reddish, and tolerably good, have given place
+to the little village of Olioules, in the gardens of which are oranges
+in the open ground. It continues hilly till we enter the plain of
+Toulon. On different parts of this road there are figs in the open
+fields. At Cuges is a plain of about three fourths of a mile diameter,
+surrounded by high mountains of rock. In this the caper is principally
+cultivated. The soil is mulatto, gravelly, and of middling quality, or
+rather indifferent. The plants are set in _quincunx_, about eight feet
+apart. They have been covered during winter by a hill of earth a foot
+high. They are now enclosing, pruning, and ploughing them.
+
+_Toulon_. From Olioules to Toulon the figs are in the open fields. Some
+of them have stems of fifteen inches diameter. They generally fork near
+the ground, but sometimes have a single stem of five feet long. They
+are as large as apricot trees. The olive trees of this day's journey
+are about the size of large apple trees. The people are in separate
+establishments. Toulon is in a valley at the mouth of the Goutier, a
+little river of the size of the Veaune; surrounded by high mountains of
+naked rock, leaving some space between them and the sea. This space is
+hilly, reddish, gravelly, and of middling quality, in olives, vines,
+corn, almonds, figs, and capers. The capers are planted eight feet
+apart. A bush yields, one year with another, two pounds, worth twelve
+sous the pound. Every plant, then, yields twenty-four sous, equal to
+one shilling sterling. An acre, containing six hundred and seventy-six
+plants, would yield thirty-three pounds sixteen shillings sterling. The
+fruit is gathered by women, who can gather about twelve pounds a day.
+They begin to gather about the last of June, and end about the middle of
+October. Each plant must be picked every day. These plants grow equally
+well in the best or worst soil, or even in the walls, where there is no
+soil. They will last the life of a man, or longer. The heat is so great
+at Toulon in summer, as to occasion very great cracks in the earth.
+Where the caper is in a soil that will admit it, they plough it. They
+have pease here through the winter, sheltering them occasionally; and
+they have had them ever since the 25th of March, without shelter.
+
+April 6. _Hieres_. This is a plain of two or three miles diameter,
+bounded by the sea on one side, and mountains of rock on the other. The
+soil is reddish, gravelly, tolerably good, and well watered. It is in
+olives, mulberries, vines, figs, corn, and some flax. There are also
+some cherry trees. From Hieres to the sea, which is two or three miles,
+is a grove of orange trees, olives, and mulberries. The largest orange
+tree is of two feet diameter one way, and one foot the other (for the
+section of all the larger ones would be an oval, not a round), and about
+twenty feet high. Such a tree will yield about six thousand oranges a
+year. The garden of M. Fille has fifteen thousand six hundred orange,
+trees. Some years they yield forty thousand livres, some only ten
+thousand; but generally about twenty-five thousand. The trees are from
+eight to ten feet apart. They are blossoming and bearing, all the year,
+flowers and fruit in every stage at the same time. But the best fruit
+is that which is gathered in April and May. Hieres is a village of about
+five thousand inhabitants, at the foot of a mountain, which covers it
+from the north, and from which extends a plain of two or three miles to
+the sea-shore. It has no port. Here are palm trees twenty or thirty feet
+high, but they bear no fruit. There is also a botanical garden kept by
+the King. Considerable salt-ponds here. Hieres is six miles from the
+public road. It is built on a narrow spur of the mountain. The streets
+in every direction are steep, in steps of stairs, and about eight feet
+wide. No carriage of any kind can enter it. The wealthier inhabitants
+use _chaises a porteurs_. But there are few wealthy, the bulk of the
+inhabitants being laborers of the earth. At a league's distance in the
+sea is an island, on which is the Chateau de Geans, belonging to the
+Marquis de Pontoives: there is a causeway leading to it. The cold of the
+last November killed the leaves of a great number of the orange-trees,
+and some of the trees themselves.
+
+From Hieres to _Cuers, Pignans, Luc_, is mostly a plain, with mountains
+on each hand at a mile or two distance. The soil is generally reddish,
+and the latter part very red and good. The growth is olives, figs,
+vines, mulberries, corn, clover, and lucerne. The olive trees are
+from three to four feet in diameter. There are hedges of pomegranates,
+sweet-briar, and broom. A great deal of thyme growing wild. There are
+some enclosures of stone; some sheep and goats.
+
+April 9. From Luc to _Vidavban, Muy, Frejus_, the road leads through
+vallies, and crosses occasionally the mountains which separate them. The
+vallies are tolerably good, always red and stony, gravelly or gritty.
+Their produce as before. The mountains are barren.
+
+_Lesterelle, Napoule_. Eighteen miles of ascent and descent of a very
+high mountain. Its growth, where capable of any, two-leaved pine, very
+small, and some chene vert.
+
+_Antibes, Nice_. From Napoule the road is generally near the sea,
+passing over little hills or strings of vallies, the soil stony, and
+much below mediocrity in its quality. Here and there is a good plain.
+
+There is snow on the high mountains. The first frogs I have heard are
+of this day (the 9th). At Antibes are oranges in the open ground, but
+in small enclosures; palm trees also. From thence to the Var are
+the largest fig trees and olive trees I have seen. The fig trees are
+eighteen inches in diameter, and six feet stem; the olives sometimes
+six feet in diameter, and as large heads as the largest low-ground apple
+trees. This tree was but a shrub where I first fell in with it, and
+has become larger and larger to this place. The people are mostly in
+villages. The several provinces, and even cantons, are distinguished
+by the form of the women's hats, so that one may know of what canton a
+woman is by her hat.
+
+_Nice_. The pine-bur is used here for kindling fires. The people are in
+separate establishments. With respect to the orange, there seems to
+be no climate on this side of the Alps sufficiently mild in itself
+to preserve it without shelter. At Olioules they are between two high
+mountains; at Hieres covered on the north by a very high mountain;
+at Antibes and Nice covered by mountains, and also within small, high
+enclosures. _Quaere_. To trace the true line from east to west, which
+forms the northern and natural limit of that fruit? Saw an elder tree
+(sambucus) near Nice, fifteen inches in diameter, and eight feet stem.
+The wine made in this neighborhood is good, though not of the first
+quality. There are one thousand mules, loaded with merchandise, which
+pass every week between Nice and Turin, counting those coming as well as
+going.
+
+April 13. _Scarena. Sospello_. There are no orange trees after we leave
+the environs of Nice. We lose the olive after rising a little above the
+village of Scarena, on Mount Braus, and find it again on the other side,
+a little before we get down to Sospello. But wherever there is soil
+enough it is terraced, and in corn. The waste parts are either in
+two-leaved pine and thyme, or of absolutely naked rock. Sospello is on
+a little torrent, called Bevera, which runs into the river Roia, at the
+mouth of which is Ventimiglia. The olive trees on the mountain are now
+loaded with fruit; while some at Sospello are in blossom. Fire-wood here
+and at Scarena costs fifteen sous the quintal.
+
+April 14. _Ciandola. Tende_. In crossing Mount Brois we lose the olive
+tree after getting to a certain height, and find it again on the other
+side at the village of Breglio. Here we come to the river Roia, which,
+after receiving the branch on which is Sospello, leads to the sea at
+Ventimiglia. The Roia is about twelve yards wide, and abounds with
+speckled trout. Were a road made from Breglio, along the side of the
+Roia to Ventimiglia, it might turn the commerce of Turin to this last
+place instead of Nice; because it would avoid the mountains of Braus and
+Brois, leaving only that of Tende; that is to say, it would avoid more
+than half the difficulties of the passage. Further on, we come to the
+Chateau di Saorgio, where a scene is presented the most singular and
+picturesque I ever saw. The castle and village seem hanging to a cloud
+in front. On the right is a mountain cloven through, to let pass
+a gurgling stream; on the left, a river, over which is thrown a
+magnificent bridge. The whole forms a basin, the sides of which are
+shagged with rocks, olive trees, vines, herds, &c. Near here I saw
+a tub-wheel without a ream; the trunk descended from the top of
+the water-fall to the wheel in a direct line, but with the usual
+inclination. The produce along this passage is most generally olives,
+except on the heights as before observed; also corn, vines, mulberries,
+figs, cherries, and walnuts. They have cows, goats, and sheep. In
+passing on towards Tende, olives fail us ultimately at the village of
+Fontan, and there the chestnut trees begin in good quantity.
+Ciandola consists of only two houses, both taverns. Tende is a very
+inconsiderable village, in which they have not yet the luxury of glass
+windows: nor in any of the villages on this passage have they yet
+the fashion of powdering the hair. Common stone and limestone are so
+abundant, that the apartments of every story are vaulted with stone to
+save wood.
+
+April 15. _Limone. Coni_. I see abundance of lime-stone as far as the
+earth is uncovered with snow; i.e. within half or three quarters of an
+hour's walk of the top. The snows descend much lower on the eastern
+than western side. Wherever there is soil, there is corn quite to the
+commencement of the snows, and I suppose under them also. The waste
+parts are in two-leaved pine, lavender, and thyme. From the foot of
+the mountain to Coni the road follows a branch of the Po, the plains of
+which begin narrow, and widen at length into a general plain country,
+bounded on one side by the Alps. They are good, dark-colored, sometimes
+tinged with red, and in pasture, corn, mulberries, and some almonds. The
+hill-sides bordering these plains are reddish, and where they admit of
+it are in corn; but this is seldom. They are mostly in chestnut, and
+often absolutely barren. The whole of the plains are plentifully watered
+from the river, as is much of the hill-side. A great deal of golden
+willow all along the rivers on the whole of this passage through the
+Alps. The southern parts of France, but still more the passage through
+the Alps, enable one to form a scale of the tenderer plants, arranging
+them according to their several powers of resisting cold. Ascending
+three different mountains, Braus, Brois, and Tende, they disappear one
+after another: and descending on the other side, they show themselves
+again one after another. This is their order, from the tenderest to the
+hardiest. Caper, orange, palm, aloe, olive, pomegranate, walnut, fig,
+almond. But this must be understood of the plant; for as to the
+fruit, the order is somewhat different. The caper, for example, is the
+tenderest plant, yet being so easily protected, it is the most certain
+in its fruit. The almond, the hardiest plant, loses its fruit the
+oftenest on account of its forwardness. The palm, hardier than the caper
+and the orange, never produces perfect fruit in these parts. Coni is a
+considerable town, and pretty well built. It is walled.
+
+April 16. _Centale. Savigliano. Racconigi. Poirino. Turin_. The Alps,
+as far as they are in view from north to south, show the gradation of
+climate by the line which terminates the snows lying on them. This
+line begins at their foot northwardly, and rises as they pass on to
+the south, so as to be half way up their sides on the most southern
+undulations of the mountain now in view. From the mountains to Turin we
+see no tree tenderer than the walnut. Of these, as well as of almonds
+and mulberries, there are a few: somewhat more of vines, but most
+generally willows and poplars. Corn is sowed with all these. They mix
+with them also clover and small grass. The country is a general plain;
+the soil dark, and sometimes, though rarely, reddish. It is rich, and
+much infested with wild onions. At Racconigi I see the tops and shocks
+of maize, which prove it is cultivated here: but it can be in small
+quantities only, because I observe very little ground but what has
+already something else in it. Here and there are small patches prepared,
+I suppose, for maize. They have a method of planting the vine, which I
+have not seen before. At intervals of about eight feet they plant from
+two to six plants of vine in a cluster At each cluster they fix a forked
+staff, the plane of the prongs of the fork at a right angle with the
+row of vines. Athwart these prongs they lash another staff, like a
+handspike, about eight feet long, horizontally, seven or eight feet from
+the ground. Of course, it crosses the rows at right angles. The vines
+are brought from the foot of the fork up to this cross-piece, turned
+over it, and conducted along over the next, the next, and so on, as far
+as they will extend, the whole forming an arbor eight feet wide and high
+and of the whole length of the row, little interrupted by the stems of
+the vines, which being close around the fork, pass up through hoops, so
+as to occupy a space only of small diameter. All the buildings in this
+country are of brick, sometimes covered with plaister, sometimes not.
+There is a very large and handsome bridge, of seven arches, over the
+torrent of Sangone. We cross the Po in swinging batteaux. Two are placed
+side by side, and kept together by a plank-floor, common to both, and
+lying on the gunwales. The carriage drives on this, without taking out
+any of the horses. About one hundred and fifty yards up the river is a
+fixed stake, and a rope tied to it, the other end of which is made fast
+to one side of the batteaux, so as to throw them oblique to the current.
+The stream then acting on them, as on an inclined plane, forces them
+across the current in the portion of a circle, of which the rope is
+the radius. To support the rope in its whole length, there are two
+intermediate canoes, about fifty yards apart, in the heads of which are
+short masts. To the top of these the rope is lashed, the canoes being
+free otherwise to concur with the general vibration in their smaller
+arcs of circles. The Po is there about fifty yards wide, and about one
+hundred in the neighborhood of Turin.
+
+April 17, 18. _Turin_. The first nightingale I have heard this year is
+to-day (18th). There is a red wine of Nebiule made in this neighborhood,
+which is very singular. It is about as sweet as the silky Madeira, as
+astringent on the palate as Bordeaux, and as brisk as Champagne. It is a
+pleasing wine. At Moncaglieri, about six miles from Turin, on the right
+side of the Po, begins a ridge of mountains, which, following the Po
+by Turin, after some distance, spreads wide, and forms the duchy of
+Montferrat. The soil is mostly red, and in vines, affording a wine
+called Montferrat, which is thick and strong.
+
+April 19. _Settimo. Chivasso. Ciliano. S. Germano. Vercelli_. The
+country continues plain and rich, the soil black. The culture, corn,
+pasture, maize, vines, mulberries, walnuts, some willow, and poplar.
+The maize bears a very small proportion to the small grain. The earth is
+formed into ridges from three to four feet wide, and the maize sowed in
+the broad-cast, on the higher parts of the ridge, so as to cover a third
+or half of the whole surface. It is sowed late in May. This country
+is plentifully and beautifully watered at present. Much of it is by
+torrents, which are dry in summer. These torrents make a great deal
+of waste ground, covering it with sand and stones. These wastes are
+sometimes planted in trees, sometimes quite unemployed. They make hedges
+of willows, by setting the plants from one to three feet apart. When
+they are grown to the height of eight or ten feet, they bend them down,
+and interlace them one with another. I do not see any of these, however,
+which are become old. Probably, therefore, they soon die. The women here
+smite on the anvil, and work with the maul and spade. The people of this
+country are ill dressed in comparison with those of France, and there
+are more spots of uncultivated ground. The plough here is made with a
+single handle, which is a beam twelve feet long, six inches in diameter
+below, and tapered to about two inches at the upper end. They use goads
+for the oxen, not whips. The first swallows I have seen are to-day.
+There is a wine called Gatina, made in the neighborhood of Vercelli,
+both red and white. The latter resembles Calcavallo. There is also a
+red wine of Salusola, which is esteemed. It is very light. In the
+neighborhood of Vercelli begin the rice-fields. The water with which
+they are watered is very dear. They do not permit rice to be sown within
+two miles of the cities, on account of the insalubrity. Notwithstanding
+this, when the water is drawn off the fields, in August, the whole
+country is subject to agues and fevers. They estimate, that the same
+measure of ground yields three times as much rice as wheat, and with
+half the labor. They are now sowing. As soon as sowed, they let on the
+water two or three inches deep. After six weeks, or two months, they
+draw it off to weed; then let it on again, and it remains till August,
+when it is drawn off, about three or four weeks before the grain is
+ripe. In September they cut it. It is first threshed; then beaten in
+the mortar to separate the husk; then, by different siftings, it is
+separated into three qualities. Twelve rupes, equal to three hundred
+pounds of twelve ounces each, sell for sixteen livres, money of
+Piedmont, where the livre is exactly the shilling of England. Twelve
+rupes of maize sell for nine livres. The machine for separating the
+husk is thus made. In the axis of a water-wheel are a number of arms
+inserted, which, as they revolve, catches each the cog of a pestle,
+lifts it to a certain height, and lets it fall again. These pestles are
+five and a quarter inches square, ten feet long, and at their lower end
+formed into a truncated cone of three inches diameter, where cut off.
+The conical part is covered with iron. The pestles are ten and a half
+inches apart in the clear. They pass through two horizontal beams, which
+string them, as it were, together, and while the mortises in the beams
+are so loose, as to let the pestles work vertically, it restrains them
+to that motion. There is a mortar of wood, twelve or fifteen inches
+deep, under each pestle, covered with a board, the hole of which is only
+large enough to let the pestle pass freely. There are two arms in the
+axis for every pestle, so that the pestle gives two strokes for every
+revolution of the wheel. Poggio, a muleteer, who passes every week
+between Vercelli and Genoa, will smuggle a sack of rough rice for me to,
+Genoa; it being death to export it in that form. They have good cattle,
+and in good number, mostly cream-colored; and some middle-sized sheep.
+The streams furnish speckled trout.
+
+April 20. _Novara. Buffalora. Sedriano. Milan_. From Vercelli to
+Novara the fields are all in rice, and now mostly under water. The
+dams separating the several water-plats or ponds, are set in willow. At
+Novara there are some figs in the gardens in situations well protected.
+From Novara to the Ticino it is mostly stony and waste, grown up in
+broom. From Ticino to Milan it is all in corn. Among the corn are
+willows, principally, a good many mulberries, some walnuts, and here
+and there an almond. The country still a plain, the soil black and rich,
+except between Novara and the Ticino, as before mentioned. There is very
+fine pasture round Vercelli and Novara to the distance of two miles,
+within which rice is not permitted. We cross the Sisto on the same
+kind of vibrating or pendulum boat as on the Po. The river is eighty
+or ninety yards wide; the rope fastened to an island two hundred yards
+above, and supported by five intermediate canoes. It is about one and a
+half inches in diameter. On these rivers they use a short oar of twelve
+feet long, the flat end of which is hooped with iron, shooting out
+a prong at each corner, so that it may be used occasionally as a
+setting-pole. There is snow on the Apennines, near Genoa. They have
+still another method here of planting the vine. Along rows of trees,
+they lash poles from tree to tree. Between the trees, are set vines,
+which, passing over the pole, are carried on to the pole of the,
+next tree, whose vines are in like manner brought to this, and twined
+together; thus forming the intervals between the rows of trees,
+alternately, into arbors and open space. They have another method also
+of making quick-set hedges. Willows are planted from one to two feet
+apart, and interlaced, so that every one is crossed by three or four
+others.
+
+April 21, 22. _Milan_. Figs and pomegranates grow here, unsheltered,
+as I am told. I saw none, and therefore suppose them rare. They had
+formerly olives; but a great cold, in 1709, killed them, and they have
+not been replanted. Among a great many houses painted _al fresco_, the
+Casa Roma and Casa Candiani, by Appiani, and Casa Belgioiosa, by Martin,
+are superior. In the second, is a small cabinet, the ceiling of which
+is in small hexagons, within which are cameos and heads painted
+alternately, no two the same. The _salon_ of the Casa-Belgioiosa is
+superior to any thing 1 have ever seen. The mixture called _scagliuola_,
+of which they make their walls and floors, is so like the finest marble,
+as to be scarcely distinguishable from it. The nights of the 20th and
+21st instant, the rice ponds froze half an inch thick. Droughts of two
+or three months are not uncommon here, in summer. About five years ago,
+there was such a hail as to kill cats. The Count del Verme tells me of
+a pendulum odometer for the wheel of a carriage. Leases here are mostly
+for nine years. Wheat costs a louis d'or the one hundred and forty
+pounds. A laboring man receives sixty livres, and is fed and lodged. The
+trade of this country is principally rice, raw silk, and cheese.
+
+April 23. _Casino_, five miles from Milan. I examined another
+rice-beater of six pestles. They are eight feet nine inches long. Their
+ends, instead of being a truncated cone, have nine teeth of iron, bound
+closely together. Each tooth is a double pyramid, joined at the base.
+When put together, they stand with the upper ends placed in contact, so
+as to form them into one great cone, and the lower ends diverging. The
+upper are socketed into the end of the pestle, and the lower, when a
+little blunted by use, are not unlike the jaw-teeth of the mammoth, with
+their studs. They say here, that pestles armed with these teeth, clean
+the rice faster, and break it less. The mortar, too, is of stone, which
+is supposed as good as wood, and more durable. One half of these
+pestles are always up. They rise about twenty-one inches; and each makes
+thirty-eight strokes in a minute; one hundred pounds of rough rice is
+put into the six mortars, and beaten somewhat less than a quarter of
+an hour. It is then taken out, put into a sifter of four feet diameter,
+suspended horizontally; sifted there; shifted into another of the same
+size; sifted there; returned to the mortars; beaten a little more than
+a quarter of an hour; sifted again; and it is finished. The six pestles
+will clear four thousand pounds in twenty-four hours. The pound here
+is twenty-eight ounces: the ounce equal to that of Paris. The best rice
+requires half an hour's boiling; a more indifferent kind, somewhat less.
+To sow the rice, they first plough the ground, then level it with a
+drag-harrow, and let on the water; when the earth has become soft, they
+smooth it with a shovel under the water, and then sow the rice in the
+water.
+
+_Rozzano_. Parmesan cheese. It is supposed this was formerly made at
+Parma, and took its name thence; but none is made there now. It is made
+through all the country extending from Milan, for one hundred and fifty
+miles. The most is made about Lodi. The making of butter being connected
+with that of making cheese, both must be described together. There are,
+in the stables I saw, eighty-five cows, fed on hay and grass, not on
+grain. They are milked twice in twenty-four hours, ten cows yielding
+at the two milkings a _brenta_ of milk, which is twenty-four of our
+gallons. The night's milk is scummed in the morning at daybreak, when
+the cows are milked again, and the new milk mixed with the old. In three
+hours, the whole mass is scummed a second time, the milk remaining in
+a kettle for cheese, and the cream being put into a cylindrical churn,
+shaped like a grind-stone, eighteen inches radius, and fourteen inches
+thick. In this churn, there are three staves pointing inwardly, endwise,
+to break the current of the milk. Through its centre passes an iron
+axis, with a handle at each end. It is turned, about an hour and an
+half, by two men, till the butter is produced. Then they pour off the
+butter-milk, and put in some water which they agitate backwards and
+forwards about a minute, and pour it off. They take out the butter,
+press it with their hands into loaves, and stamp it. It has no other
+washing. Sixteen American gallons of milk yield fifteen pounds of
+butter, which sell at twenty-four sous the pound.
+
+The milk, which, after being scummed as before, had been put into
+a copper kettle, receives its due quantity of rennet, and is gently
+warmed, if the season requires it. In about four hours, it becomes a
+slip. Then the whey begins to separate. A little, of it is taken out.
+The curd is then thoroughly broken by a machine like a chocolate-mill. A
+quarter of an ounce of saffron is put to seven brentas of milk, to
+give color to the cheese. The kettle is then moved over the hearth, and
+heated by a quick fire till the curd is hard enough, being broken into
+small lumps by continued stirring. It is moved off the fire, most of the
+whey taken out, the curd compressed into a globe by the hand, a linen
+cloth slipped under it, and it is drawn out in that. A loose hoop is
+then laid on a bench, and the curd, as wrapped in the linen, is put into
+the hoop: it is a little pressed by the hand, the hoop drawn tight,
+and made fast. A board, two inches thick, is laid on it, and a stone on
+that, of about twenty pounds weight. In an hour, the whey is run off,
+and the cheese finished. They sprinkle a little salt on it every other
+day in summer, and every day in winter, for six weeks. Seven _brentas_
+of milk make a cheese of fifty pounds, which requires six months to
+ripen, and is then dried to forty-five pounds. It sells on the spot for
+eighty-eight livres, the one hundred pounds. There are now one hundred
+and fifty cheeses in this dairy. They are nineteen inches diameter, and
+six inches thick. They make a cheese a day, in summer, and two in three
+days, or one in two days, in winter.
+
+The whey is put back into the kettle, the butter-milk poured into it,
+and of this, they make a poor cheese for the country people. The whey of
+this is given to the hogs. Eight men suffice to keep the cows, and to do
+all the business of this dairy. _Mascarponi_, a kind of curd, is made
+by pouring some butter-milk into cream, which is thereby curdled, and is
+then pressed in a linen cloth.
+
+The ice-houses at Rozzano are dug about fifteen feet deep, and twenty
+feet diameter, and poles are driven down all round. A conical thatched
+roof is then put over them, fifteen feet high, and pieces of wood are
+laid at bottom, to keep the ice out of the water which drips from it,
+and goes off by a sink. Straw is laid on this wood, and then the house
+filled with ice, always putting straw between the ice and the walls, and
+covering ultimately with straw. About a third is lost by melting. Snow
+gives the most delicate flavor to creams; but ice is the most
+powerful congealer, and lasts longest. A tuft of trees surrounds these
+ice-houses.
+
+Round Milan, to the distance of five miles, are corn, pasture, gardens,
+mulberries, willows, and vines. For, in this state, rice ponds are not
+permitted within five miles of the cities.
+
+_Binasco. Pavia_. Near Casino the rice-ponds begin, and continue to
+within five miles of Pavia, the whole ground being in rice, pasture, and
+willows. The pasture is in the rice grounds which are resting. In the
+neighborhood of Pavia, again, are corn, pasture, &c. as round Milan.
+They gave me green pease at Pavia.
+
+April 24. _Voghera. Tortona. Novi_. From Pavia to Novi corn, pasture,
+vines, mulberries, willows; but no rice. The country continues plain,
+except that the Apennines are approaching on the left. The soil, always
+good, is dark till we approach Novi, and then red. We cross the Po where
+it is three hundred yards wide, in a pendulum boat. The rope is fastened
+on one side of the river, three hundred yards above, and supported by
+eight intermediate canoes, with little masts in them to give a greater
+elevation to the rope. We pass in eleven minutes. Women, girls, and boys
+are working with the hoe, and breaking the clods with mauls.
+
+April 25. _Voltaggio. Campo-Marone. Genoa_. At Novi, the Apennines begin
+to rise. Their growth of timber is oak, tall, small, and knotty, and
+chestnut. We soon lose the walnut, ascending, and find it again, about
+one fourth of the way down, on the south side. About halfway down, we
+find figs and vines, which continue fine and in great abundance. The
+Apennines are mostly covered with soil, and are in corn, pasture,
+mulberries and figs, in the parts before indicated. About half way from
+their foot to Genoa, at Campo-Marone, we find again the olive tree.
+Hence the produce becomes mixed, of all the kinds before mentioned. The
+method of sowing the Indian corn at Campo-Marone, is as follows. With
+a hoe shaped like the blade of a trowel, two feet long, and six inches
+broad at its upper end, pointed below, and a little curved, they make
+a trench. In that, they drop the grains six inches apart. Then two feet
+from that, they make another trench, throwing the earth they take out of
+that on the grain of the last one, with a singular slight and quickness;
+and so through the whole piece. The last trench is filled with the earth
+adjoining.
+
+April 26. _Genoa_. Strawberries at Genoa. Scaffold poles for the upper
+parts of a wall, as for the third story, rest on the window sills of the
+story below. Slate is used here for paving, for steps, for stairs (the
+rise as well as tread), and for fixed Venetian blinds. At the Palazzo
+Marcello Durazzo, benches with straight legs, and bottoms of cane. At
+the Palazzo del Prencipe Lomellino, at Sestri, a phaeton with a canopy.
+At the former, tables folding into one plane. At Nervi they have pease,
+strawberries, &c. all the year round. The gardens of the Count Durazzo
+at Nervi, exhibit as rich a mixture of the _utile dulci_, as I ever
+saw. All the environs in Genoa are in olives, figs, oranges, mulberries,
+corn, and garden-stuff. Aloes in many places, but they never flower.
+
+April 28. _Noli_. The Apennine and Alps appear to me to be one and the
+same continued ridge of mountains, separating every where the waters
+of the Adriatic Gulf from those of the Mediterranean. Where it forms an
+elbow, touching the Mediterranean, as a smaller circle touches a larger,
+within which it is inscribed, in the manner of a tangent, the name
+changes from Alps to Apennine. It is the beginning of the Apennine which
+constitutes the state of Genoa, the mountains there generally falling
+down in barren, naked precipices into the sea. Wherever there is soil
+on the lower parts, it is principally in olives and figs, in vines also,
+mulberries, and corn. Where there are hollows well protected, there
+are oranges. This is the case at Golfo della Spezia, Sestri, Bugiasco,
+Nervi, Genoa, Pegli, Savona, Finale, Oneglia (where there are
+abundance), St. Rerno, Ventimiglia, Mentone, and Monaco. Noli, into
+which I was obliged to put, by a change of wind, is forty miles from
+Genoa. There are twelve hundred inhabitants in the village, and many
+separate houses round about. One of the precipices hanging over the sea,
+is covered with aloes. But neither here, nor any where else I have been,
+could I procure satisfactory information that they ever flower. The
+current of testimony is to the contrary. Noli furnishes many fishermen.
+Paths penetrate up into the mountains in several directions, about three
+fourths of a mile; but these are practicable only for asses and mules. I
+saw no cattle nor sheep in the settlement. The wine they make, is white
+and indifferent. A curious cruet for oil and vinegar in one piece, I saw
+here. A bishop resides here, whose revenue is two thousand livres, equal
+to sixty-six guineas. I heard a nightingale here.
+
+April 29. _Albenga_. In walking along the shore from Louano to this
+place, I saw no appearance of shells. The tops of the mountains are
+covered with snow, while there are olive trees, &c. on the lower parts.
+I do not remember to have seen assigned any where, the cause of the
+apparent color of the sea. Its water is generally clear and colorless,
+if taken up and viewed in a glass. That of the Mediterranean is
+remarkably so. Yet in the mass, it assumes, _by reflection_, the color
+of the sky or atmosphere, black, green, blue, according to the state of
+the weather. If any person wished to retire from his acquaintance, to
+live absolutely unknown, and yet in the midst of physical enjoyments,
+it should be in some of the little villages of this coast, where air,
+water, and earth concur to offer what each has, most precious. Here are
+nightingales, beccaficas, ortolans, pheasants, partridges, quails, a
+superb climate, and the power of changing it from summer to winter at
+any moment, by ascending the mountains. The earth furnishes wine, oil,
+figs, oranges, and every production of the garden, in every season. The
+sea yields lobsters, crabs, oysters, tunny, sardines, anchovies, &c.
+Ortolans sell, at this time, at thirty sous, equal to one shilling
+sterling, the dozen. At this season, they must be fattened. Through the
+whole of my route from Marseilles, I observe they plant a great deal
+of cane or reed, which is convenient while growing, as a cover from
+the cold and boisterous winds, and when cut, it serves for espaliers to
+vines, pease, &c. Through Piedmont, Lombardy, the Milanese, and Genoese,
+the garden bean is a great article of culture; almost as much so as
+corn. At Albenga, is a rich plain opening from between two ridges of
+mountains, triangularly, to the sea, and of several miles extent. Its
+growth is olives, figs, mulberries, vines, corn, and beans. There is
+some pasture. A bishop resides here, whose revenue is forty thousand
+livres. This place is said to be rendered unhealthy in summer, by the
+river which passes through the valley.
+
+April 30. _Oneglia_. The wind continuing contrary, I took mules at
+Albenga for Oneglia. Along this tract are many of the tree called
+_caroubier_, being a species of locust. It is the _ceratonia siliqua_
+of Linnaeus. Its pods furnish food for horses, and also for the poor,
+in time of scarcity. It abounds in Naples and Spain. Oneglia and Port
+Maurice, which are within a mile of each other, are considerable places,
+and in a rich country. At St. Remo, are abundance of oranges and lemons,
+and some palm trees.
+
+May 1. _Ventimiglia. Mentone. Monaco. Nice_. At Bordighera, between
+Ventimiglia and Mentone, are extensive plantations of palms, on the
+hill as well as in the plain. They bring fruit, but it does not ripen.
+Something is made of the midrib which is in great demand at Rome, on the
+Palm Sunday, and which renders this tree profitable here. From Mentone
+to Monaco, there is more good land, and extensive groves of oranges and
+lemons. Orange water sells here at forty sous, equal to sixteen pence
+sterling, the American quart. The distances on this coast are, from
+La Spezia, at the eastern end of the territories of Genoa, to Genoa,
+fifty-five miles, geometrical; to Savona, thirty; Albenga, thirty;
+Oneglia, twenty; Ventimiglia, twenty-five; Monaco, ten; Nice, ten; in
+the whole, one hundred and eighty miles. A superb road might be made
+along the margin of the sea from La Spezai, where the champaign country
+of Italy opens, to Nice, where the Alps go off northwardly, and the post
+roads of France begin; and it might even follow the margin of the sea
+quite to Cette. By this road, travellers would enter Italy without
+crossing the Alps, and all the little insulated villages of the Genoese
+would communicate together, and in time, form one continued village
+along that road.
+
+May 3. _Luc, Brignoles. Tourves. Pourcieux. La Galiniere_. Long, small
+mountains, very rocky, the soil reddish, from bad to middling; in
+olives, grapes, mulberries, vines, and corn. Brignolles is an extensive
+plain, between two ridges of mountains, and along a water-course which
+continues to Tourves. Thence to Pourcieux we cross a mountain, low and
+easy. The country is rocky and poor. To La Galiniere are waving grounds,
+bounded by mountains of rock at a little distance. There are some
+enclosures of dry wall from Luc to La Galiniere; also, sheep and hogs.
+There is snow on the high mountains. I see no plums in the vicinities
+of Brignoles; which makes me conjecture that the celebrated plum of that
+name is not derived from this place.
+
+May 8. _Orgon. Avignon. Vaucluse_. Orgon is on the Durance. From thence,
+its plain opens till it becomes common with that of the Rhone; so that
+from Orgon to Avignon is entirely a plain of rich dark loam, which is in
+willows, mulberries, vines, corn, and pasture. A very few figs. I see no
+olives in this plain. Probably the cold winds have too much power here.
+From the Bac de Nova (where we cross the Durance) to Avignon, is about
+nine American miles; and from the same Bac to Vaucluse, eleven miles.
+In the valley of Vaucluse, and on the hills impending over it, are olive
+trees. The stream issuing from the fountain of Vaucluse is about twenty
+yards wide, four or five feet deep, and of such rapidity that it could
+not be stemmed by a canoe. They are now mowing hay, and gathering
+mulberry leaves. The high mountains just back of Vaucluse, are covered
+with snow. Fine trout in the stream of Vaucluse, and the valley abounds
+peculiarly with nightingales. The _vin blanc_ de M. de Rochequde of
+Avignon, resembles dry Lisbon. He sells it, at six years old, for
+twenty-two sous the bottle, the price of the bottle, &c. included.
+
+_Avignon. Remoulins_. Some good plains, but generally hills, stony and
+poor. In olives, mulberries, vines, and corn. Where it is waste the
+growth is _chene-vert_, box, furze, thyme, and rosemary.
+
+May 10. _Lismes. Lunel_. Hills on the right, plains on the left. The
+soil reddish, a little stony, and of middling quality. The produce,
+olives, mulberries, vines, corn, saintfoin. No wood and few enclosures.
+Lunel is famous for its _vin de muscat blanc_, thence called Lunel,
+or _vin muscat de Lunel_. It is made from the raisin muscat, without
+fermenting the grain in the hopper. When fermented, it makes a red
+muscat, taking the tinge from the dissolution of the skin of the grape,
+which injures the quality. When a red muscat is required, they prefer
+coloring it with a little Alicant wine. But the white is best. The
+_piece_ of two hundred and forty bottles, after being properly drawn off
+from its lees, and ready for bottling, costs from one hundred and twenty
+to two hundred livres, the first, quality and last vintage. It cannot be
+bought old, the demand being sufficient to take it all the first year.
+There are not more than from fifty to one hundred _pieces_ a year, made
+of this first quality. A _setterie_ yields about one _piece_, and my
+informer supposes there are about two _setteries_ in an arpent. Portage
+to Paris, by land, is fifteen livres the quintal. The best _recoltes_
+are those of M. Bouquet and M. Tremoulet. The vines are in rows four
+feet apart, every way.
+
+May 11. _Montpelier_. Snow on the Cevennes, still visible from here.
+With respect to the muscat grape, of which the wine is made, there are
+two kinds, the red and the white. The first has a red skin, but a white
+juice. If it be fermented in the _cuve_, the coloring matter which
+resides in the skin, is imparted to the wine. If not fermented in the
+_cuve_, the wine is white. Of the white grape, only a white wine can
+be made. The species of saintfoin cultivated here by the name of
+_sparsette_, is the _hedysarum onobrychis_. They cultivate a great
+deal of madder (_garance_) _rubia tinctorum_ here, which is said to
+be immensely profitable. Monsieur de Gouan tells me, that the pine,
+of which they use the burs for fuel, is the _pinus sativus_, being
+two-leaved. They use-for an edging to the borders of their gardens, the
+santolina, which they call _garderobe_. I find the yellow clover here,
+in a garden, and the large pigeon succeeding well, confined in a house.
+
+May 12. _Frontignan_. Some tolerably good plains in olives, vines, corn,
+saintfoin, and lucerne. A great proportion of the hills are waste. There
+are some enclosures of stone, and some sheep. The first four years of
+madder are unproductive; the fifth and sixth yield the whole value of
+the land. Then it must be renewed. The _sparsette_ is the common or true
+saintfoin. It lasts about five years: in the best land it is cut twice,
+in May and September, and yields three thousand pounds of dry hay to the
+setterie, the first cutting, and five hundred pounds, the second. The
+_setterie_ is of seventy-five _dextres en tout sens_, supposed about
+two arpents. Lucerne is the best of all forage; it is sowed herein the
+broad-cast, and lasts about twelve or fourteen years. It is cut four
+times a year, and yields six thousand pounds of dry hay, at the four
+cuttings, to the setterie. The territory in which the _vin muscat de
+Frontignan_ is made, is about a league of three thousand _toises_ long,
+and one fourth of a league broad. The soil is reddish and stony, often
+as much stone as soil. On the left, it is a plain, on the right hills.
+There are made about one thousand _pieces_ (of two hundred and fifty
+bottles each) annually, of which six hundred are of the first quality,
+made on the _coteaux_. Of these, Madame Soubeinan makes two hundred,
+Monsieur Reboulle ninety, Monsieur Lambert, _medecin de la faculte
+de Montpelier_, sixty, Monsieur Thomas, _notaire_, fifty, Monsieur
+Argilliers fifty, Monsieur Audibert forty; equal to four hundred and
+ninety; and there are some small proprietors who make small quantities.
+The first quality is sold, _brut_, for one hundred and twenty livres the
+_piece_; but it is then thick, and must have a winter and the
+_fouet_, to render it potable and brilliant. The _fouet_ is like a
+chocolate-mill, the handle of iron, the brush of stiff hair. In bottles,
+this wine costs twenty-four sous, the bottle, &c. included. It is
+potable the April after it is made, is best that year, and after ten
+years begins to have a pitchy taste, resembling it to Malaga. It is not
+permitted to ferment more than half a day, because it would not be so
+liquorish. The best color, and its natural one, is the amber. By force
+of whipping, it is made white, but loses flavor. There are but two or
+three _pieces_ a year of red Muscat made; there being but one vineyard
+of the red grape, which belongs to a baker called Pascal. This sells
+in bottles at thirty sous, the bottle included. Rondelle, _negociant
+en vin, Porte St. Bernard, fauxbourg St. Germain, Paris_, buys three
+hundred pieces of the first quality every year. The _coteaux_ yield
+about half a piece to the _setterie_, the plains a whole piece. The
+inferior quality is not at all esteemed. It is bought by the merchants
+of Cette, as is also the wine of Beziers, and sold by them for
+Frontignan of the first quality. They sell thirty thousand _pieces_ a
+year under that name. The town of Frontignan marks its casks with a hot
+iron: an individual of that place, having two casks emptied, was offered
+forty livres for the empty cask by a merchant of Cette. The town of
+Frontignan contains about two thousand inhabitants; it is almost on
+the level of the ocean. Transportation to Paris is fifteen livres the
+quintal, and takes fifteen days. The price of packages is about eight
+livres eight sous the one hundred bottles. A _setterie_ of good vineyard
+sells for from three hundred and fifty to five hundred livres, and rents
+for fifty livres. A laboring man hires at one hundred and fifty livres
+the year, and is fed and lodged; a woman at half as much. Wheat sells
+at ten livres the _settier_, which weighs one hundred pounds, _poids de
+table_. They make some Indian corn here, which is eaten by the poor. The
+olives do not extend northward of this into the country above twelve
+or fifteen leagues. In general, the olive country in Languedoc is about
+fifteen leagues broad. More of the waste lands between Frontignan and
+Mirval are capable of culture; but it is a marshy country, very subject
+to fever and ague, and generally unhealthy. Thence arises, as is said, a
+want of hands.
+
+_Cette_. There are in this town about ten thousand inhabitants.
+Its principal commerce is wine; it furnishes great quantities of
+grape-pumice for making _verdigrise_. They have a very growing commerce;
+but it is kept under by the privileges of Marseilles.
+
+May 13. _Agde_. On the right of the Etang de Thau are plains of some
+width, then hills, in olives, vines, mulberry, corn, and pasture. On the
+left a narrow sand-bar, separating the Etang from the sea, along which
+it is proposed to make a road from Cette to Agde. In this case, the post
+would lead from Montpelier by Cette and Agde to Beziers, being leveller,
+and an hour or an hour and a half nearer. Agde contains six or eight
+thousand inhabitants.
+
+May 14. _Beziers_. Rich plains in corn, saintfoin, and pasture; hills
+at a little distance to the right in olives; the soil both of hill and
+plain is red going from Agde to Beziers. But at Beziers the country
+becomes hilly, and is in olives, corn, saintfoin, pasture, some vines,
+and mulberries.
+
+May 15. _Beziers. Argilies. Le Saumal_. From Argilies to Saumal are
+considerable plantations of vines. Those on the red hills, to the right,
+are said to produce good wine. No wood, no enclosures. There are sheep
+and good cattle. The Pyrenees are covered with snow. I am told they are
+so in certain parts all the year. The canal of Languedoc, along which
+I now travel, is six _toises_ wide at bottom, and ten _toises_ at
+the surface of the water, which is one _toise_ deep. The barks which
+navigate it are seventy and eighty feet long, and seventeen or eighteen
+feet wide. They are drawn by one horse, and worked by two hands, one of
+which is generally a woman. The locks are mostly kept by women, but the
+necessary operations are much too laborious for them. The encroachments
+by the men, on the offices proper for the women, is a great derangement
+in the order of things. Men are shoemakers, tailors, upholsterers,
+staymakers, mantua-makers, cooks, housekeepers, house-cleaners,
+bed-makers, they _coiffe_ the ladies, and bring them to bed: the women,
+therefore, to live, are obliged to undertake the offices which they
+abandon. They become porters, carters, reapers, sailors, lock-keepers,
+smiters on the anvil, cultivators of the earth, &c. Can we wonder, if
+such of them as have a little beauty, prefer easier courses to get their
+livelihood, as long as that beauty lasts? Ladies who employ men in the
+offices which should be reserved for their sex, are they not bawds in
+effect? For every man whom they thus emply, some girl, whose place he
+has thus taken, is driven to whoredom. The passage of the eight locks
+at Beziers, that is, from the opening of the first to the last gate
+took one hour and thirty-three minutes. The bark in which I go is about
+thirty-five feet long, drawn by one horse, and goes from two to three
+geographical miles an hour. The canal yields abundance of carp and eel.
+I see also small fish, resembling our perch and chub. Some plants
+of white clover, and some of yellow, on the banks of the canal near
+Capestan; santolina also, and a great deal of yellow iris. Met a raft
+of about three hundred and fifty beams, forty feet long, and twelve
+or thirteen inches in diameter, formed into fourteen rafts, tacked
+together. The extensive and numerous fields of saintfoin, in general
+bloom, are beautiful.
+
+May 16. _Le Saumal. Marseillette_. May 17. _Marseilleite. Carcassonne_.
+From Saumal to Carcassonne we have always the river Aube close on our
+left. This river runs in the valley between the Cevennes and Pyrenees,
+serving as the common receptacle for both their waters. It is from
+fifty to one hundred and fifty yards wide, always rapid, rocky, and
+insusceptible of navigation. The canal passes in the side of hills made
+by that river, overlooks the river itself, and its plains, and has
+its prospect ultimately terminated on one side by mountains of rock,
+overtopped by the Pyrenees, on the other by small mountains, sometimes
+of rock, sometimes of soil, overtopped by the Cevennes. Marseillette
+is on a ridge, which separates the river Aube from the Etang de
+Marseillette. The canal, in its approach to this village, passes the
+ridge, and rides along the front, overlooking the Etang, and the plains
+on its border; and having passed the village, re-crosses the ridge, and
+resumes its general ground in front of the Aube. The land is in corn,
+saintfoin, pasture, vines, mulberries, willows, and olives.
+
+May 18. _Carcassonne. Castelnaudari_. Opposite to Carcassonne the canal
+receives the river Fresquel, about thirty yards wide, which is its
+substantial supply of water from hence to Beziers. From Beziers to Agde
+the river Orb furnishes it, and the Eraut, from Agde to the Etang de
+Thau. By means of the _ecluse ronde_ at Agde, the waters of the Eraut
+can be thrown towards Beziers, to aid those of the Orb, as far as the
+_ecluse de Porcaraigne_, nine geometrical miles. Where the Fresquel
+enters the canal, there is, on the opposite side, a waste, to let off
+the superfluous waters. The horse-way is continued over this waste, by a
+bridge of stone of eighteen arches. I observe them fishing in the canal,
+with a skimming net of about fifteen feet diameter, with which they tell
+me they catch carp. Flax in blossom. Neither strawberries nor peas yet
+at Carcassonne. The Windsor-bean just come to table. From the _ecluse de
+la Lande_ we see the last olive trees near a _metairee_, or farm-house-,
+called _La Lande_. On a review of what I have seen and heard of this
+tree, the following seem to be its northern limits. Beginning on the
+Atlantic, at the Pyrenees, and along them to the meridian of La Lande,
+or of Carcassonne; up that meridian to the Cevennes, as they begin just
+there to raise themselves high enough to afford it shelter. Along the
+Cevennes, to the parallel of forty-five degrees of latitude, and along
+that parallel (crossing the Rhone near the mouth of the Isere) to the
+Alps; thence along the Alps and Apennines, to what parallel of
+latitude I know not. Yet here the tracing of the line becomes the most
+interesting. For from the Atlantic, so far we see this production the
+effect of shelter and latitude combined. But where does it venture to
+launch forth unprotected by shelter, and by the mere force of latitude
+alone? Where, for instance, does its northern limit cross the Adriatic?
+I learn, that the olive tree resists cold to eight degrees of Reaumur
+below the freezing-point, which corresponds to fourteen above zero of
+Fahrenheit: and that the orange resists to four degrees below freezing
+of Reaumur, which is twenty-three degrees above zero of Fahrenheit.
+
+May 19. _Castelnaudari. St. Feriol. Escamaze. Lampy_. Some sheep and
+cattle; no enclosures. St. Feriol, Escamaze, and Lampy are in the
+montagnes noires. The country almost entirely waste. Some of it in
+shrubbery. The _voute d'Escamaze_ is of one hundred and thirty-five
+yards. Round about Castelnaudari the country is hilly, as it has been
+constantly from Beziers; it is very rich. Where it is plain, or nearly
+plain, the soil is black: in general, however, it is hilly and reddish,
+and in corn. They cultivate a great deal of Indian corn here, which they
+call millet; it is planted, but not yet up.
+
+May 20. _Castelnaudari. Naurouze. Villefranche. Baziege_. At Naurouze is
+the highest ground which the canal had to pass between the two seas. It
+became necessary, then, to find water still higher to bring it here. The
+river Fresquel heading by its two principal branches in the _montagnes
+noires_, a considerable distance off to the eastward, the springs of the
+most western one were brought together, and conducted to Naurouze, where
+its waters are divided, part furnishing the canal towards the ocean,
+the rest towards the Mediterranean, as far as the _ecluse de Fresquel_,
+where, as has been before noted, the Lampy branch and the Alzau, under
+the name of the Fresquel, enter.
+
+May 20. They have found that a lock of six _pieds_ is best; however,
+eight _pieds_ is well enough. Beyond this, it is bad. Monsieur Pin tells
+me of a lock of thirty _pieds_ made in Sweden, of which it is impossible
+to open the gates. They therefore divided it into four locks. The small
+gates of the locks of this canal have six square _pieds_ of surface.
+They tried the machinery of the jack for opening them. They were more
+easily opened, but very subject to be deranged, however strongly
+made. They returned, therefore, to the original wooden screw, which is
+excessively slow and laborious. I calculate that five minutes are lost
+at every basin by this screw, which, on the whole number of basins, is
+one eighth of the time necessary to navigate the canal: and of course,
+if a method of lifting the gate at one stroke could be found, it would
+reduce the passage from eight to seven days, and the freight equally.
+I suggested to Monsieur Pin and others a quadrantal gate, turning on a
+pivot, and lifted by a lever like a pump-handle, aided by a windlass and
+cord, if necessary. He will try it, and inform me of the success. The
+price of transportation from Cette to Bordeaux, through the canal and
+Garonne is ------ the quintal: round by the straits of Gibraltar is
+------. Two hundred and forty barks, the largest of twenty-two hundred
+quintals (or say, in general, of one hundred tons), suffice to perform
+the business of this canal, which is stationary, having neither
+increased nor diminished for many years. When pressed, they can pass and
+repass between Toulouse and Beziers in fourteen days; but sixteen is the
+common period. The canal is navigated ten and a half months of the year:
+the other month and a half being necessary to lay it dry, cleanse it,
+and repair the works. This is done in July and August, when there would
+perhaps be a want of water.
+
+May 21. _Baziege. Toulouse_. The country continues hilly, but very rich.
+It is in mulberries, willows, some vines, corn, maize, pasture, beans,
+flax. A great number of chateaux and good houses in the neighborhood
+of the canal. The people partly in farm-houses, partly in villages.
+I suspect that the farm-houses are occupied by the farmers, while the
+laborers (who are mostly by the day) reside in the villages. Neither
+strawberries nor pease yet at Baziege or Toulouse. Near the latter are
+some fields of yellow clover.
+
+At Toulouse the canal ends. It has four communications with the
+Mediterranean. 1. Through the ponds of Thau, Frontignan, Palavas,
+Maguelone, and Manjo, the _canal de la Radela Aigues-mortes, le canal
+des Salines de Pecair,_ and the arm of the Rhone called _Bras de Fer_,
+which ends at Fourgues, opposite to Arles, and thence down the Rhone. 2.
+At Cette, by a canal of a few hundred _toises_, leading out of the Etang
+de Thau into the sea. The vessels pass the Etang, though a length of
+nine thousand _toises_, with sails. 3. At Agde, by the river Eraut,
+twenty-five hundred _toises_. It has but five or six _pieds_ of water
+at its mouth. It is joined to the canal at the upper part of this
+communication, by a branch of a canal two hundred and seventy _toises_
+long. 4. At Narbonne, by a canal they are now opening, which leads from
+the great canal near the aqueduct of the river Cesse, twenty-six hundred
+_toises_, into the Aude. This new canal will have five lock-basins,
+of about twelve _pieds_ fall each. Then you are to cross the Aude very
+obliquely, and descend a branch of it six thousand _toises_, through
+four lock-basins to Narbonne, and from Narbonne down the same branch,
+twelve hundred _toises_ into the _Etang de Sigen_, across that Etang
+four thousand _toises_, issuing at an inlet, called _Grau de la
+Nouvelle_, into the Gulf of Lyons. But only vessels of thirty or forty
+tons can enter this inlet. Of these four communications, that of Cette
+only leads to a deep sea-port, because the exit is there by a canal, and
+not a river. Those by the Rhone, Eraut, and Aude, are blocked up by bars
+at the mouths of those rivers. It is remarkable, that all the rivers
+running into the Mediterranean are obstructed at their entrance by bars
+and shallows, which often change their position. This is the case with
+the Nile, Tiber, the Po, the Lez, le Lyoron, the Orbe, the Gly, the
+Tech, the Tet, he. Indeed, the formation of these bars seems not
+confined to the mouths of the rivers, though it takes place at them more
+certainly. Along almost the whole of the coast, from Marseilles towards
+the Pyrenees, banks of sand are thrown up parallel with the coast, which
+have insulated portions of the sea, that is, formed them into etangs,
+ponds, or sounds, through which here and there narrow and shallow inlets
+only are preserved by the currents of the rivers. These sounds fill up
+in time, with the mud and sand deposited in them by the rivers. Thus the
+Etang de Vendres, navigated formerly by vessels of sixty tons, is
+now nearly filled up by the mud and sand of the Aude. The Vistre and
+Vidourle, which formerly emptied themselves into the Gulf of Lyons, are
+now received by the _Etangs de Manjo_ and Aiguesmortes, that is to
+say, the part of the Gulf of Lyons, which formerly received, and still
+receives those rivers, is now cut off from the sea by a bar of sand,
+which has been thrown up in it, and has formed it into sounds. Other
+proofs that the land gains there on the sea, are, that the towns of
+St. Giles and Notre Dame d'Asposts, formerly seaports, are no far from
+the sea, and that Aiguesmortes, where are still to be seen the iron
+rings to which vessels were formerly moored, and where St. Louis
+embarked for Palestine, has now in its vicinities only ponds, which
+cannot be navigated, and communicates with the sea by an inlet, called
+_Grau du Roy_, through which only fishing-barks can pass. It is pretty
+well established, that all the Delta of Egypt has been formed by
+the depositions of the Nile, and the alluvions of the sea, and it is
+probable that that operation is still going on. Has this peculiarity
+of the Mediterranean any connection with the scantiness of its tides,
+which, even at the equinoxes, are of two or three feet only? The
+communication from the western end of the canal to the ocean, is by
+the river Garonne. This is navigated by flat boats of eight hundred
+quintals, when the water is well; but when it is scanty, these boats
+carry only two hundred quintals, till they get to the mouth of the Tarn.
+It has been proposed to open a canal that far from Toulouse, along the
+right side of the river.
+
+May 22. _Toulouse_. 23. _Agen_. 24. _Castres. Bordeaux_. The Garonne,
+and rivers emptying into it, make extensive and rich plains, which are
+in mulberries, willows, corn, maize, pasture, beans, and flax. The hills
+are in corn, maize, beans, and a considerable proportion of vines. There
+seems to be as much maize as corn in this country. Of the latter, there
+is more rye than wheat. The maize is now up, and about three inches
+high. It is sowed in rows two feet or two and a half feet apart, and
+is pretty thick in the row. Doubtless they mean to thin it. There is
+a great deal of a forage they call _farouche_. It is a species of red
+trefoil, with few leaves, a very coarse stalk, and a cylindrical blossom
+of two inches in length, and three quarters of an inch in diameter,
+consisting of floscules, exactly as does that of the red clover. It
+seems to be a coarse food, but very plentiful. They say it is for their
+oxen. These are very fine, large, and cream-colored. The services of the
+farm and of transportation are performed chiefly by them. There are a
+few horses and asses, but no mules. Even in the city of Bordeaux we see
+scarcely any beasts of draught but oxen. When we cross the Garonne
+at Langon, we find the plains entirely of sand and gravel, and they
+continue so to Bordeaux. Where they are capable of any thing, they
+are in vines, which are in rows, four, five, or six feet apart, and
+sometimes more. Near Langon is Sauterne, where the best white wines of
+Bordeaux are made. The waste lands are in fern, furze, shrubbery,
+and dwarf trees. The farmers live on their farms. At Agen, Castres,
+Bordeaux, strawberries and pease are now brought to table; so that the
+country on the canal of Languedoc seems to have later seasons than
+that east and west of it. What can be the cause? To the eastward, the
+protection of the Cevennes makes the warm season advance sooner. Does
+the neighborhood of the Mediterranean co-operate? And does that of the
+ocean mollify and advance the season to the westward? There are ortolans
+at Agen, but none at Bordeaux. The buildings on the canal and the
+Garonne are mostly of brick, the size of the bricks the same with that
+of the ancient Roman brick, as seen in the remains of their buildings in
+this country. In those of a circus at Bordeaux, considerable portions
+of which are standing, I measured the bricks, and found them nineteen
+or twenty inches long, eleven or twelve inches wide, and from one and a
+half to two inches thick; their texture as fine, compact, and solid as
+that of porcelain. The bricks now made, though of the same dimensions,
+are not so fine. They are burnt in a kind of furnace, and make excellent
+work. The elm tree shows itself at Bordeaux peculiarly proper for
+being spread flat for arbors. Many are done in this way on the Quay des
+Charterons. Strawberries, pease, and cherries at Bordeaux.
+
+May 24, 25, 26, 27, 28. Bordeaux. The cantons in which the most
+celebrated wines of Bordeaux are made, are Medoc down the river, Grave
+adjoining the city, and the parishes next above; all on the same side of
+the river. In the first, is made red wine principally, in the two last,
+white. In Medoc they plant the vines in cross-rows of three and a half
+_pieds_. They keep them so low, that poles extended along the rows one
+way, horizontally, about fifteen or eighteen inches above the ground,
+serve to tie the vines to, and leave the cross row open to the plough.
+In Grave they set the plants in quincunx, i.e. in equilateral triangles
+of three and a half pieds every side; and they stick a pole of six or
+eight feet high to every vine, separately. The vine-stock is sometimes
+three or four feet high. They find these two methods equal in culture,
+duration, quantity, and quality. The former, however, admits the
+alternative of tending by hand or with the plough. The grafting of the
+vine, though a critical operation, is practised with success. When the
+graft has taken, they bend it into the earth, and let it take root above
+the scar. They begin to yield an indifferent wine at three years old,
+but not a good one till twenty-five years, nor after eighty, when they
+begin to yield less, and worse, and must be renewed. They give three or
+four workings in the year, each worth seventy or seventy-five livres the
+journal, which is of eight hundred and forty square ioises, and contains
+about three thousand plants. They dung a little in Medoc and Grave,
+because of the poverty of the soil; but very little; as more would
+affect the wine. The _journal_ yields, _communions annis_, about three
+_pieces_ (of two hundred and forty, or two hundred and fifty bottles
+each). The vineyards of first quality are all worked by their
+proprietors. Those of the second, rent for three hundred livres the
+journal: those of third, at two hundred livres. They employ a kind of
+overseer at four or five hundred livres the year, finding him lodging
+and drink: but he feeds himself. He superintends and directs, though
+he is expected to work but little. If the proprietor has a garden, the
+overseer tends that. They never hire laborers by the year. The day wages
+for a man are thirty sous, a woman's fifteen sous, feeding themselves.
+The women make the bundles of sarment, weed, pull off the snails, tie
+the vines, and gather the grapes. During the vintage they are paid high,
+and fed well.
+
+Of Red wines, there are four vineyards of the first quality; viz. 1.
+_Chateau Margau_, belonging to the Marquis d'Agincourt, who makes about
+one hundred and fifty tons, of one thousand bottles each. He has
+engaged to Jernon, a merchant. 2. _La Tour de Segur, en Saint Lambert_,
+belonging to Monsieur Miresmenil, who makes one hundred and twenty-five
+tons. 3. _Hautbrion_, belonging two-thirds to M. le Comte de Femelle,
+who has engaged to Barton, a merchant: the other third to the Comte de
+Toulouse, at Toulouse. The whole is seventy-five tons. 4. _Chateau de
+la Fite_, belonging to the President Pichard, at Bordeaux, who makes one
+hundred and seventy-five tons. The wines of the three first, are not in
+perfection till four years old: those of _de la Fite_, being somewhat
+lighter, are good at three years; that is, the crop of 1786 is good in
+the spring of 1789. These growths, of the year 1783, sell now at two
+thousand livres the ton; those of 1784, on account of the superior
+quality of that vintage, sell at twenty-four hundred livres; those of
+1785, at eighteen hundred livres; those of 1786, at eighteen hundred
+livres, though they had sold at first for only fifteen hundred livres.
+Red wines of the second quality, are Rozan, Dabbadie or Lionville, la
+Rose, Qui-rouen, Durfort; in all eight hundred tons, which sell at
+one thousand livres, new. The third class, are Galons, Mouton, Gassie,
+Arboete, Pontette, de Ferme, Candale; in all two thousand tons, at eight
+or nine hundred livres. After these, they are reckoned common wines, and
+sell from five hundred livres, down to one hundred and twenty livres,
+the ton. All red wines decline after a certain age, losing color,
+flavor, and body. Those of Bordeaux begin to decline at about seven
+years old.
+
+Of White wines, those made in the canton of Grave, are most esteemed at
+Bordeaux. The best crops are, 1. _Pontac_, which formerly belonged to M.
+de Pontac, but now to M. de Lamont. He makes forty tons, which sell at
+four hundred livres, new. 2. _St. Brise_, belonging to M. de Pontac;
+thirty tons, at three hundred and fifty livres. 3. _De Carbonius_,
+belonging to the Benedictine monks, who make fifty tons, and never
+selling till three or four years old, get eight hundred livres the ton.
+Those made in the three parishes next above Grave, and more esteemed
+at Paris, are, 1. _Sauterne_. The best crop belongs to M. Diquem at
+Bordeaux, or to M. de Salus, his son-in-law; one hundred and fifty tons,
+at three hundred livres, new, and six hundred livres, old. The next best
+crop is M. de Fillotte's, one hundred tons, sold at the same price. 2.
+_Prignac_. The best is the President du Roy's, at Bordeaux. He makes one
+hundred and seventy-five tons, which sell at three hundred livres, new,
+and six hundred livres, old. Those of 1784, for their extraordinary
+quality, sell at eight hundred livres. 3. _Barsac_. The best belongs
+to the President Pichard, who makes one hundred and fifty tons, at two
+hundred and eighteen livres, new, and six hundred livres, old. Sauterne
+is the pleasantest; next Prignac, and lastly Barsac: but Barsac is the
+strongest; next Prignac, and lastly Sauterne; and all stronger than
+Grave. There are other good crops made in the same parishes of Sauterne,
+Prignac, and Barsac; but none as good as these. There is a virgin wine,
+which, though made of a red grape, is of a light rose color, because,
+being made without pressure, the coloring matter of the skin does not
+mix with the juice. There are other white wines, from the preceding
+prices down to seventy-five livres. In general, the white wines keep
+longest. They will be in perfection till fifteen or twenty years of age.
+The best vintage now to be bought, is of 1784; both of red and white.
+There has been no other good year since 1779. The celebrated vineyards
+before mentioned, are plains, as is generally the canton of Medoc,
+and that of the Grave. The soil of Hautbrion, particularly, which I
+examined, is a sand, in which is near as much round gravel or small
+stone, and very little loam: and this is the general soil of Medoc. That
+of Pontac, which I examined also, is a little different. It is clayey,
+with a fourth or fifth of fine rotten stone; and at two feet depth,
+it becomes all a rotten stone. M. de Lamont tells me, he has a kind of
+grape without seeds, which I did not formerly suppose to exist; but I
+saw at Marseilles dried raisins from Smyrna without seeds. I see in his
+farm at Pontac, some plants of white clover, and a good deal of yellow:
+also some small peach trees in the open ground. The principal English
+wine merchants at Bordeaux, are Jernon, Barton, Johnston, Foster,
+Skinner, Copinger, and M'Cartey: the chief French wine merchants, are
+Feger, Nerac, Bruneaux Jauge, and Du Verget. Desgrands, a wine-broker,
+tells me they never mix the wines of first quality: but that they mix
+the inferior ones to improve them. The smallest wines make the best
+brandy. They yield about a fifth or sixth.
+
+May 28, 29. From Bordeaux to Blaye, the country near the river is hilly,
+chiefly in vines, some corn, some pasture: further out, are plains,
+boggy and waste. The soil, in both cases, clay and grit. Some sheep
+on the waste. To Etauliers, we have sometimes boggy plains, sometimes
+waving grounds and sandy, always poor, generally waste, in fern and
+furze, with some corn however, interspersed. To Mirambeau and St. Genis,
+it is hilly, poor, and mostly waste. There are some corn and maize
+however, and better trees than usual. Towards Pons, it becomes a little
+red, mostly rotten stone. There are vines, corn, and maize, which is up.
+At Pons we approach the Charente; the country becomes better, a blackish
+mould mixed with a rotten chalky stone: a great many vines, corn, maize,
+and farouche. From Lajart to Saintes and Rochefort, the soil is reddish,
+its foundation a chalky rock, at about a foot depth; in vines, corn,
+maize, clover, lucerne, and pasture. There are more and better trees
+than I have seen in all my journey; a great many apple and cherry trees:
+fine cattle and many sheep.
+
+May 30. From Rochefort to La Rochelle, it is sometimes hilly and red,
+with a chalky foundation, middling good; in corn, pasture, and some
+waste: sometimes it is reclaimed marsh, in clover and corn, except the
+parts accessible to the tide, which are in wild grass. About Rochelle,
+it is a low plain. Towards Usseau, and halfway to Marans, level
+highlands, red, mixed with an equal quantity of broken chalk; mostly
+in vines, some corn, and pasture: then to Marans and halfway to St.
+Hermine, it is reclaimed marsh, dark, tolerably good, and all in
+pasture: there we rise to plains a little higher, red, with a chalky
+foundation, boundless to the eye, and altogether in corn and maize.
+
+May 31. At St. Hermine, the country becomes very hilly, a red clay
+mixed with chalky stone, generally waste, in furze and broom, with some
+patches of corn and maize; and so it continues to Chantonay, and St.
+Fulgent. Through the whole of this road from Bordeaux, are frequent
+hedge rows, and small patches of forest wood, not good, yet better than
+I had seen in the preceding part of my journey. Towards Montaigu, the
+soil mends a little; the cultivated parts in corn and pasture, the
+uncultivated in broom. It is in very small enclosures of ditch and
+quickset. On approaching the Loire to Nantes, the country is leveller:
+the soil from Rochelle to this place may be said to have been sometimes
+red, but oftener gray, and always on a chalky foundation. The last
+census, of about 1770, made one hundred and twenty thousand inhabitants
+at Nantes. They conjecture there are now one hundred and fifty thousand,
+which equals it to Bordeaux.
+
+June 1,2. The country from Nantes to L'Orient is very hilly and poor,
+the soil gray; nearly half is waste, in furze and broom, among which is
+some poor grass. The cultivated parts are in corn, some maize, a good
+many apple trees; no vines. All is in small enclosures of quick hedge
+and ditch. There are patches and hedge-rows of forest-wood, not quite
+deserving the name of timber. The people are mostly in villages; they
+eat rye-bread, and are ragged. The villages announce a general poverty,
+as does every other appearance. Women smite on the anvil, and work with
+the hoe, and cows are yoked to labor. There are great numbers of cattle,
+insomuch that butter is their staple. Neither asses nor mules: yet it
+is said that the fine mules I have met with on my journey, are raised
+in Poictou. There are but few _chateaux_ here. I observe mill-ponds, and
+hoes with long handles. Have they not, in common with us, derived
+these from England, of which Bretagne is probably a colony? L'Orient is
+supposed to contain twenty-five thousand inhabitants. They tell me here,
+that to make a reasonable profit on potash and pearlash, as bought in
+America, the former should sell at thirty livres, the latter thirty-six
+livres, the quintal. Of turpentine they make no use in their vessels.
+Bayonne furnishes pitch enough; but tar is in demand, and ours sells
+well. The tower of L'Orient is sixty-five _pieds_ above the level of
+the sea, one hundred and twenty _pieds_ high, twenty-five _pieds_ in
+diameter; the stairs four feet radius, and cost thirty thousand livres,
+besides the materials of the old tower.
+
+June 3, 4, 5. The country and productions from L'Orient to Rennes, and
+from Rennes to Nantes, are precisely similar to those from Nantes to
+L'Orient. About Rennes, it is somewhat leveller, perhaps less poor, and
+almost entirely in pasture. The soil always gray. Some small, separate
+houses, which seem to be the residence of laborers, or very small
+farmers; the walls frequently of mud, and the roofs generally covered
+with slate. Great plantations of walnut, and frequently of pine. Some
+apple trees and sweet-briar still in bloom, and broom generally so. I
+have heard no nightingale since the last day of May. There are gates
+in this country made in such a manner, that the top rail of the gate
+overshoots backwards the hind post, so as to counterpoise the gate, and
+prevent its swagging.
+
+_Nantes_. Vessels of eight feet draught only can come to Nantes. Those
+which are larger, lie at Painboeuf, ten leagues below Nantes, and five
+leagues above the mouth of the river. There is a continued navigation
+from Nantes to Paris, through the Loire, the canal de Briare and the
+Seine. Carolina rice is preferred to that of Lombardy for the Guinea
+trade, because it requires less water to boil it.
+
+June 6, 7, 8. _Nantes. Ancenis. Angers. Tours_. Ascending the Loire
+from Nantes, the road, as far as Angers, leads over the hills, which are
+gray, oftener below than above mediocrity, and in corn, pasture, vines,
+some maize, flax, and hemp. There are no waste lands. About the limits
+of Bretagne and Anjou, which are between Loriottiere and St. George, the
+lands change for the better. Here and there, we get views of the plains
+on the Loire, of some extent, and good appearance, in corn and
+pasture. After passing Angers, the road is raised out of the reach of
+inundations, so as at the same time to ward them off from the interior
+plains. It passes generally along the river side; but sometimes leads
+through the plains, which, after we pass Angers, become extensive and
+good, in corn, pasture, some maize, hemp, flax, pease, and beans; many
+willows, also poplars and walnuts. The flax is near ripe. Sweet-briar
+in general bloom. Some broom here still, on which the cattle and sheep
+browse in winter and spring, when they have no other green food; and
+the hogs eat the blossoms and pods, in spring and summer. This blossom,
+though disagreeable when smelt in a small quantity, is of delicious
+fragrance when there is a whole field of it. There are some considerable
+vineyards in the river plains, just before we reach Les Trois Volets
+(which is at the one hundred and thirty-sixth milestone), and after
+that, where the hills on the left come into view, they are mostly in
+vines. Their soil is clayey and stony, a little reddish, and of southern
+aspect. The hills on the other side of the river, looking to the north,
+are not in vines. There is very good wine made on these hills; not equal
+indeed to the Bordeaux of best quality, but to that of good quality, and
+like it. It is a great article of exportation from Anjou and Touraine,
+and probably is sold abroad, under the name of Bordeaux. They are now
+mowing the first crop of hay. All along both hills of the Loire, is a
+mass of white stone, not durable, growing black with time, and so
+soft, that the people cut their houses out of the solid, with all the
+partitions, chimnies, doors, &c. The hill sides resemble cony burrows,
+full of inhabitants. The borders of the Loire are almost a continued
+village. There are many chateaux: many cattle, sheep, and horses; some
+asses.
+
+Tours is at the one hundred and nineteenth mile-stone. Being desirous
+of inquiring here into a fact stated by Voltaire, in his _Questions
+Encylopediques_, article _Coquilles_, relative to the growth of shells
+unconnected with animal bodies at the _Chateau_ of Monsieur de la
+Sauvagiere, near Tours, I called on Monsieur Gentil, _premier secretaire
+de l'ntendance_, to whom the Intendant had written on my behalf, at the
+request of the Marquis de Chastellux.
+
+I stated to him the fact as advanced by Voltaire, and found he was, of
+all men, the best to whom I could have addressed myself. He told me he
+had been in correspondence with Voltaire on that very subject, and was
+perfectly acquainted with Monsieur de la Sauvagiere, and the Faluniere
+where the fact is said to have taken place. It is at the Chateau de
+Grillemont, six leagues from Tours, on the road to Bordeaux, belonging
+now to Monsieur d'Orcai. He says, that De la Sauvagiere was a man of
+truth, and might be relied on for whatever facts he stated as of his
+own observation; but that he was overcharged with imagination, which, in
+matters of opinion and theory, often led him beyond his facts; that this
+feature in his character had appeared principally in what he wrote on
+the antiquities of Touraine; but that as to the fact in question,
+he believed him. That he himself, indeed, had not watched the same
+identical shells, as Sauvagiere had done, growing from small to great;
+but that he had often seen such masses of those shells of all sizes,
+from a point to a full size, as to carry conviction to his mind that
+they were in the act of growing; that he had once made a collection
+of shells for the Emperor's cabinet, reserving duplicates of them
+for himself; and that these afforded proofs of the same fact; that he
+afterwards gave those duplicates to a Monsieur du Verget, a physician
+of Tours, of great science and candor, who was collecting on a
+larger scale, and who was perfectly in sentiment with Monsieur de la
+Sauvagiere, and not only the Faluniere, but many other places about
+Tours, would convince any unbiassed observer, that shells are a fruit
+of the earth, spontaneously produced; and he gave me a copy of De la
+Sauvagiere's _Recueil de Dissertations_, presented him by the author,
+wherein is one _Sur la vegetation spontanee des coquilles du Chateau
+des Places_. So far, I repeat from him. What are we to conclude? That we
+have not materials enough yet, to form any conclusion. The fact stated
+by Sauvagiere is not against any law of nature, and is therefore
+possible; but it is so little analogous to her habitual processes,
+that, if true, it would be extraordinary: that to command our belief,
+therefore, there should be such a suite of observations, as that their
+untruth would be more extraordinary than the existence of the fact they
+affirm. The bark of trees, the skin of fruits and animals, the
+feathers of birds, receive their growth and nutriment from the internal
+circulation of a juice through the vessels of the individual they cover.
+We conclude from analogy, then, that the shells of the testaceous tribe
+receive also their growth from a like internal circulation. If it be
+urged, that this does not exclude the possibility of a like shell being
+produced by the passage of a fluid through the pores of the circumjacent
+body, whether of earth, stone, or water; I answer, that it is not within
+the usual economy of nature, to use two processes for one species of
+production. While I withhold my assent, however, from this hypothesis,
+I must deny it to every other I have ever seen, by which their authors
+pretend to account for the origin of shells in high places. Some of
+these are against the laws of nature, and therefore impossible; and
+others are built on positions more difficult to assent to, than that
+of De la Sauvagiere. They all suppose these shells to have covered
+submarine animals, and have then to answer the question, How came they
+fifteen thousand feet above the level of the sea? And they answer it, by
+demanding what cannot be conceded. One, therefore, who had rather have
+no opinion than a false one, will suppose this question one of those
+beyond the investigation of human sagacity; or wait till further and
+fuller observations enable him to decide it.
+
+_Chanteloup_. I heard a nightingale to-day at Chanteloup. The gardener
+says it is the male, who alone sings, while the female sits; and
+that when the young are hatched, he also ceases. In the boudoir at
+Chanteloup, is an ingenious contrivance to hide the projecting steps of
+a staircase. Three steps were of necessity to project into the boudoir:
+they are therefore made triangular steps; and instead of being rested on
+the floor, as usual, they are made fast at their broad end to the stair
+door, swinging out and in, with that. When it shuts, it runs them under
+the other steps; when open it brings them out to their proper place. In
+the kitchen garden, are three pumps, worked by one horse. The pumps
+are placed in an equilateral triangle, each side of which is of about
+thirty-five feet. In the centre is a post, ten or twelve feet high,
+and one foot in diameter. In the top of this, enters the bent end of a
+lever, of about twelve or fifteen feet long, with a swingle-tree at the
+other end. About three feet from the bent end, it receives, on a pin,
+three horizontal bars of iron, which at their other end lay hold of one
+corner of a quadrantal crank (like a bell crank) moving in a vertical
+plane, to the other corner of which is hooked the vertical handle of
+the pump. The crank turns on its point as a centre, by a pin or pivot
+passing through it. The horse moving the lever horizontally in a circle,
+every point of the lever describes a horizontal circle. That which
+receives the three bars, describes a circle of six feet in diameter.
+It gives a stroke then of six feet to the handle of each pump, at each
+revolution.
+
+_Blois. Orleans_. June 9, 10. At Blois, the road leaves the river, and
+traverses the hills, which are mostly reddish, sometimes gray, good
+enough, in vines, corn, saintfoin. From Orleans to the river Juines, at
+Etampes, it is a continued plain of corn, and saintfoin, tolerably good,
+sometimes gray, sometimes red. From Etampes to Etrechy, the country is
+mountainous and rocky, resembling that of Fontainebleau. _Quere_. If it
+may not be the same vein?
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LVIII.--TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, June 14, 1787
+
+
+TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, June 14, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Having got back to Paris three days ago, I resume immediately the
+correspondence with which you have been pleased to honor me. I wish I
+could have begun it with more agreeable information than that furnished
+me by Mr. Grand, that the funds of the United States here are exhausted,
+and himself considerably in advance; and by the board of treasury at New
+York, that they have no immediate prospect of furnishing us supplies. We
+are thus left to shift for ourselves, without previous warning. As soon
+as they shall replenish Mr. Grand's hands, I will give you notice, that
+you may recommence your usual drafts on him; unless the board should
+provide a separate fund for you, dependant on yourself alone, which I
+have strongly and repeatedly pressed on them, in order to remove the
+indecency of suffering your drafts to pass through any intermediate hand
+for payment.
+
+My letters from America came down to the 24th of April. The disturbances
+in the Eastern States were entirely settled. I do not learn that
+the government had made any examples. Mr. Hancock's health being
+re-established, the want of which had occasioned him to resign the
+government of Massachusetts, he has been re-elected to the exclusion of
+Governor Bowdoin. New York still refuses to pass the impost in any form,
+and were she to pass it, Pennsylvania will not uncouple it from the
+supplementary funds. These two States and Virginia, are the only ones,
+my letters say, which have paid any thing into the Continental treasury,
+for a twelvemonth past. I send you a copy of a circular letter from
+Congress to the several States, insisting on their removing all
+obstructions to the recovery of British debts. This was hurried, that it
+might be delivered to the Assembly of New York before they rose. It was
+delivered, but they did nothing in consequence of it. The convention to
+be assembled at Philadelphia will be an able one. Ten States were known
+to have appointed delegates. Maryland was about to appoint; Connecticut
+was doubtful; and Rhode Island had refused. We are sure, however, of
+eleven States. South Carolina has prohibited the importation of slaves
+for three years; which is a step towards a perpetual prohibition.
+Between six and seven hundred thousand acres of land are actually
+surveyed into townships, and the sales are to begin immediately.
+They are not to be sold for less than a dollar the acre, in public
+certificates. I wrote you from Bordeaux on the subject of Colonel Smith.
+I was sorry I missed him there, for other reasons as well as from a
+curiosity to know his errand. The Notables have laid the foundation
+of much good here: you have seen it detailed in the public papers. The
+Prince of Wales is likely to recover from his illness, which was very
+threatening. It is feared, that three powers have combined to lift the
+Prince of Orange out of his difficulties. Have you yet the cipher of
+which I formerly wrote to you, or any copy of it?
+
+I am, with sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LIX.--TO J. BANNISTER, JUNIOR, June 19, 1787
+
+
+TO J. BANNISTER, JUNIOR.
+
+Paris, June 19, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have received your favor of April the 23d, from New York, and am sorry
+to find you have had a relapse. Time and temperance, however, will cure
+you; to which add exercise. I hope you have long ago had a happy meeting
+with your friends, with whom a few hours would be to me an ineffable
+feast. The face of Europe appears a little turbid, but all will subside.
+The Empress has endeavored to bully the Turk, who laughed at her,
+and she is going back. The Emperor's reformations have occasioned the
+appearance of insurrection in Flanders, and he, according to character,
+will probably tread back his steps. A change of system here with respect
+to the Dutch, is suspected; because the Kings of Prussia and England
+openly espouse the cause of the Stadtholder, and that of the Patriots is
+likely to fall. The American acquaintances whom you left here, not being
+stationary, you will hardly expect news of them. Mrs. Barrett, lately
+dead, was, I think, known to you. I had a letter from Ledyard lately,
+dated at St. Petersburg. He had but two shirts, and yet more shirts than
+shillings. Still he was determined to obtain the palm of being the first
+circumambulator of the earth. He says, that having no money, they kick
+him from place to place, and thus he expects to be kicked round the
+globe. Are you become a great walker? You know I preach up that kind
+of exercise. Shall I send you a _conte-pas_? It will cost you a dozen
+louis, but be a great stimulus to walking, as it will record your steps.
+I finished my tour a week or ten days ago. I went as far as
+Turin, Milan, Genoa; and never passed three months and a half more
+delightfully. I returned through the canal of Languedoc, by Bordeaux,
+Nantes, L'Orient, and Rennes; then returned to Nantes, and came up the
+Loire to Orleans. I was alone through the whole, and think one travels
+more usefully when alone, because he reflects more.
+
+Present me in the most friendly terms to Mrs. Bannister and to your
+father, and be assured of the sincere esteem of, Dear Sir, your friend
+and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LX.--TO JAMES MADISON, June 20, 1787*
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, June 20, 1787.
+
+     [* Much of this letter is in cipher: but the notes annexed
+     to it, have enabled the Editor to decipher and publish it.]
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I wrote you last on the 30th of January, with a Postscript of February
+the 5th. Having set out the last day of that month to try the waters
+of Aix, and been journeying since, till the 10th instant, I have been
+unable to continue my correspondence with you. In the mean time, I have
+received your several favors of February the 15th, March the 18th and
+19th, and April the 23d. The last arrived here about the 25th of May,
+while those of March the 18th and 19th, though written, five weeks
+earlier, arrived three weeks later. I mention this, to show you how
+uncertain is the conveyance through England.
+
+The idea of separating the executive business of the confederacy from
+Congress, as the judiciary is already, in some degree, is just and
+necessary. I had frequently pressed on the members individually, while
+in Congress, the doing this by a resolution of Congress for appointing
+an executive committee, to act during the sessions of Congress, as
+the committee of the States was to act during their vacations. But the
+referring to this committee all executive business, as it should present
+itself, would require a more persevering self-denial than I suppose
+Congress to possess. It will be much better to make that separation by
+a federal act. The negative proposed to be given them on all the acts
+of the several legislatures, is now, for the first time, suggested to
+my mind. _Prima facie_, I do not like it. It fails in an essential
+character; that the hole and the patch should be commensurate. But this
+proposes to mend a small hole, by covering the whole garment. Not more
+than one out of one hundred State acts, concern the confederacy. This
+proposition, then, in order to give them one degree of power, which
+they ought to have, gives them ninety-nine more, which they ought not
+to have, upon a presumption that they will not exercise the ninety-nine.
+But upon every act there will be a preliminary question, Does this act
+concern the confederacy? And was there ever a proposition so plain, as
+to pass Congress without a debate? Their decisions are almost always
+wise; they are like pure metal. But you know of how much dross this is
+the result. Would not an appeal from the State judicature to a federal
+court, in all cases where the act of Confederation controlled the
+question, be as effectual a remedy, and exactly commensurate to the
+defect. A British creditor, for example, sues for his debt in Virginia;
+the defendant pleads an act of the State, excluding him from their
+courts; the plaintiff urges the confederation, and the treaty made under
+that, as controlling the State law; the judges are weak enough to decide
+according to the views of their legislature. An appeal to a federal
+court gets all to rights. It will be said, that this court may encroach
+on the jurisdiction of the State courts. It may. But there will be a
+power, to wit, Congress, to watch and restrain them. But place the same
+authority in Congress itself, and there will be no power above them
+to perform the same office. They will restrain within due bounds a
+jurisdiction exercised by others, much more rigorously than if exercised
+by themselves.
+
+I am uneasy at seeing that the sale of our western lands is not yet
+commenced. That valuable fund for the immediate extinction of our debt
+will, I fear, be suffered to slip through our fingers. Every day exposes
+it to events, which no human foresight can guard against. When we
+consider the temper of the people of that country, derived from the
+circumstances which surround them, we must suppose their separation
+possible, at every moment. If they can be retained till their
+governments become settled and wise, they will remain with us always,
+and be a precious part of our strength and our virtue. But this affair
+of the Mississippi, by showing that Congress is capable of hesitating
+on a question, which proposes a clear sacrifice of the western to the
+maritime States, will with difficulty be obliterated. The proposition
+of my going to Madrid, to try to recover there the ground which has
+been lost at New York, by the concession of the vote of seven States, I
+should think desperate. With respect to myself, weighing the pleasure of
+the journey and bare possibility of success in one scale, and the strong
+probability of failure and the public disappointment directed on me, in
+the other, the latter preponderates. Add to this, that jealousy might be
+excited in the breast of a person, who could find occasions of making me
+uneasy.
+
+The late changes in the ministry here, excite considerable hopes. I
+think we gain in them all. I am particularly happy at the reentry of
+Malesherbes into the Council. His knowledge and integrity render his
+value inappreciable, and the greater to me, because, while he had
+no views of office, we had established together the most unreserved
+intimacy. So far, too, I am pleased with Montmorin. His honesty proceeds
+from the heart as well as the head, and therefore may be more surely
+counted on. The King loves business, economy, order, and justice, and
+wishes sincerely the good of his people; but he is irascible, rude, very
+limited in his understanding, and religious bordering on bigotry. He has
+no mistress, loves his queen, and is too much governed by her. She is
+capricious, like her brother, and governed by him; devoted to pleasure
+and expense; and not remarkable for any other vices or virtues.
+Unhappily the King shows a propensity for the pleasures of the table.
+That for drink has increased lately, or at least it has become more
+known.
+
+For European news in general, I will refer you to my letter to Mr. Jay.
+Is it not possible, that the occurrences in Holland may excite a desire
+in many of leaving that country, and transferring their effects out of
+it, and thus make an opening for shifting into their hands the debts
+due to this country, to its officers, and Farmers? It would be surely
+eligible. I believe Dumas, if put on the watch, might alone suffice; but
+he surely might, if Mr. Adams should go when the moment offers. Dumas
+has been in the habit of sending his letters open to me, to be forwarded
+to Mr. Jay. During my absence, they passed through Mr. Short's hands,
+who made extracts from them, by which I see he has been recommending
+himself and me for the money-negotiations in Holland. It might be
+thought, perhaps, that I have encouraged him in this. Be assured, my
+Dear Sir, that no such idea ever entered my head. On the contrary, it is
+a business which would be the most disagreeable to me of all others,
+and for which I am the most unfit person living. I do not understand
+bargaining, nor possess the dexterity requisite for the purpose. On the
+other hand, Mr. Adams, whom I expressly and sincerely recommend, stands
+already on ground for that business, which I could not gain in years.
+Pray set me to rights in the minds of those, who may have supposed me
+privy to this proposition. _En passant_, I will observe with respect to
+Mr. Dumas, that the death of the Count de Vergennes places Congress more
+at their ease, how to dispose of him. Our credit has been ill treated
+here in public debate, and our debt here deemed apocryphal. We should
+try to transfer this debt elsewhere, and leave nothing capable of
+exciting ill thoughts between us. I shall mention in my letter to Mr.
+Jay, a disagreeable affair which Mr. Barclay has been thrown into,
+at Bordeaux. An honester man cannot be found, nor a slower, nor more
+decisive one. His affairs, too, are so embarrassed and desperate, that
+the public reputation is, every moment, in danger of being
+compromitted with him. He is perfectly amiable and honest, with all his
+embarrassments.
+
+By the next packet, I shall be able to send you some books, as also your
+watch and pedometer. The two last are not yet done. To search for books,
+and forward them to Havre, will require more time than I had between
+my return and the departure of this packet. Having been a witness,
+heretofore, to the divisions in Congress on the subject of their foreign
+ministers, it would be a weakness in me to suppose none with respect to
+myself, or to count with any confidence on the renewal of my commission,
+which expires on the 10th day of March next; and the more so, as instead
+of requiring the disapprobation of seven States, as formerly, that of
+one suffices for a recall, when Congress consists of only seven States,
+two, when of eight, &c. which I suppose to be habitually their numbers
+at present. Whenever I leave this place, it will be necessary to begin
+my arrangements six months before my departure; and these, once fairly
+begun and under way, and my mind set homewards, a change of purpose
+could hardly take place. If it should be the desire of Congress that I
+should continue still longer, I could wish to know it, at farthest, by
+the packet which will sail from New York in September. Because, were
+I to put off longer the quitting my house, selling my furniture, he,
+I should not have time left to wind up my affairs; and having once
+quitted, and sold off my furniture, I could not think of establishing
+myself here again. I take the liberty of mentioning this matter to you,
+not with a desire to change the purpose of Congress, but to know it in
+time. I have never fixed in my mind, the epoch of my return, so far as
+shall depend on myself, but I never supposed it very distant. Probably
+I shall not risk a second vote on this subject. Such trifling things may
+draw on me the displeasure of one or two States, and thus submit me to
+the disgrace of a recall.
+
+I thank you for the paccan nuts, which accompanied your letter of March.
+Could you procure me a copy of the bill for proportioning crimes and
+punishments, in the form in which it was ultimately rejected by the
+House of Delegates? Young Mr. Bannister desired me to send him regularly
+the _Mercure de France_. I will ask leave to do this through you, and
+that you will adopt such method of forwarding them to him, as will save
+him from being submitted to postage, which they would not be worth. As
+a compensation for your trouble, you will be free to keep them till you
+shall have read them. I am, with sentiments of the most sincere esteem,
+Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXI.--TO JOHN JAY, June 21,1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, June 21,1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor of addressing you in a letter of May the 4th, from
+Marseilles, which was to have gone by the last packet. Bat it arrived
+a few hours too late for that conveyance, and has been committed to a
+private one, passing through England, with a promise that it should go
+through no post-office.
+
+I was desirous, while at the sea-ports, to obtain a list of the American
+vessels which have come to them since the peace, in order to estimate
+their comparative importance to us, as well as the general amount of our
+commerce with this country, so far as carried on in our own bottoms.
+At Marseilles, I found there had been thirty-two, since that period; at
+Cette, not a single one; at Bayonne, one of our free ports, only one.
+This last fact I learned from other information, not having visited that
+place; as it would have been a deviation from my route, too considerable
+for the importance of the object. At Bordeaux, Nantes, and L'Orient, I
+could not obtain lists in the moment; but am in hopes I shall be able
+to get them ere long. Though more important to us, they will probably be
+more imperfect than that of Marseilles. At Nantes, I began with Monsieur
+Dobree an arrangement of his claims. I visited the military stores,
+which have been detained there so long, opened some boxes of each
+kind, and found the state of their contents much better than had been
+represented. An exact list of the articles is to be sent me.
+
+The importations into L'Orient of other fish-oils, besides those of the
+whale, brought to my notice there a defect in the letter of Monsieur de
+Calonne, of October the 22nd, which letter was formerly communicated to
+you. In that, whale oil only was named. The other fish-oils, therefore,
+have continued to pay the old duties. In a conference with Monsieur de
+Villedeuil, the present Comptroller General, since my return, I proposed
+the extending the exemption to all fish-oils, according to the letter
+of the Hanseatic treaty, which had formed the basis of the regulations
+respecting us. I think this will be agreed to. The delays of office
+first, then the illness of Monsieur de Colonne, and lastly, his removal
+and the throng of business occasioned by the _Assemblee des Notables_,
+have prevented the reducing the substance of the letter into the form
+of an _Arret_, as yet though I have continued soliciting it as much
+as circumstances would bear. I am now promised that it shall be done
+immediately, and it shall be so far retrospective to the date of the
+letter, as that all duties paid since that, shall be refunded.
+
+The new accessions of the ministry are valued here. Good is hoped from
+the Archbishop of Toulouse, who succeeds the Count de Vergennes as _Chef
+du Conseil de finance_. Monsieur de Villedeuil, the Comptroller General,
+has been approved by the public, in the offices he has heretofore
+exercised. The Duke de Nivernois, called to the Council, is reckoned
+a good and able man; and Monsieur de Malesherbes, called also to the
+Council, is unquestionably the first character in the kingdom, for
+integrity, patriotism, knowledge, and experience in business. There is a
+fear that the Marechal de Castries is disposed to retire.
+
+The face of things in Europe is a little turbid, at present; but
+probably all will subside. The Empress of Russia, it is supposed, will
+not push her pretensions against the Turks to actual war. Weighing
+the fondness of the Emperor for innovation, against his want of
+perseverance, it is difficult to calculate what he will do with his
+discontented subjects in Brabant and Flanders. If those provinces alone
+were concerned, he would probably give back; but this would induce an
+opposition to his plan, in all his other dominions. Perhaps he may be
+able to find a compromise. The cause of the Patriots in Holland is a
+little clouded at present.
+
+England and Prussia seem disposed to interpose effectually. The former
+has actually ordered a fleet of six sail of the line, northwardly, under
+Gore; and the latter threatens to put her troops into motion. The
+danger of losing such a weight in their scale, as that of Prussia, would
+occasion this court to prefer conciliation to war. Add to this, the
+distress of their finances, and perhaps not so warm a zeal in the new
+ministry for the innovations in Holland. I hardly believe they will
+think it worth while to purchase the change of constitution proposed
+there, at the expense of a war. But of these things, you will receive
+more particular and more certain details from Mr. Dumas, to whom they
+belong.
+
+Mr. Eden is appointed ambassador from England to Madrid. To the hatred
+borne us by his court and country, is added a recollection of the
+circumstances of the unsuccessful embassy to America, of which he made a
+part. So that I think he will carry to Madrid, dispositions to do us all
+the ill he can.
+
+The late change in the ministry is very favorable to the prospects
+of the Chevalier de la Luzerne. The Count de Montmorin, Monsieur de
+Malesherbes, and Monsieur de Lamoignon, the _Garde des Sceaux_, are his
+near relations. Probably something will be done for him, and without
+delay. The promise of the former administration to the Count de Moutier,
+to succeed to this vacancy, should it take place, will perhaps be
+performed by the present one.
+
+Mr. Barclay has probably informed you of his having been arrested
+in Bordeaux, for a debt contracted in the way of his commerce. He
+immediately applied to the parliament of that place, who ordered his
+discharge. This took place after five days' actual imprisonment. I
+arrived at Bordeaux a few days after his liberation. As the Procureur
+General of the King had interested himself to obtain it, with uncommon
+zeal, and that too on public principles, I thought it my duty to wait
+on him and return him my thanks. I did the same to the President of the
+parliament, for the body over which he presided; what would have been an
+insult in America, being an indispensable duty here. You will see by the
+enclosed printed paper, on what grounds the Procureur insisted on Mr.
+Barclay's liberation. Those on which the parliament ordered it, are not
+expressed. On my arrival here, I spoke with the minister on the subject.
+He observed, that the character of Consul is no protection in this
+country, against process for debt: that as to the character with
+which Mr. Barclay had been invested at the court of Morocco, it was
+questionable whether it would be placed on the diplomatic line, as it
+had not been derived immediately from Congress; that if it were,
+it would have covered him to Paris only, where he had received his
+commission, had he proceeded directly thither, but that his long stay at
+Bordeaux, must be considered as terminating it there. I observed to him,
+that Mr. Barclay had been arrested almost immediately on his arrival at
+Bordeaux. But, says he, the arrest was made void by the parliament, and
+still he has continued there several weeks. True, I replied, but his
+adversaries declared they would arrest him again, the moment he should
+be out of the jurisdiction of the parliament of Bordeaux, and have
+actually engaged the _Marechausee_ on the road, to do it. This seemed
+to impress him. He said he could obtain a letter of safe conduct which
+would protect him to Paris, but that immediately on his arrival here,
+he would be liable to arrest. I asked him, if such a letter could not
+be obtained to protect him to Paris, and back to Bordeaux, and even to
+America? He said, that for that, the consent of the greater part of his
+creditors would be necessary; and even with this, it was very doubtful
+whether it could be obtained: still, if I would furnish him with that
+consent, he would do what should depend on him. I am persuaded he will,
+and have written to Mr. Barclay to obtain the consent of his creditors.
+This is the footing on which this matter stands at present. I have
+stated it thus particularly, that you may know the truth, which will
+probably be misrepresented in the English papers, to the prejudice
+of Mr. Barclay. This matter has been a great affliction to him, but no
+dishonor where its true state is known. Indeed he is incapable of doing
+any thing not strictly honorable.
+
+In a letter of August the 30th, 1785, I had the honor of mentioning
+to you what had passed here, on the subject of a convention for the
+regulation of the two post offices. I now inclose you a letter from the
+Baron D'Ogny, who is at the head of that department, which shows that
+he still expects some arrangement. I have heard it said, that M. de
+Creve-coeur is authorized to treat on this subject. You doubtless know
+if this be true. The articles may certainly be better adjusted there,
+than here. This letter from the Baron D'Ogny was in consequence of an
+application from a servant of mine, during my absence, which would not
+have been made had I been here. Nor will it be repeated; it being my
+opinion and practice to pay small sums of money, rather than to ask
+favors.
+
+I have the honor to inclose you also, copies of a letter and papers
+from the Marechal de Castries, on the claim of an individual against the
+State of South Carolina, for services performed on board the Indian;
+and the petition of another, on a like claim: also copies of letters
+received from O'Bryan at Algiers, and from Mr. Lambe. A letter of the
+26th of May, from Mr. Montgomery, at Alicant, informs me, that by a
+vessel arrived at Carthagena from Algiers, they learn the death of the
+Dey of that republic. Yet, as we hear nothing of it through any other
+channel, it may be doubted. It escaped me at the time of my departure to
+Aix, to make arrangements for sending you the gazettes regularly, by the
+packets. The whole are now sent, though a great part of them are so old
+as to be not worth perusal. Your favor of April the 24th, has been duly
+received.
+
+I have the honor,to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect. Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXII.--TO MADAME DE CORNY, June 30,1787
+
+
+TO MADAME DE CORNY.
+
+Paris, June 30,1787.
+
+On my return to Paris, it was among my first attentions to go to the rue
+Chaussee d'Antin, No. 17, and inquire after my friends whom I had left
+there. I was told they were in England. And how do you like England,
+Madam? I know your taste for the works of art gives you little
+disposition to Anglomania. Their mechanics certainly exceed all others
+in some lines. But be just to your own nation. They have not patience,
+it is true, to set rubbing a piece of steel from morning to night, as a
+lethargic Englishman will do, full charged with porter. But do not their
+benevolence, their cheerfulness, their amiability, when compared with
+the growling temper and manners of the people among whom you are,
+compensate their want of patience? I am in hopes that when the splendor
+of their shops, which is all that is worth seeing in London, shall
+have lost the charm of novelty, you will turn a wishful eye to the good
+people of Paris, and find that you cannot be so happy with any others.
+The Bois de Boulogne invites you earnestly to come and survey its
+beautiful verdure, to retire to its umbrage from the heats of the
+season. I was through it to-day, as I am every day. Every tree charged
+me with this invitation to you. Passing by la Muette, it wished for you
+as a mistress. You want a country-house. This is for sale; and in the
+Bois de Boulogne, which I have always insisted to be most worthy of
+your preference. Come then, and buy it. If I had had confidence in your
+speedy return, I should have embarrassed you in earnest with my little
+daughter. But an impatience to have her with me, after her separation
+from her friends, added to a respect for your ease, has induced me to
+send a servant for her.
+
+I tell you no news, because you have correspondents infinitely more _au
+fait_ of the details at Paris than I am. And I offer you no services,
+because I hope you will come as soon as the letter could, which should
+command them. Be assured, however, that nobody is more disposed to
+render them, nor entertains for you a more sincere and respectful
+attachment, than him, who, after charging you with his compliments to
+Monsieur de Corny, has the honor of offering you the homage of those
+sentiments of distinguished esteem and regard, with which he is, Dear
+Madam, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXIII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, July 1, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, July 1, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I returned about three weeks ago from a very useless voyage; useless,
+I mean, as to the object which first suggested it, that of trying the
+effect of the mineral waters of Aix, in Provence, on my hand. I
+tried these, because recommended among six or eight others as equally
+beneficial, and because they would place me at the beginning of a tour
+to the seaports of Marseilles, Bordeaux, Nantes, and L'Orient, which I
+had long meditated, in hopes that a knowledge of the places and persons
+concerned in our commerce, and the information to be got from them,
+might enable me sometimes to be useful. I had expected to satisfy myself
+at Marseilles, of the causes of the difference of quality between the
+rice of Carolina, and that of Piedmont, which is brought in quantities
+to Marseilles. Not being able to do it, I made an excursion of three
+weeks into the rice country beyond the Alps, going through it from
+Vercelli to Pavia, about sixty miles. I found the difference to be, not
+in the management, as had been supposed both here and in Carolina, but
+in the species of rice; and I hope to enable them in Carolina, to begin
+the cultivation of the Piedmont rice, and carry it on, hand in hand,
+with their own, that they may supply both qualities which is absolutely
+necessary at this market. I had before endeavored to lead the depot of
+rice from Cowes to Honfleur, and hope to get it received there on such
+terms, as may draw that branch of commerce from England to this country.
+It is an object of two hundred and fifty thousand guineas a year. While
+passing through the towns of Turin, Milan, and Genoa, I satisfied
+myself of the practicability of introducing our whale-oil for their
+consumption, and suppose it would be equally so in the other great
+cities of that country. I was sorry that I was not authorized to set the
+matter on foot. The merchants with whom I chose to ask conferences met
+me freely, and communicated fully, knowing I was in a public character.
+I could, however, only prepare a disposition to meet our oil-merchants.
+On the article of tobacco, I was more in possession of my ground; and
+put matters into a train for inducing their government to draw their
+tobaccos directly from the United States, and not, as heretofore, from
+Great Britain. I am now occupied with the new ministry here, to put
+the concluding hand to the new regulations for our commerce with this
+country, announced in the letter of Monsieur de Calonne, which I
+sent you last fall. I am in hopes, in addition to those, to obtain
+a suppression of the duties on tar, pitch, and turpentine, and, an
+extension of the privileges of American _whale oil_, to their _fish
+oils_ in general. I find that the quantity of cod-fish oil brought to
+L'Orient is considerable. This being got off hand (which will be in a
+few days), the chicaneries and vexations of the Farmers on the article
+of tobacco, and their elusions of the order of Bernis, call for the next
+attention. I have reasons to hope good dispositions in the new ministry
+towards our commerce with this country. Besides endeavoring, on all
+occasions, to multiply the points of contact and connection with this
+country, which I consider as our surest mainstay under every event, I
+have had it much at heart to remove from between us every subject of
+misunderstanding or irritation. Our debts to the King, to the Officers,
+and the Farmers, are of this description. The having complied with no
+part of our engagements in these, draws on us a great deal of censure,
+and occasioned a language in the _Assemblee des Notables_, very likely
+to produce dissatisfaction between us. Dumas being on the spot in
+Holland, I had asked of him some time ago, in confidence, his opinion of
+the practicability of transferring these debts from France to Holland,
+and communicated his answer to Congress, pressing them to get you to go
+over to Holland, and try to effect this business. Your knowledge of the
+ground, and former successes, occasioned me to take this liberty without
+consulting you, because I was sure you would not weigh your personal
+trouble against public good. I have had no answer from Congress; but
+hearing of your journey to Holland, have hoped that some money operation
+had led you there. If it related to the debts of this country, I
+would ask a communication of what you think yourself at liberty to
+communicate, as it might change the form of my answers to the eternal
+applications I receive. The debt to the officers of France, carries an
+interest of about two thousand guineas, so we may suppose its principal
+is between thirty and forty thousand. This makes more noise against us,
+than all our other debts put together.
+
+I send you the _Arrets_ which begin the reformation here, and some
+other publications respecting America; together with copies of letters
+received from O'Bryan and Lambe. It is believed, that a naval armament
+has been ordered at Brest, in correspondence with that of England.
+We know, certainly, that orders are given to form a camp in the
+neighborhood of Brabant, and that Count Rochambeau has the command of
+it. Its amount I cannot assert. Report says fifteen thousand men. This
+will derange the plans of economy. I take the liberty of putting under
+your cover a letter for Mrs. Kinloch, of South Carolina, with a packet,
+and will trouble you to inquire for her, and have them delivered. The
+packet is of great consequence, and therefore referred to her care, as
+she will know the safe opportunities of conveying it. Should you not be
+able to find her, and can forward the packet to its address, by any very
+safe conveyance, I will beg you to do it.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect friendship
+and esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXIV.--TO DAVID HARTLEY, July 2,1787
+
+TO DAVID HARTLEY.
+
+Paris, July 2,1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I received lately your favor of April the 23d, on my return from a
+journey of three or four months; and am always happy in an occasion of
+recalling myself to your memory. The most interesting intelligence from
+America, is that respecting the late insurrection in Massachusetts. The
+cause of this has not been developed to me to my perfect satisfaction.
+The most probable is, that those individuals were of the imprudent
+number of those who have involved themselves in debt beyond their
+abilities to pay, and that a vigorous effort in that government to
+compel the payment of private debts, and raise money for public ones,
+produced the resistance. I believe you may be assured, than an idea or
+desire of returning to any thing like their ancient government, never
+entered into their heads. I am not discouraged by this. For thus I
+calculate. An insurrection in one of thirteen States, in the course of
+eleven years that they have subsisted, amounts to one in any particular
+state, in one hundred and forty-three years, say a century and a
+half. This would not be near as many as have happened in every other
+government that has ever existed. So that we shall have the difference
+between a light and a heavy government as clear gain. I have no fear,
+but that the result of our experiment will be, that men may be trusted
+to govern themselves without a master. Could the contrary of this be
+proved, I should conclude, either that there is no God, or that he is a
+malevolent being. You have heard of the federal convention, now sitting
+at Philadelphia, for the amendment of the Confederation. Eleven States
+appointed delegates certainly; it was expected that Connecticut would
+also appoint, the moment its Assembly met. Rhode Island had refused. I
+expect they will propose several amendments; that that relative to our
+commerce will probably be adopted immediately, but that the others must
+wait to be adopted, one after another, in proportion as the minds of the
+States ripen for them. Dr. Franklin enjoys good health. I shall always
+be happy to hear from you, being, with sentiments of very sincere esteem
+and respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXV.--TO B. VAUGHAN, July 2, 1787
+
+
+TO B. VAUGHAN.
+
+Paris, July 2, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your favor of February the 16th came to my hands in the moment I was
+setting out on a tour through the southern parts of France and northern
+of Italy, from which I am but just now returned. I avail myself of the
+earliest moment to acknowledge its receipt, and to thank you for the box
+of magnets which I found here. Though I do not know certainly by or from
+whom they come, I presume they came by Colonel Smith, who was here in my
+absence, and from Messrs. Nairne and Blunt, through your good offices. I
+think your letter of February the 16th flatters me with the expectation
+of another, with observations on the hygrometers I had proposed. I value
+what comes from you too much, not to remind you of it. Your favor by Mr.
+Garnett also came during my absence. I presume he has left Paris, as
+I can hear nothing of him. I have lost the opportunity, therefore,
+of seeing his method of resisting friction, as well as of showing, by
+attentions to him, respect for yourself and your recommendations. Mr.
+Paine (Common Sense) is here on his way to England. He has brought the
+model of an iron bridge, with which he supposes a single arch of four
+hundred feet may be made. It has not yet arrived in Paris. Among other
+projects, with which we begin to abound in America, is one for finding
+the longitude by the variation of the magnetic needle. The author
+supposes two points, one near each pole, through the northern of which
+pass all the magnetic meridians of the northern hemisphere, and through
+the southern those of the southern hemisphere. He determines their
+present position and periodical revolution. It is said his publication
+is plausible. I have not seen it.
+
+What are you going to do with your naval armament on your side the
+channel. Perhaps you will ask me, what they are about to do here. A
+British navy and Prussian army hanging over Holland on one side, a
+French navy and army hanging over it on the other, looks as if they
+thought of fighting. Yet I think both parties too wise for that, too
+laudably intent on economizing, rather than on further embarrassing
+their finances. May they not propose to have a force on the spot to
+establish some neutral form of a constitution, which these powers will
+cook up among themselves, without consulting the parties for whom it
+is intended? The affair of Geneva shows such combinations possible.
+Wretched, indeed, is the nation, in whose affairs foreign powers are
+once permitted to intermeddle. Lord Wycombe is with us at present. His
+good sense, information, and discretion are much beyond his years, and
+promise good things for your country.
+
+I beg you to accept assurances of the esteem/and respect, with which
+I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXVI.--TO M. L'ABBE MORELLET, July 2, 1787
+
+
+TO M. L'ABBE MORELLET.
+
+Paris, July 2, 1787.
+
+I am sorry, my Dear Sir, that your interest should be affected by the
+ill behavior of Barrois. But when you consider the facts, you will be
+sensible that I could not have indulged his indolence further, without
+increasing the injury to a more punctual workman. Stockdale, of London,
+had asked leave to print my Notes. I agreed to it; and promised he
+should have the plate of the map as soon as it should be corrected,
+and the copies struck off for you and myself. He thereupon printed his
+edition completely in three weeks. The printer, who was to strike off
+two hundred and fifty maps for me, kept the plate but five days. It was
+then delivered to Barrois, with notice that it could not be left
+longer with him, than should suffice to strike off his number. Repeated
+applications for it, by Mr. Short and my servant, were only answered
+by repeated promises, and times of delivery fixed, no one of which was
+performed. When I returned, he had been possessed of the plate upwards
+of two months. I was astonished and confounded, to be told it had not
+been sent to Stockdale, and that his edition had been lying dead on his
+hands three months. I sent to Barrois the very day of my return, to let
+him know, that justice to Stockdale did not permit me to defer sending
+him the plate any longer: yet I would wait five days, at the end of
+which he must deliver me the plate, whether his maps were done or not. I
+received no answer, but waited ten days. I then sent for the plate. The
+answer was, he was not at home. I sent again the next day. Answer, he
+was not at home. I sent the third day. Not at home. I then ordered the
+messenger to go back, and wait till he should come home. This produced
+an answer of two lines, _qu'il alloit soigner son ouvrier?_ I wrote him
+word in return, to deliver the plate instantly. This I think was on a
+Saturday or Sunday. He told the messenger he would let me have it the
+Thursday following. I took patience, and sent on the Friday, but telling
+the messenger, if he refused to deliver it, to inform him I would be
+plagued no more with sending messages, but apply to the police. He then
+delivered it, and I sent it off immediately to London. He had kept it
+three months, of which three weeks were after my return. I think, Sir,
+you will be satisfied that justice to Stockdale, justice to myself,
+who had passed my word for sending on the plate, and sensibility to the
+shuffling conduct of Barrois, permitted me to act no otherwise. But no
+matter. Let his ill behavior make no odds between you and me. It will
+affect your interest, and that suffices to determine me to order back
+the plate, as soon as Stockdale has done with it. He will not require
+more days, than Barrois months. So that it will be here before you can
+want it. But it must never go into Barrois' hands again, nor of any
+person depending on him, or under his orders. The workman who struck off
+the two hundred and fifty for me, seems to have been diligent enough.
+Either he, or any other workman you please of that description, shall
+have it, to strike what number you wish. I forgot to observe, in its
+proper place, that when I was in the midst of my difficulties, I did
+myself the honor of calling on you, as well to have that of asking after
+your health on my return, as of asking your assistance to obtain the
+plate. Unluckily you were gone to Versailles; so I was obliged to
+proceed as well as I could. It is no excuse for Barrois, to say, he
+could not get his _imprimeur_ to proceed. He should have applied to
+another. But as to you, it shall be set to rights in the manner I
+have before stated. Accept my regret that you were in the hands of so
+underserving a workman, and one who placed me under the necessity of
+interrupting a work which interested you. Be assured, at the same time,
+of the sincerity of those sentiments of esteem and respect with which
+I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+OBSERVATIONS ON THE LETTER OF MONSIEUR DE CALONNE
+
+     [The following observations appear to have been addressed to
+     the Count de Montmorin, about the 6th of July, 1787.]
+
+Observations on the Letter of Monsieur de Calonne to Monsieur Jefferson,
+dated, Fontainbleau, October 22, 1786.
+
+A committee was appointed, in the course of the last year, to take a
+view of the subjects of commerce which might be brought from the United
+States of America, in exchange for those of France, and to consider what
+advantages and facilities might be offered to encourage that commerce.
+The letter of Monsieur de Calonne was founded on their report. It was
+conclusive as to the articles on which satisfactory information had been
+then obtained, and reserved, for future consideration, certain others,
+needing further inquiry. It is proposed now to review those unfinished
+articles, that they may also be comprehended in the _Arret_, and the
+regulations on this branch of commerce be rendered complete.
+
+1. The letter promised to diminish the _Droits du Roi et d'amiraute_,
+payable by an American vessel entering into a port at France, and to
+reduce what should remain into a single duty, which shall be regulated
+by the draught of the vessel, or her number of masts. It is doubted
+whether it will be expedient to regulate the duty, in either of these
+ways. If by the draught,of water, it will fall unequally on us as a
+nation; because we build our vessels sharp-bottomed, for swift sailing,
+so that they draw more water than those of other nations, of the
+same burthen. If by the number of masts, it will fall unequally on
+individuals; because we often see ships of one hundred and eighty tons,
+and brigs of three hundred and sixty. This, then, would produce an
+inequality among individuals, of six to one. The present principle is
+the most just, to regulate by the burthen. It is certainly desirable,
+that these duties should be reduced to a single one. Their names and
+numbers perplex and harass the merchant, more than their amount; subject
+him to imposition, and to the suspicion of it when there is none. An
+intention of general reformation in this article has been accordingly
+announced, with augmentation as to foreigners. We are in hopes, that
+this augmentation is not to respect us; because it is proposed as a
+measure of reciprocity, whereas, in some of our States, no such duties
+exist, and in others they are extremely light; because we have been
+made to hope a diminution, instead of augmentation; and because this
+distinction cannot draw on France any just claims from other nations;
+the _jura gentis amicissima_, conferred by her late treaties, having
+reference expressly to the nations of Europe only; and those
+conferred by the more ancient ones not being susceptible of any other
+interpretation, nor admitting a pretension of reference to a nation
+which did not then exist, and which has come into existence under
+circumstances distinguishing its commerce from that of all other
+nations. Merchandise received from them, takes employment from the
+poor of France; ours gives it: theirs is brought in, the last stage of
+manufacture; ours in the first: we bring our tobaccos to be manufactured
+into snuff, our flax and hemp into linen and cordage, our furs into
+hats, skins into saddlery, shoes, and clothing; we take nothing till it
+has received the last hand.
+
+2. Fish-oils. The Hanseatic treaty was the basis, on which the
+diminution of duty on this article was asked and granted. It is
+expressly referred to as such, in the letter of Monsieur de Calonne.
+Instead, however, of the expression, _huile et graisse de baleine et
+d'autres poisons_, used in that treaty, the letter uses the terms,
+'_huiles de baleine, spermaceti, et tout ce qui est compris sous
+ces denominations._' And the Farmers have availed themselves of this
+variation, to refuse the diminution of duty on the oils of the _vache
+marine, chien de mer, esturgeon_, and other fish. It is proposed,
+therefore, to re-establish in the _Arret_, the expression of the
+Hanseatic treaty, and to add, from the same treaty, the articles
+'_baleine coupee et fanon de baleine_.'
+
+The letter states these regulations as finally made by the King. The
+merchants, on this supposition, entered into speculations. But they
+found themselves called on for the old duties, not only on other
+fish-oils, but on the whale-oil. Monsieur de Calonne always promised,
+that the _Arret_ should be retrospective to the date of the letter, so
+as to refund to them the duties they had thus been obliged to pay. To
+this, attention is prayed in forming the _Arret_. His majesty having
+been pleased, as an encouragement to the importation of our fish-oils,
+to abolish the _Droits de fabrication_, it is presumed that the purpose
+announced, of continuing those duties on foreign oils, will not be
+extended to us.
+
+3. Rice. The duty on this, is only seven and a half deniers the quintal,
+or about one quarter per cent, on its first cost. While this serves to
+inform a government of the quantities imported, it cannot discourage
+that importation. Nothing further, therefore, is necessary on this
+article.
+
+4. _Potasse_. This article is of principal utility to France, in her
+bleacheries of linen, glass-works, and soap-works; and the potash of
+America, being made of green wood, is known to be the best in the world.
+All duty on it was, therefore, abolished by the King. But the city of
+Rouen levies on it a duty of twenty sols the quintal, which is very
+sensible in its price, brings it dearer to the bleacheries near Paris,
+to those of Beauvais, Laval, &c. and to the glass-works, and encourages
+them to give a preference to the potash or soude of other nations. This
+is a counteraction of the views of the King, expressed in the letter,
+which it is hoped will be prevented.
+
+5. Turpentine, tar, and pitch were not decided on, on the former
+occasion. Turpentine (_terebenthine_) pays ten sols the quintal, and ten
+sols the livre, making fifteen sols the quintal; which is ten per cent,
+on its prime cost. Tar (_goudron, braigras_) pays eight livres the
+_leth_ of twelve barrels, and ten sols the livre, amounting to twenty
+sols the barrel; which is twelve and a half per cent, on its prime cost.
+Pitch (_brai sec_) pays ten sols the quintal, and ten sols the livre,
+making fifteen sols the quintal; which is twenty per cent, on its prime
+cost. Duties of from ten to twenty per cent., on articles of heavy
+carriage, prevent their importation. They eat up all the profits of the
+merchant, and often subject him to loss. This has been much the case
+with respect to turpentine, tar, and pitch, which are principal articles
+of remittance for the State of North Carolina. It is hoped, that it
+will coincide with the views of government, in making the present
+regulations, to suppress the duties on these articles, which, of all
+others, can bear them least.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXVII.--TO T. M. RANDOLPH, JUNIOR, July 6, 1787
+
+
+TO T. M. RANDOLPH, JUNIOR.
+
+Paris, July 6, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your favor of April the 14th came here during my absence on a journey
+through the southern parts of France and northern of Italy, from which I
+am but lately returned. This cause alone, has prevented your receiving
+a more early answer to it. I am glad to find, that among the various
+branches of science presenting themselves to your mind, you have fixed
+on that of politics as your principal pursuit. Your country will derive
+from this a more immediate and sensible benefit. She has much for you
+to do. For though we may say with confidence, that the worst of the
+American constitutions, is better than the best which ever existed
+before, in any other country, and that they are wonderfully perfect for
+a first essay, yet every human essay must have defects. It will remain,
+therefore, to those now coming on the stage of public affairs, to
+perfect what has been so well begun by those, going off it. Mathematics,
+Natural Philosophy, Natural History, Anatomy, Chemistry, Botany, will
+become amusements for your hours of relaxation, and auxiliaries to your
+principal studies. Precious and delightful ones they will be. As soon
+as such a foundation is laid in them, as you may build on as you please,
+hereafter, I suppose you will proceed to your main objects, Politics,
+Law, Rhetoric, and History. As to these, the place where you study them
+is absolutely indifferent. I should except Rhetoric, a very essential
+member of them, and which I suppose must be taught to advantage where
+you are. You would do well, therefore, to attend the public exercises
+in this branch also, and to do it with very particular diligence.
+This being done, the question arises, where you shall fix yourself for
+studying Politics, Law, and History. I should not hesitate to decide
+in favor of France, because you will, at the same time, be learning to
+speak the language of that country, become absolutely essential under
+our present circumstances. The best method of doing this, would be
+to fix yourself in some family where there are women and children, in
+Passy, Auteuil, or some other of the little towns in reach of Paris. The
+principal hours of the day you will attend to your studies, and in those
+of relaxation associate with the family. You will learn to speak better
+from women and children in three months, than from men in a year. Such a
+situation, too, will render more easy a due attention to economy of time
+and money. Having pursued your main studies here about two years, and
+acquired a facility in speaking French, take a tour of four or five
+months through this country and Italy, return then to Virginia, and pass
+a year in Williamsburg, under the care of Mr. Wythe; and you will be
+ready to enter on the public stage, with superior advantages. I have
+proposed to you to carry on the study of the law, with that of politics
+and history. Every political measure will, for ever, have an intimate
+connection with the laws of the land; and he who knows nothing of these,
+will always be perplexed, and often foiled by adversaries having
+the advantage of that knowledge over him. Besides, it is a source of
+infinite comfort to reflect, that under every change of fortune, we
+have a resource in ourselves, from which we may be able to derive an
+honorable subsistence. I would, therefore, propose not only the study,
+but the practice of the law for some time, to possess yourself of the
+habit of public speaking. With respect to modern languages, French, as
+I have before observed, is indispensable. Next to this, the Spanish
+is most important to an American. Our connection with Spain is already
+important, and will become daily more so. Besides this, the ancient part
+of American history is written chiefly in Spanish. To a person who would
+make a point of reading and speaking French and Spanish, I should
+doubt the utility of learning Italian. These three languages, being all
+degeneracies from the Latin, resemble one another so much, that I doubt
+the probability of keeping in the head a distinct knowledge of them
+all. I suppose that he who learns them all, will speak a compound of the
+three, and neither perfectly. The journey which I propose to you,
+need not be expensive, and would be very useful. With your talents
+and industry, with science, and that steadfast honesty which eternally
+pursues right, regardless of consequences, you may promise yourself
+every thing--but health, without which there is no happiness. An
+attention to health, then, should take place of every other object. The
+time necessary to secure this by active exercises, should be devoted
+to it, in preference to every other pursuit. I know the difficulty with
+which a studious man tears himself from his studies, at any given moment
+of the day. But his happiness, and that of his family, depend on it.
+The most uninformed mind with a healthy body, is happier than the wisest
+valetudinarian. I need not tell you, that if I can be useful to you in
+any part of this, or any other plan you shall adopt, you will make me
+happy by commanding my services.
+
+Will you be so good, Sir, as to return my most respectful thanks for the
+diploma with which I am honored by the society instituted with you, for
+the encouragement of the study of Natural History. I am afraid it
+will never be in my power to contribute any thing to the object of the
+institution. Circumstances have thrown me into a very different line of
+life; and not choice, as I am happy to find in your case. In the year
+1781, while confined to my room by a fall from my horse, I wrote some
+Notes, in answer to the inquiries of M. de Marbois, as to the natural
+and political state of Virginia. They were hasty and undigested: yet as
+some of these touch slightly on some objects of its natural history, I
+will take the liberty of asking the society to accept a copy of them.
+For the same reason, and because too, they touch on the political
+condition of our country, I will beg leave to present you with a copy,
+and ask the favor of you to find a conveyance for them, from London to
+Edinburgh. They are printed by Stockdale, bookseller, Piccadilly, and
+will be ready in three or four weeks from this time. I will direct him
+to deliver two copies to your order. Repeating, constantly, the
+proffer of my services, I shall only add assurances of the esteem and
+attachment, with which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXVIII.--TO STEPHEN CATHALAN, JUNIOR, July 21,1787
+
+TO STEPHEN CATHALAN, JUNIOR.
+
+Paris, July 21,1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I received your favor of May the 9th, just as I was stepping into the
+barge on my departure from Cette; which prevented my answering it from
+that place. On my arrival here, I thought I would avail myself of the
+opportunity of paying your balance, to make a little acquaintance with
+Sir John Lambert. One or two unsuccessful attempts to find him at home,
+with the intermediate procrastinations well known to men of business,
+prevented my seeing him till yesterday, and have led me on to this
+moment, through a perpetual remorse of conscience for not writing
+to you, and in the constant belief that it would be to morrow and to
+morrow. At length, I have seen him, paid him the eighty-five livres
+which you have been so kind as to advance for me, and am actually at my
+writing table, returning you thanks for this kindness, and to yourself
+and the family for the thousand others I received at their hands,
+at Marseilles. My journey, after leaving you, wanted nothing but
+the company of Madame Cathalan and yourself, to render it perfectly
+agreeable. I felt the want of it peculiarly on the _canal de Languedoc_,
+where, with society, the mode of travelling would have been charming. I
+was much indebted to M. Minaudier, for a good equipment from Agde, and
+unceasing attentions to that place; for which I was indebted to your
+recommendations as well as to his goodness.
+
+I am honored with your father's letters of June the 30th; and as he does
+not read English, and I cannot write French, I must beg leave to answer
+him through you. I thank him for his hints on the subject of tobacco.
+I am now pressing for arrangements as to that article, to take place on
+the expiration of Mr. Morris's contract, and the order of Bernis.
+What form this business will take, or what will be the nature of the
+arrangements, or whether there will be any, I am as yet unable to say. I
+will take care to inform you the moment there is a decision.
+
+The public business with which Mr. Barclay has been charged rendering
+it necessary for him to repair to Congress, and the interest of his
+creditors, his family, and himself requiring his return to America, he
+has departed for that country. I know nothing of Mr. Barclay's affairs
+in this country. He has good possessions in America, which, he assured
+me, were much more than sufficient to satisfy all the demands against
+him. He went, determined to convert those immediately into money, and to
+collect the debts due to him there, that he might be enabled to pay his
+debts. My opinion of his integrity is such, as to leave no doubt in my
+mind, that he will do every thing in his power to render justice to his
+creditors; and I know so well his attachment to M. Cathalan, as to be
+satisfied, that if he makes any difference among his creditors, he will
+be among the most favored. Mr. Barclay is an honest and honorable man,
+and is more goaded towards the payment of his debts by his own feelings,
+than by all the processes of law, which could be set on foot against
+him.
+
+No arrangements having ever been made as yet, for cases like that of
+the carpenter of the American ship Sally, I am unable to answer on that
+subject. I am in hopes, his money will last till he recovers his senses,
+or till we can receive instructions what to do in that and similar
+cases.
+
+M. Cathalan wishes a copy of my Notes on Virginia. If you will be so
+good as to advise me by what channel they will go safely, I will do
+myself the honor of sending a copy, either of the original or of the
+translation. Present me affectionately to Mrs. Cathalan, the mother and
+daughter; tell the latter I feed on the hopes of seeing her one day at
+Paris. My friendly respects wait also on your father; and on yourself,
+assurances of the esteem and consideration with which I have the honor
+to be, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXIX.--TO THE DELEGATES OF RHODE ISLAND, July 22,1787
+
+
+TO THE DELEGATES OF RHODE ISLAND.
+
+Paris, July 22,1787.
+
+Gentlemen,
+
+I was honored, in the month of January last, with a letter from the
+honorable the Delegates of Rhode Island in Congress, enclosing a letter
+from the corporation of Rhode Island College to his Most Christian
+Majesty, and some other papers. I was then in the hurry of a preparation
+for a journey into the south of France, and therefore unable, at that
+moment, to make the inquiries which the object of the letter rendered
+necessary. As soon as I returned, which was in the last month, I
+turned my attention to that object, which was the establishment of a
+professorship of the French language in the College, and the obtaining
+a collection of the best French authors, with the aid of the King.
+That neither the College nor myself might be compromitted uselessly, I
+thought it necessary to sound, previously, those who were able to inform
+me what would be the success of the application. I was assured, so as to
+leave no doubt, that it would not be complied with; that there had
+never been an instance of the King's granting such a demand in a foreign
+country, and that they would be cautious of setting the precedent: that
+in this moment, too, they were embarrassed with the difficult operation
+of putting down all establishments of their own, which could possibly be
+dispensed with, in order to bring their expenditures down to the level
+of their receipts. Upon such information I was satisfied, that it was
+most prudent not to deliver the letter, and spare to both parties the
+disagreeableness of giving and receiving a denial. The King did give
+to two colleges in America copies of the works printing in the public
+press. But were this to be obtained for the College of Rhode Island,
+it would extend only to a volume or two of Buffon's works, still to
+be printed, Manilius's Astronomicon, and one or two other works in the
+press, which are of no consequence. I did not think this an object for
+the College worth being pressed. I beg the favor of you, gentlemen,
+to assure the corporation, that no endeavors of mine should have been
+spared, could they have effected their wish: and that they have been
+faithfully used in making the preliminary inquiries which are necessary,
+and which ended in an assurance, that nothing could be done. These
+papers having been transmitted to me through your delegation, will,
+I hope, be an apology for my availing myself of the same channel for
+communicating the result.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXX.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, July 23, 1787
+
+TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+Paris, July 23, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor, a few days ago, of putting into the hands of your
+Excellency, some observations on the other articles of American produce,
+brought into the ports of this country. That of our tobaccos, from the
+particular form of their administration here, and their importance to
+the King's revenues, has been placed on a separate line, and considered
+separately. I will now ask permission to bring that subject under your
+consideration.
+
+The mutual extension of their commerce was among the fairest advantages
+to be derived to France and the United States, from the independence of
+the latter. An exportation of eighty millions, chiefly in raw materials,
+is supposed to constitute the present limits of the commerce of the
+United States with the nations of Europe; limits, however, which extend
+as their population increases. To draw the best proportion of this into
+the ports of France, rather than of any other nation, is believed to
+be the wish and interest of both. Of these eighty millions, thirty are
+constituted by the single article of tobacco. Could the whole of this
+be brought into the ports of France, to satisfy its own demands, and the
+residue to be re-vended to other nations, it would be a powerful link
+of commercial connection. But we are far from this. Even her own
+consumption, supposed to be nine millions, under the administration
+of the monopoly to which it is farmed, enters little, as an article of
+exchange, into the commerce of the two nations. When this article was
+first put into Farm, perhaps it did not injure the commercial interests
+of the kingdom; because nothing but British manufactures were then
+allowed to be given in return for American tobaccos. The laying the
+trade open, then, to all the subjects of France, could not have relieved
+her from a payment in money. Circumstances are changed; yet the old
+institution remains. The body to which this monopoly was given, was
+not mercantile. Their object is to simplify, as much as possible, the
+administration of their affairs. They sell for cash; they purchase,
+therefore, with cash. Their interest, their principles, and their
+practice seem opposed to the general interest of the kingdom, which
+would require, that this capital article should be laid open to a free
+exchange for the productions of this country. So far does the spirit of
+simplifying their operations govern this body, that, relinquishing the
+advantages to be derived from a competition of sellers, they contracted
+some time ago with a single person (Mr. Morris) for three years'
+supplies of American tobacco, to be paid for in cash. They obliged
+themselves, too, expressly, to employ no other person to purchase in
+America, during that term. In consequence of this, the mercantile houses
+of France, concerned in sending her productions to be exchanged for
+tobacco, cut off for three years from the hope of selling these tobaccos
+in France, were of necessity to abandon that commerce. In consequence of
+this, too, a single individual, constituted sole purchaser of so great a
+proportion of the tobaccos made, had the price in his own power. A great
+reduction in it took place, and that not only on the quantity he bought,
+but on the whole quantity made. The loss to the States producing the
+article, did not go to cheapen it for their friends here. Their price
+was fixed. What was gained on their consumption, was to enrich the
+person purchasing it; the rest, the monopolists and merchants of other
+countries. The effect of this operation was vitally felt by every farmer
+in America, concerned in the culture of this plant. At the end of the
+year, he found he had lost a fourth or a third of his revenue; the
+State, the same proportion of its subjects of exchange with other
+nations: the manufactures of this country, too, were either not to go
+there at all, or go through the channel of a new monopoly, which, freed
+from the control of competition in prices and qualities, was not likely
+to extend their consumption. It became necessary to relieve the two
+countries from the fatal effects of this double monopoly. I had the
+honor of addressing a letter, on the 15th day of August, 1785, to his
+late Excellency, the Count de Vergennes, upon this subject, a copy of
+which I do myself the honor herein to enclose. The effectual mode of
+relief was to lay the commerce open. But the King's interest was also
+to be guarded. A committee was appointed to take this matter into
+consideration; and the result was, an order to the Farmers General, that
+no such contract should be made again. And to furnish such aliment as
+might keep that branch of commerce alive, till the expiration of the
+present contract, they were required to put the merchants in general on
+a level with Mr. Morris, for the quantity of twelve or fifteen thousand
+hogsheads a year. That this relief, too, might not be intercepted from
+the merchants of the two suffering nations, by those of a neighboring
+one, and that the transportation of so bulky an article might go to
+nourish their own shipping, no tobaccos were to be counted of this
+purchase, but those brought in French or American vessels. Of this
+order, made at Bernis, his Excellency, Count de Vergennes, was pleased
+to honor me with a communication, by a letter of the 30th of May, 1786;
+desiring that I would publish it as well in America as to the American
+merchants in France. I did so; communicating it to Congress at the same
+time. This order, thus viewed, with the transactions which produced
+it, will be seen to have been necessary; and its punctual and candid
+execution has been rendered still more so, by the speculations of the
+merchants, entered into on the faith of it. Otherwise it would become
+the instrument of their ruin instead of their relief. A twelvemonth
+has elapsed some time since; and it is questioned, whether the Farmers
+General have purchased, within that time, the quantity prescribed, and
+on the conditions prescribed. It would be impossible for the merchants
+to prove the negative; it will be easy for the Farmers General to show
+the affirmative, if it exists. I hope that a branch of commerce of this
+extent, will be thought interesting enough to both nations to render it
+the desire of your Excellency to require, as I deem it my duty to ask,
+a report of the purchases they have made, according to the conditions
+of the order of Bernis, specifying in that report, 1. The quantities
+purchased; 2. the prices paid; 3. the dates of the purchase and payment;
+4. the flag of the vessel in which imported; 5. her name; 6. her port
+of delivery; and 7. the name of the seller. The four first articles make
+part of the conditions required by the order of Bernis; the three last
+may be necessary for the correction of any errors, which should happen
+to arise in the report.
+
+But the order of Bernis was never considered but as a temporary relief.
+The radical evil will still remain. There will be but one purchaser in
+the kingdom, and the hazard of his refusal will damp every mercantile
+speculation. It is very much to be desired, that before the expiration
+of this order, some measure may be devised, which may bring this great
+article into free commerce between the two nations. Had this been
+practicable at the time it was put into Farm, that mode of collecting
+the revenue would probably never have been adopted: now that it has
+become practicable, it seems reasonable to discontinue this mode, and to
+substitute some of those practised on other imported articles, on which
+a revenue is levied, without absolutely suppressing them in commerce.
+If the revenue can be secured, the interests of a few individuals will
+hardly be permitted to weigh against those of as many millions, equally
+subjects of his Majesty, and against those, too, of a nation allied
+to him by all the ties of treaty, of interest, and of affection. The
+privileges of the most favored nation have been mutually exchanged by
+treaty. But the productions of other nations, which do not rival those
+of France, are suffered to be bought and sold freely within the kingdom.
+By prohibiting all his Majesty's subjects from dealing in tobacco,
+except with a single company, one third of the exports of the United
+States are rendered uncommerciable here. This production is so
+peculiarly theirs, that its shackles affect no other nation. A relief
+from these shackles will form a memorable epoch in the commerce of
+the two nations. It will establish at once a great basis of exchange
+serving, like a point of union, to draw to it other members of our
+commerce. Nature, too, has conveniently assorted our wants and our
+superfluities to each other. Each nation has exactly to spare the
+articles which the other wants. We have a surplus of rice, tobacco,
+furs, peltry, potash, lamp-oils, timber, which France wants; she has a
+surplus of wines, brandies, esculent oils, fruits, and manufactures of
+all kinds, which we want. The governments have nothing to do, but not
+to hinder their merchants from making the exchange. The difference of
+language, laws, and customs, will be some obstacle for a time; but the
+interest of the merchants will surmount them. A more serious obstacle
+is our debt to Great Britain. Yet, since the treaty between this country
+and that, I should not despair of seeing that debt paid, in part, with
+the productions of France, if our produce can obtain here a free course
+of exchange for them. The distant prospect is still more promising. A
+century's experience has shown, that we double our numbers every twenty
+or twenty-five years. No circumstance can be foreseen, at this moment,
+which will lessen our rate of multiplication for centuries to come. For
+every article of the productions and manufactures of this country, then,
+which can be introduced into habit there, the demand will double every
+twenty or twenty-five years. And to introduce the habit, we have only to
+let the merchants alone. Whether we may descend, by a single step,
+from the present state to that of perfect freedom of commerce in this
+article; whether any, and what, intermediate operation may be necessary
+to prepare the way to this; what cautions must be observed for the
+security of his Majesty's revenue, which we do not wish to impair, will
+rest with the wisdom of his ministers, whose knowledge of the subject
+will enable them to devise the best plans, and whose patriotism and
+justice will dispose them to pursue them. To the friendly dispositions
+of your Excellency, of which we have had such early and multiplied
+proofs, I take the liberty of committing this subject, particularly,
+trusting that some method may be devised of reconciling the collection
+of his Majesty's revenues with the interests of the two nations; and
+have the honor of assuring you of those sincere sentiments of esteem and
+respect, with which I am your Excellency's most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXI.--TO MR. SKIPWITH, July 28, 1787
+
+
+TO MR. SKIPWITH.
+
+Paris, July 28, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+A long journey has prevented me from writing to any of my friends for
+some time past. This was undertaken with a view to benefit a dislocated
+and ill-set wrist, by the mineral waters of Aix, in Provence. Finding
+this hope vain, I was led from other views to cross the Alps as far as
+Turin, Milan, Genoa; to follow the Mediterranean as far as Cette, the
+canal of Languedoc, the Garonne, &c, to Paris. A most pleasing journey
+it proved; arts and agriculture offering something new at every step,
+and often things worth our imitation. But the accounts from our country
+give me to believe, that we are not in a condition to hope for the
+imitation of any thing good. All my letters are filled with details of
+our extravagance. From these accounts, I look back to the time of the
+war, as a time of happiness and enjoyment, when amidst the privation
+of many things not essential to happiness, we could not run in debt,
+because nobody would trust us; when we practised, of necessity, the
+maxim of buying nothing but what we had money in our pockets to pay
+for; a maxim, which, of all others, lays the broadest foundation for
+happiness. I see no remedy to our evils, but an open course of law.
+Harsh as it may seem, it would relieve the very patients who dread it,
+by stopping the course of their extravagance, before it renders their
+affairs entirely desperate. The eternal and bitter strictures on our
+conduct, which teem in every London paper, and are copied from them into
+others, fill me with anxiety on this subject. The state of things in
+Europe is rather threatening at this moment. The innovations of the
+Emperor in his dominions, have excited a spirit of resistance. His
+subjects in Brabant and Flanders are arming, and he has put forty-five
+thousand troops in motion towards that country. I believe they will come
+to blows. The parties in Holland have already spilt too much blood to be
+easily stopped. If left to themselves, I apprehend the Stadtholderians
+will be too strong; and if foreign powers interfere, the weight is still
+on their side. England and Prussia will be too much for France. As it is
+certain that neither of these powers wish for war, and that England and
+France are particularly averse to it, perhaps the matter may end in an
+armed mediation. If the mediators should not agree, they will draw their
+negotiations into length, and trust to the chapter of accidents for
+their final solution. With respect to our country, it stands well with
+the present ministry here. The non-payment of our debt is against us. We
+are occupied in procuring favorable terms of reception for our produce.
+
+*****
+
+Adieu, my Dear Sir, and be assured of the sentiments of sincere esteem
+of your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXII.--TO J. W. EPPES, July 28,1787
+
+
+TO J. W. EPPES.
+
+Paris, July 28,1787.
+
+Dear Jack,
+
+The letter which you were so kind as to write to me the 22nd of May,
+1786, was not delivered to me till the 3rd of May, 1787, when it found
+me in the neighborhood of Marseilles. Before that time you must have
+taken your degree, as mentioned in your letter. Those public testimonies
+which are earned by merit, and not by solicitation, may always be
+accepted without the imputation of vanity. Of this nature is the
+degree which your masters proposed to confer on you. I congratulate you
+sincerely on it. It will be a pleasing event to yourself; it will be the
+same to your parents and friends, and to none more than myself. Go on
+deserving applause, and you will be sure to meet with it: and the way to
+deserve it, is to be good, and to be industrious. I am sure you will be
+good, and hope you will be industrious. As to your future plan, I am
+too distant from you, to advise you on sure grounds. In general, I am
+of opinion that till the age of about sixteen, we are best employed on
+languages; Latin, Greek, French, and Spanish, or such of them as we can.
+After this, I think the College of William and Mary the best place to
+go through courses of Mathematics, Natural Philosophy in its different
+branches, and Law. Of the languages I have mentioned, I think Greek the
+least useful. Write me word, from time to time, how you go on. I shall
+always be glad to assist you with any books you may have occasion for,
+and you may count with certainty on every service I can ever render you,
+as well as on the sincere esteem of, Dear Jack, yours affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXIII.--TO A. DONALD, July 28, 1787
+
+
+TO A. DONALD.
+
+Paris, July 28, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I received with infinite satisfaction your letter of the 1st of March:
+it was the first information I had of your being in America. There is no
+person whom I shall see again with more cordial joy, whenever it shall
+be my lot to return to my native country; nor any one whose prosperity,
+in the mean time, will be more interesting to me. I find as I grow
+older, that I set a higher value on the intimacies of my youth, and am
+more afflicted by whatever loses one of them to me. Should it be in my
+power to render any service, in your shipment of tobacco to Havre de
+Grace, I shall do it with great pleasure. The order of Bernis has, I
+believe, been evaded by the Farmers General as much as possible. At
+this moment, I receive information from most of the seaports, that they
+refuse taking any tobacco, under the pretext, that they have purchased
+their whole quantity. From Havre I have heard nothing, and believe you
+will stand a better chance there than any where else. Being one of the
+ports of manufacture, too, it is entitled to a higher price. I have now
+desired that the Farmers may make a distinct return of their purchases,
+which are conformable to the order of Bernis. If they have really bought
+their quantity, on those terms, we must be satisfied: if they have not,
+I shall propose their being obliged to make it up instantly. There is a
+considerable accumulation of tobacco in the ports.
+
+Among many good qualities which my countrymen possess, some of a
+different character unhappily mix themselves. The most remarkable are
+indolence, extravagance, and infidelity to their engagements. Cure the
+two first, and the last would disappear, because it is a consequence
+of them, and not proceeding from a want of morals. I know of no remedy
+against indolence and extravagance, but a free course of justice. Every
+thing else is merely palliative: but unhappily, the evil has gained
+too generally the mass of the nation, to leave the course of justice
+unobstructed. The maxim of buying nothing without the money in our
+pockets to pay for it, would make of our country one of the happiest
+upon earth. Experience during the war proved this; as I think every man
+will remember, that under all the privations it obliged him to submit
+to, during that period, he slept sounder, and awaked happier than he
+can do now. Desperate of finding relief from a free course of justice,
+I look forward to the abolition of all credit, as the only other
+remedy which can take place. I have seen, therefore, with pleasure, the
+exaggerations of our want of faith, with which the London papers
+teem. It is, indeed, a strong medicine for sensible minds, but it is a
+medicine. It will prevent their crediting us abroad, in which case, we
+cannot be credited at home. I have been much concerned at the losses
+produced by the fire of Richmond. I hope you have escaped them. It will
+give me much pleasure to hear from you, as often as you can spare a
+moment to write. Be assured that nobody entertains for you sentiments of
+more perfect and sincere esteem than, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXIV.--TO WILLIAM DRAYTON, July 30, 1787
+
+
+TO WILLIAM DRAYTON.
+
+Paris, July 30, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+Having observed that the consumption of rice in this country, and
+particularly in this capital, was very great, I thought it my duty
+to inform myself from what markets they draw their supplies, in what
+proportion from ours, and whether it might not be practicable to
+increase that proportion. This city being little concerned in foreign
+commerce, it is difficult to obtain information on particular branches
+of it in the detail. I addressed myself to the retailers of rice, and
+from them received a mixture of truth and error, which I was unable to
+sift apart in the first moment. Continuing, however, my inquiries, they
+produced at length this result; that the dealers here, were in the habit
+of selling two qualities of rice, that of Carolina, with which they were
+supplied chiefly from England, and that of Piedmont: that the Carolina
+rice was long, slender, white, and transparent, answers well when
+prepared with milk, sugar, &ic. but not so well when prepared _au gras_;
+that that of Piedmont was shorter, thicker, and less white, but that it
+presented its form better when dressed _au gras_, was better tasted,
+and therefore preferred by good judges for those purposes: that the
+consumption of rice, in this form, was much the most considerable, but
+that the superior beauty of the Carolina rice, seducing the eye of those
+purchasers who are attached to appearances, the demand for it was
+upon the whole as great as for that of Piedmont. They supposed this
+difference of quality to proceed from a difference of management; that
+the Carolina rice was husked with an instrument which broke it more,
+and that less pains were taken to separate the broken from the unbroken
+grains; imagining that it was the broken grains which dissolved in oily
+preparations: that the Carolina rice costs somewhat less than that
+of Piedmont; but that being obliged to sort the whole grains from the
+broken, in order to satisfy the taste of their customers, they ask and
+receive as much for the first quality of Carolina, when sorted, as for
+the rice of Piedmont; but the second and third qualities, obtained by
+sorting, are sold much cheaper. The objection to the Carolina rice
+then, being, that it crumbles in certain forms of preparation, and
+this supposed to be the effect of a less perfect machine for husking, I
+flattered myself I should be able to learn what might be the machine of
+Piedmont, when I should arrive at Marseilles, to which place I was to
+go in the course of a tour through the seaport towns of this country.
+At Marseilles, however, they differed as much in the account of the
+machine, as at Paris they had differed about other circumstances. Some
+said it was husked between mill-stones, others between rubbers of wood
+in the form of mill-stones, others of cork. They concurred in one fact,
+however, that the machine might be seen by me, immediately on crossing
+the Alps. This would be an affair of three weeks. I crossed them, and
+went through the rice country from Vercelli to Pavia, about sixty
+miles. I found the machine to be absolutely the same with that used
+in Carolina, as well as I could recollect a description which Mr. E.
+Rutledge had given me of it. It is on the plan of a powder-mill. In some
+of them, indeed, they arm each pestle with an iron tooth, consisting of
+nine spikes hooped together, which I do not remember in the description
+of Mr. Rutledge. I therefore had a tooth made, which I have the honor
+of forwarding you with this letter; observing, at the same time, that
+as many of their machines are without teeth as with them, and of course,
+that the advantage is not very palpable. It seems to follow, then, that
+the rice of Lombardy (for though called Piedmont rice, it does not grow
+in that country, but in Lombardy) is of a different species from that of
+Carolina; different in form, in color, and in quality. We know that in
+Asia they have several distinct species of this grain. Monsieur Poivre,
+a former Governor of the Isle of France, in travelling through several
+countries of Asia, observed with particular attention the objects of
+their agriculture, and he tells us, that in Cochin-China they cultivate
+six several kinds of rice, which he describes, three of them requiring
+water, and three growing on highlands. The rice of Carolina is said to
+have come from Madagascar, and De Poivre tells us, it is the white rice
+which is cultivated there. This favors the probability of its being of a
+different species originally, from that of Piedmont; and time, culture,
+and climate may have made it still more different. Under this idea, I
+thought it would be well to furnish you with some of the Piedmont rice,
+unhusked, but was told it was contrary to the laws to export it in
+that form. I took such measures as I could, however, to have a quantity
+brought out, and lest these should fail, I brought, myself, a few
+pounds. A part of this I have addressed to you by the way of London;
+a part comes with this letter; and I shall send another parcel by some
+other conveyance, to prevent the danger of miscarriage. Any one of them
+arriving safe, may serve to put in seed, should the society think it
+an object. This seed, too, coming from Vercelli, where the best rice is
+supposed to grow, is more to be depended on, than what may be sent me
+hereafter. There is a rice from the Levant, which is considered as of a
+quality still different, and some think it superior to that of Piedmont.
+The troubles which have existed in that country for several years back,
+have intercepted it from the European market, so that it is become
+almost unknown. I procured a bag of it, however, at Marseilles, and
+another of the best rice of Lombardy, which are on their way to
+this place, and when arrived, I will forward you a quantity of each,
+sufficient to enable you to judge of their qualities when prepared for
+the table. I have also taken measures to have a quantity of it brought
+from the Levant, unhusked. If I succeed, it shall be forwarded in
+like manner. I should think it certainly advantageous to cultivate, in
+Carolina and Georgia, the two qualities demanded at market; because the
+progress of culture, with us, may soon get beyond the demand for the
+white rice; and because, too, there is often a brisk demand for the one
+quality, when the market is glutted with the other. I should hope there
+would be no danger of losing the species of white rice, by a confusion
+with the other. This would be a real misfortune, as I should not
+hesitate to pronounce the white, upon the whole, the most precious of
+the two, for us.
+
+The dry rice of Cochin-China has the reputation of being the whitest to
+the eye, best flavored to the taste, and most productive. It seems then
+to unite the good qualities of both the others known to us. Could it
+supplant them, it would be a great happiness, as it would enable us to
+get rid of those ponds of stagnant water, so fatal to human health and
+life. But such is the force of habit, and caprice of taste, that
+we could not be sure beforehand, it would produce this effect. The
+experiment, however, is worth trying, should it only end in producing
+a third quality, and increasing the demand. I will endeavor to procure
+some to be brought from Cochin-China. The event, however, will be
+uncertain and distant.
+
+I was induced, in the course of my journey through the south of France,
+to pay very particular attention to the objects of their culture,
+because the resemblance of their climate to that of the southern parts
+of the United States authorizes us to presume we may adopt any of their
+articles of culture, which we would wish for. We should not wish for
+their wines, though they are good and abundant. The culture of the vine
+is not desirable in lands capable of producing any thing else. It is a
+species of gambling, and of desperate gambling too, wherein, whether you
+make much or nothing, you are equally ruined. The middling crop alone is
+the saving point, and that the seasons seldom hit. Accordingly, we see
+much wretchedness among this class of cultivators. Wine, too, is so
+cheap in these countries, that a laborer with us, employed in the
+culture of any other article, may exchange it for wine, more and better
+than he could raise himself. It is a resource for a country, the whole
+of whose good soil is otherwise employed, and which still has some
+barren spots, and a surplus of population to employ on them. There the
+vine is good, because it is something in the place of nothing. It may
+become a resource to us at a still earlier period: when the increase of
+population shall increase our productions beyond the demand for them,
+both at home and abroad. Instead of going on to make an useless surplus
+of them, we may employ our supernumerary hands on the vine. But that
+period is not yet arrived.
+
+The almond tree is also so precarious, that none can depend for
+subsistence on its produce, but persons of capital.
+
+The caper, though a more tender plant, is more certain in its produce,
+because a mound of earth of the size of a cucumber hill, thrown over the
+plant in the fall, protects it effectually against the cold of winter.
+When the danger of frost is over in the spring, they uncover it, and
+begin its culture. There is a great deal of this in the neighborhood of
+Toulon. The plants are set about eight feet apart, and yield, one year
+with another, about two pounds of caper each, worth on the spot six
+pence sterling the pound. They require little culture, and this may
+be performed either with the plough or hoe. The principal work is the
+gathering of the fruit as it forms. Every plant must be picked every
+other day, from the last of June till the middle of October. But this is
+the work of women and children. This plant does well in any kind of soil
+which is dry, or even in walls where there is no soil, and it lasts the
+life of a man. Toulon would be the proper port to apply for them. I must
+observe, that the preceding details cannot be relied on with the fullest
+certainty, because, in the canton where this plant is cultivated, the
+inhabitants speak no written language, but a medley, which I could
+understand but very imperfectly.
+
+The fig and mulberry are so well known in America, that nothing need
+be said of them. Their culture, too, is by women and children, and
+therefore earnestly to be desired in countries where there are
+slaves. In these, the women and children are often employed in labors
+disproportioned to their sex and age. By presenting to the master
+objects of culture, easier and equally beneficial, all temptation to
+misemploy them would be removed, and the lot of this tender part of our
+species be much softened. By varying too the articles of culture, we
+multiply the chances for making something, and disarm the seasons, in a
+proportionable degree, of their calamitous effects.
+
+The olive is a tree the least known in America, and yet the most worthy
+of being known. Of all the gifts of heaven to man, it is next to the
+most precious, if it be not the most precious. Perhaps it may claim
+a preference even to bread; because there is such an infinitude of
+vegetables, which it renders a proper and comfortable nourishment. In
+passing the Alps at the Col de Tende, where they are mere masses of
+rock, wherever there happens to be a little soil, there are a number of
+olive trees, and a village supported by them. Take away these trees, and
+the same ground, in corn, would not support a single family. A pound of
+oil, which can be bought for three or four pence sterling, is equivalent
+to many pounds of flesh, by the quantity of vegetables it will prepare,
+and render fit and comfortable food. Without this tree, the country of
+Provence and territory of Genoa, would not support one half, perhaps
+not one third, their present inhabitants. The nature of the soil is of
+little consequence, if it be dry. The trees are planted from fifteen to
+twenty feet apart, and when tolerably good, will yield fifteen or twenty
+pounds of oil yearly, one with another. There are trees which yield much
+more. They begin to render good crops at twenty years old, and last till
+killed by cold, which happens at some time or other, even in their best
+positions in France. But they put out again from their roots. In Italy,
+I am told, they have trees of two hundred years old. They afford an
+easy but constant employment through the year, and require so little
+nourishment, that if the soil be fit for any other production, it may
+be cultivated among the olive trees, without injuring them. The northern
+limits of this tree, are the mountains of the Cevennes, from about the
+meridian of Carcassonne to the Rhone, and from thence, the Alps and
+Apennines as far as Genoa, I know, and how much farther I am not
+informed. The shelter of these mountains may be considered as equivalent
+to a degree and a half of latitude, at least; because westward of the
+commencement of the Cevennes, there are no olive trees in 43 1/2 deg.
+or even 43 deg. of latitude, whereas, we find them now on the Rhone at
+Pierrelatte, in 44 1/2 deg., and formerly they were at Tains, above the
+mouth of the Isere, in 45 deg., sheltered by the near approach of the
+Cevennes and Alps, which only leave there a passage for the Rhone.
+Whether such a shelter exists or not, in the States of South Carolina
+and Georgia, I know not. But this we may say, either that it exists, or
+that it is not necessary there; because we know that they produce
+the orange in open air; and wherever the orange will stand at all,
+experience shows that the olive will stand well; being a hardier tree.
+Notwithstanding the great quantities of oil made in France, they have
+not enough for their own consumption, and therefore import from other
+countries. This is an article, the consumption of which will always keep
+pace with its production. Raise it; and it begets its own demand. Little
+is carried to America, because Europe has it not to spare. We therefore
+have not learned the use of it. But cover the southern States with it,
+and every man will become a consumer of oil, within whose reach it can
+be brought, in point of price. If the memory of those persons is held
+in great respect in South Carolina, who introduced there the culture
+of rice, a plant which sows life and death with almost equal hand, what
+obligations would be due to him who should introduce the olive tree, and
+set the example of its culture! Were the owner of slaves to view it
+only as the means of bettering their condition, how much would he better
+that, by planting one of those trees for every slave he possessed!
+Having been myself an eye-witness to the blessings which this tree sheds
+on the poor, I never had my wishes so kindled for the introduction of
+any article of new culture into our own country. South Carolina and
+Georgia appear to me to be the States, wherein its success, in favorable
+positions at least, could not be doubted, and I flattered myself, it
+would come within the views of the society for agriculture, to begin the
+experiments which are to prove its practicability. Carcassonne is the
+place from which the plants may be most certainly and cheaply obtained.
+They can be sent from thence by water to Bordeaux, where they may be
+embarked on vessels bound to Charleston. There is too little intercourse
+between Charleston and Marseilles, to propose this as the port of
+exportation. I offer my services to the society, for the obtaining and
+forwarding any number of plants which may be desired.
+
+Before I quit the subject of climates, and the plants adapted to them,
+I will add, as a matter of curiosity, and of some utility too, that
+my journey through the southern parts of France, and the territory of
+Genoa, but still more the crossing of the Alps, enabled me to form a
+scale of the tenderer plants, and to arrange them according to their
+different powers of resisting cold. In passing the Alps at the Col de
+Tende, we cross three very high mountains, successively. In ascending,
+we lose these plants, one after another, as we rise, and find them again
+in the contrary order, as we descend on the other side; and this is
+repeated three times. Their order, proceeding from the tenderest to the
+hardiest, is as follows. Caper, orange, palm, aloe, olive, pomegranate,
+walnut, fig, almond. But this must be understood of the plant only;
+for as to the fruit, the order is somewhat different. The caper, for
+example, is the tenderest plant; yet, being so easily protected, it is
+among the most certain in its fruit. The almond, the hardiest plant,
+loses its fruit the oftenest, on account of its forwardness. The palm,
+hardier than the caper and orange, never produces perfect fruit here.
+
+I had the honor of sending you, the last year, some seeds of the sulla
+of Malta, or Spanish saintfoin. Lest they should have miscarried, I
+now pack with the rice a canister of the same kind of seed, raised
+by myself. By Colonel Franks, in the month of February last, I sent a
+parcel of acorns of the cork-oak, which I desired him to ask the favor
+of the Delegates of South Carolina in Congress, to forward to you.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXV.--TO JAMES MADISON, August 2, 1787
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, August 2, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last was of June the 20th. Yours, received since that date, are of
+May the 15th, and June the 6th. In mine, I acknowledged the receipt of
+the paccan nuts which came sealed up. I have reason to believe those in
+the box have arrived at L'Orient. By the Mary, Captain Howland, lately
+sailed from Havre to New York, I shipped three boxes of books, one
+marked J. M. for yourself, one marked B. F. for Dr. Franklin, and one
+marked W. H. for William Hay in Richmond. I have taken the liberty of
+addressing them all to you, as you will see by the enclosed bill of
+lading, in hopes you will be so good as to forward the other two. You
+will have opportunities of calling on the gentlemen for the freight,
+&c. In yours, you will find the books, noted in the account enclosed
+herewith. You have now Mably's works complete, except that on Poland,
+which I have never been able to get, but shall not cease to search
+for. Some other volumes are wanting too, to complete your collection of
+Chronologies. The fourth volume of D'Albon was lost by the bookbinder,
+and I have not yet been able to get one to replace it. I shall continue
+to try. The _Memoires sur les Droits et Impositions en Europe_ (cited by
+Smith) was a scarce and excessively dear book. They are now reprinting
+it. I think it will be in three or four quartos, of from nine to twelve
+livres a volume. When it is finished, I shall take a copy for you.
+Amelot's Travels into China, I can learn nothing of. I put among the
+books sent you, two somewhat voluminous, and the object of which
+will need explanation; these are the _Tableau de Paris_ and _L'Espion
+Anglois_. The former is truly a picture of private manners in Paris, but
+presented on the dark side, and a little darkened moreover. But there
+is so much truth in its groundwork, that it will be well worth your
+reading. You will then know Paris (and probably the other large cities
+of Europe) as well as if you had been there for years. _L'Espion
+Anglois_ is no caricature. It will give you a just idea of the wheels by
+which the machine of government is worked here. There are in it, also,
+many interesting details of the last war, which, in general, may be
+relied on. It may be considered as the small history of great events.
+I am in hopes, when you shall have read them, you will not think I have
+misspent your money for them. My method for making out this assortment
+was, to revise the list of my own purchases since the invoice of 1785,
+and to select such as I had found worth your having. Besides this,
+I have casually met with, and purchased, some few curious and cheap
+things.
+
+I must trouble you on behalf of a Mr. Thomas Burke, at Loughburke near
+Loughrea in Ireland, whose brother, James Burke, is supposed to have
+died, in 1785, on his passage from Jamaica, or St. Eustatius, to New
+York. His property on board the vessel is understood to have come to the
+hands of Alderman Groom at New York. The enclosed copy of a letter
+to him will more fully explain it. A particular friend of mine here,
+applies to me for information, which I must ask the favor of you to
+procure, and forward to me.
+
+Writing news to others, much pressed in time, and making this letter one
+of private business, I did not intend to have said any thing to you on
+political subjects. But I must press one subject. Mr. Adams informs me
+he has borrowed money in Holland, which, if confirmed by Congress,
+will enable them to pay, not only the interest due here to the foreign
+officers, but the principal. Let me beseech you to reflect on the
+expediency of transferring this debt to Holland. All our other debts
+in Europe do not injure our reputation so much as this. These gentlemen
+have connections both in and out of office, and these again their
+connections, so that our default on this article is further known,
+more blamed, and excites worse dispositions against us, than you can
+conceive. If you think as I do, pray try to procure an order for paying
+off their capital. Mr. Adams adds, that if any certain tax is provided
+for the payment of interest, Congress may borrow enough in Holland to
+pay off their whole debts in France, both public and private, to the
+crown, to the Farmers, and to Beaumarchais. Surely it will be better
+to transfer these debts to Holland. So critical is the state of that
+country, that I imagine the monied men of it, would be glad to place
+their money in foreign countries, and that Mr. Adams could borrow there
+for us, without a certain tax for the interest, and saving our faith
+too, by previous explanations on that subject. This country is really
+supposed on the eve of a * * * *. Such a spirit has risen within a few
+weeks, as could not have been believed. They see the great deficit in
+their revenues, and the hopes of economy lessen daily. The parliament
+refuse to register any act for a new tax, and require an Assembly of
+the States. The object of this Assembly is evidently to give law to the
+King, to fix a constitution, to limit expenses. These views are said to
+gain upon the nation.*
+
+*****
+
+     [ * The parts of this letter marked by asterisks, are in
+     cipher, and unintelligible.]
+
+A final decision of some sort, should be made on Beaumarchais' affairs.
+
+I am, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem, Dear Sir, your friend
+and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXVI.--TO THOMAS BARCLAY, August 3, 1787
+
+
+TO THOMAS BARCLAY.
+
+Paris, August 3, 1787,
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your several favors of June the
+29th, and July the 6th and 8th.
+
+I am of opinion that the affair of Geraud and Roland in Holland, had
+better be committed to Mr. Dumas in Holland, as lawsuits must always
+be attended to by some person on the spot. For the same reason, I
+think that of La Vayse and Puchilberg should be managed by the agent at
+L'Orient, and Gruel's by the agent at Nantes. I shall always be ready
+to assist the agents of L'Orient and Nantes, in any way in my power; but
+were the details to be left to me, they would languish, necessarily, on
+account, of my distance from the place, and perhaps suffer too, for want
+of verbal consultations with the lawyers entrusted with them. You are
+now with Congress, and can take their orders on the subject. I shall
+therefore, do nothing in these matters, in reliance that you will
+put them into such channel as they direct, furnishing the necessary
+documents and explanations.
+
+*****
+
+With respect to French's affair, being perfectly satisfied myself, I
+have not ceased, nor shall I 'cease, endeavoring to satisfy others, that
+your conduct has been that of an honest and honorable debtor, and
+theirs the counterpart of Shylock in the play. I enclose you a letter
+containing my testimony on your general conduct, which I have written to
+relieve a debt of justice pressing on my mind, well knowing at the same
+time, you will not stand in need of it in America. Your conduct is too
+well known to Congress, your character to all the world, to need any
+testimonials.
+
+The moment I close my despatches for the packet, which will be the
+9th instant, I shall with great pleasure go to pay my respects to
+Mrs. Barclay at St. Germain, to satisfy her on the subject of your
+transactions, and to assure her that my resources shall be hers, as long
+as I have any. A multitude of letters to write, prevents my entering
+into the field of public news, further than to observe, that it is
+extremely doubtful whether the affairs of Holland will, or will not
+produce a war between France, on one side, and England and Prussia, on.
+the other.
+
+I beg you to accept assurances of the sincere esteem and respect, with
+which I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, your friend
+
+and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXVII.--TO E. CARRINGTON, August 4,1787
+
+
+TO E. CARRINGTON.
+
+Paris, August 4,1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Since mine of the 16th of January, I have been honored by your favors of
+April the 24th and June the 9th. I am happy to find that the States have
+come so generally into the scheme of the federal convention, from which,
+I am sure, we shall see wise propositions. I confess, I do not go as
+far in the reforms thought necessary, as some of my correspondents in
+America; but if the convention should adopt such propositions, I shall
+suppose them necessary. My general plan would be, to make the States
+one as to every thing connected with foreign nations, and several as
+to every thing purely domestic. But with all the imperfections of our
+present government, it is, without comparison, the best existing, or
+that ever did exist. Its greatest defect is the imperfect manner in
+which matters of commerce have been provided for. It has been so often
+said, as to be generally believed, that Congress have no power by the
+Confederation to enforce any thing; for example, contributions of money.
+It was not necessary to give them that power expressly; they have it
+by the law of nature. When two parties make a compact, there results to
+each a power of compelling the other to execute it. Compulsion was never
+so easy as in our case, where a single frigate would soon levy on the
+commerce of any State the deficiency of its contributions; nor more
+safe than in the hands of Congress, which has always shown that it
+would wait, as it ought to do, to the last extremities, before it
+would execute any of its powers which are disagreeable. I think it
+very material, to separate, in the hands of Congress, the executive and
+legislative powers, as the judiciary already are, in some degree. This,
+I hope, will be done. The want of it has been the source of more
+evil, than we have experienced from any other cause. Nothing is so
+embarrassing nor so mischievous, in a great assembly, as the details
+of execution. The smallest trifle of that kind, occupies as long as the
+most important act of legislation, and takes place of every thing else.
+Let any man recollect, or look over, the files of Congress: he will
+observe the most important propositions hanging over, from week to week,
+and month to month, till the occasions have passed them, and the things
+never done. I have ever viewed the executive details as the greatest
+cause of evil to us, because they in fact place us as if we had no
+federal head, by diverting the attention of that head from great to
+small objects; and should this division of power not be recommended by
+the convention, it is my opinion, Congress should make it, itself, by
+establishing an executive committee.
+
+*****
+
+I have the honor to be, with sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your
+most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson,
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXVIII.--TO DR. CURRIE, August 4, 1787
+
+
+TO DR. CURRIE.
+
+Paris, August 4, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am favored with your letter of May the 2nd, and most cordially
+sympathize in your late immense losses. It is a situation in which a man
+needs the aid of all his wisdom and philosophy. But as it is better
+to turn from the contemplation of our misfortunes, to the resources
+we possess for extricating ourselves, you will, of course, have found
+solace in your vigor of mind, health of body, talents, habits of
+business, in the consideration that you have time yet to retrieve every
+thing, and a knowledge that the very activity necessary for this, is a
+state of greater happiness than the unoccupied one, to which you had a
+thought of retiring. I wish the bulk of my extravagant countrymen had as
+good prospects and resources as you. But with many of them, a feebleness
+of mind makes them afraid to probe the true state of their affairs, and
+procrastinate the reformation which alone can save something, to those
+who may yet be saved. How happy a people were we during the war, from
+the single circumstance that we could not run in debt! This counteracted
+all the inconveniences we felt, as the present facility of ruining
+ourselves overweighs all the blessings of peace. I know no condition
+happier than that of a Virginia farmer might be, conducting himself as
+he did during the war. His estate supplies a good table, clothes itself
+and his family with their ordinary apparel, furnishes a small surplus to
+buy salt, sugar, coffee, and a little finery for his wife and daughters,
+enables him to receive and to visit his friends, and furnishes him
+pleasing and healthy occupation. To secure all this, he needs but one
+act of self-denial, to put off buying any thing till he has the money to
+pay for it. Mr. Ammonett did not come. He wrote to me, however, and I am
+making inquiry for the town and family he indicated. As yet, neither
+can be heard of, and were they to be found, the length of time would
+probably bar all claims against them. I have seen no object present
+so many desperate faces. However, if inquiry can lighten our way, that
+shall not be wanting, and I will write to him as soon as we discover
+any thing, or despair of discovering. Littlepage has succeeded well in
+Poland. He has some office, it is said, worth five hundred guineas a
+year. The box of seeds you were so kind as to forward me, came safe to
+hand. The arrival of my daughter, in good health, has been a source
+of immense comfort to me. The injury of which you had heard, was a
+dislocated wrist, and though it happened eleven months ago, was a simple
+dislocation, and immediately aided by the best surgeon in Paris, it is
+neither well, nor ever will be, so as to render me much service. The
+fingers remain swelled and crooked, the hand withered, and the joint
+having a very confined motion. You ask me when I shall return. My
+commission expires next spring, and if not renewed, I shall return then.
+If renewed, I shall stay somewhat longer: how much, will not depend on
+me altogether. So far as it does, I cannot fix the epoch of my return,
+though I always flatter myself it is not very distant. My habits are
+formed to those of my own country. I am past the time of changing them,
+and am, therefore, less happy any where else than there.
+
+I shall always be happy to hear from you, being with very sincere
+esteem, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXIX.--TO MR. HAWKINS, August 4, 1787
+
+
+TO MR. HAWKINS.
+
+Paris, August 4, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of March the 8th and
+June the 9th, and to give you many thanks for the trouble you have taken
+with the _dionaea muscipula_. I have not yet heard any thing of them,
+which makes me fear they have perished by the way. I believe the most
+effectual means of conveying them hither will be by the seed. I must add
+my thanks too for the vocabularies. This is an object I mean to pursue,
+as I am persuaded that the only method of investigating the filiation of
+the Indian nations, is by that of their languages.
+
+I look up with you to the federal convention, for an amendment of our
+federal affairs; yet I do not view them in so disadvantageous a light
+at present, as some do. And above all things, I am astonished at some
+people's considering a kingly government as a refuge. Advise such to
+read the fable of the frogs, who solicited Jupiter for a king. If that
+does not put them to rights, send them to Europe, to see something of
+the trappings of monarchy, and I will undertake, that every man shall go
+back thoroughly cured. If all the evils which can arise among us, from
+the republican form of our government, from this day to the day of
+judgment, could be put into a scale against what this country suffers
+from its monarchical form, in a week, or England, in a month, the latter
+would preponderate. Consider the contents of the Red Book in England, or
+the Almanac Royale of France, and say what a people gain by monarchy.
+No race of kings has ever presented above one man of common, sense, in
+twenty generations. The best they can do is, to leave things to their
+ministers; and what are their ministers, but a committee, badly chosen?
+If the king ever meddles, it is to do harm. Adieu, my Dear Sir, and be
+assured of the esteem of your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXX.--TO COLONEL MONROE, August 5, 1787
+
+
+TO COLONEL MONROE.
+
+Paris, August 5, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+A journey of between three and four months, into the southern parts of
+France and northern of Italy, has prevented my writing to you. In
+the mean time, you have changed your ground, and engaged in different
+occupations, so that I know not whether the news of this side the water
+will even amuse you. However, it is all I have for you. The storm which
+seemed to be raised suddenly in Brabant, will probably blow over.
+The Emperor, on his return to Vienna, pretended to revoke all the
+concessions which had been made by his Governors General, to his
+Brabantine subjects; but he, at the same time, called for deputies from
+among them to consult with. He will use their agency to draw himself out
+of the scrape, and all there I think will be quieted. Hostilities go on
+occasionally in Holland. France espouses the cause of the Patriots, as
+you know, and England and Prussia that of the Stadtholder. France and
+England are both unwilling to bring on a war, but a hasty move of the
+King of Prussia will perplex them. He has thought the stopping his
+sister sufficient cause for sacrificing a hundred or two thousand of his
+subjects, and as many Hollanders and French. He has therefore ordered
+twenty thousand men to march, without consulting England, or even his
+own ministers. He may thus drag England into a war, and of course this
+country, against their will. But it is certain they will do every thing
+they can, to prevent it; and that in this, at least, they agree.
+
+Though such a war might be gainful to us, yet it is much to be
+deprecated by us at this time. In all probability, France would be
+unequal to such a war by sea and by land, and it is not our interest or
+even safe for us, that she should be weakened. The great improvements
+in their constitution, effected by the _Assemblee des Notables_, you
+are apprized of. That of partitioning the country into a number
+of subordinate governments, under the administration of Provincial
+Assemblies, chosen by the people, is a capital one. But to the delirium
+of joy which these improvements gave the nation, a strange reverse of
+temper has suddenly succeeded. The deficiencies of their revenue
+were exposed, and they were frightful. Yet there was an appearance
+of intention to economize and reduce the expenses of government. But
+expenses are still very, inconsiderately incurred, and all reformation
+in that point despaired of. The public credit is affected; and such a
+spirit of discontent has arisen, as has never been seen. The parliament
+refused to register the edict for a stamp tax, or any other tax, and
+call for the States General, who alone, they say, can impose a new
+tax. They speak with a boldness unexampled. The King has called them to
+Versailles to-morrow, where he will hold a _lit de justice_ and compel
+them to register the tax. How the chapter will finish, we must wait to
+see. By a vessel lately sailed from Havre to New York, I have sent
+you some more _livraisons_ of the _Encyclopedie_, down to the 22nd
+inclusive. They were in a box with Dr. Currie's, and addressed to Mr.
+Madison, who will forward them to Richmond. I have heard you are in the
+Assembly. I will beg the favor of you, therefore, to give me, at the
+close of the session, a history of the most remarkable acts passed,
+the parties and views of the House, &c. This, with the small news of
+my country, crops and prices, furnish you abundant matter to treat
+me, while I have nothing to give you in return, but the history of
+the follies of nations in their dotage. Present me in respectful and
+friendly terms to Mrs. Monroe, and be assured of the sincere sentiments
+of esteem and attachment, with which I am Dear Sir, your friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXI.--TO JOHN JAY, August 6,1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, August 6,1787.
+
+The last letter I had the honor of addressing you was dated June
+the 21st. I have now that of enclosing you a letter from the Swedish
+ambassador, praying that inquiry may be made for a vessel of his nation,
+piratically carried off, and measures taken relative to the vessel,
+cargo, and crew. Also a letter from William Russell and others, citizens
+of America, concerned in trade to the island of Guadaloupe, addressed
+to the Marechal de Castries, and complaining of the shutting to them the
+port of Point a Pitre, and receiving them only at Basse-terre. This was
+enclosed to me by the subscribers, to be delivered to the Marechal de
+Castries. But the present is not the moment to move in that business:
+and moreover, I suppose, that whenever parties are within the reach of
+Congress, they should apply to them, and my instructions come through
+that channel. Matters, arising within the kingdom of France, to which
+my commission is limited, and not admitting time to take the orders
+of Congress, I suppose I may move in originally. I also enclose you
+the copy of a letter from Mr. Barclay, closing his proceedings in our
+affairs with Morocco. Before this reaches you, he will have had the
+honor of presenting himself to you in person. After his departure, the
+parliament of Bordeaux decided that he was liable to arrest. This was
+done on a letter from the minister, informing them that Mr. Barclay
+was invested with no character which privileged him from arrest. His
+constant character of consul was no protection, and they did not explain
+whether his character to Morocco was not originally diplomatic, or
+was expired. Mr. Barclay's proceedings under this commission being now
+closed, it would be incumbent on me to declare with respect to them, as
+well as his consular transactions, my opinion of the judgment, zeal, and
+disinterestedness with which he has conducted himself; were it not that
+Congress has been so possessed of those transactions from time to time,
+as to judge for themselves. I cannot but be uneasy, lest my delay of
+entering on the subject of the consular convention, may be disapproved.
+My hope was and is, that more practicable terms might be obtained: in
+this hope, I do nothing till further orders, observing by an extract
+from the journals you were pleased to send me, that Congress have
+referred the matter to your consideration, and conscious that we are not
+suffering in the mean time, as we have not a single consul in France,
+since the departure of Mr. Barclay. I mentioned to you in my last, the
+revival of the hopes of the Chevalier de la Luzerne. I thought it
+my duty to remind the Count de Montmorin, the other day, of the long
+absence of their minister from Congress. He told me, the Chevalier de
+la Luzerne would not be sent back, but that we might rely, that in the
+month of October a person would be sent, with whom we should be content.
+He did not name the person, though there is no doubt that it is the
+Count de Mourtier. It is an appointment, which, according to the opinion
+I have formed of him, bids as fair to give content, as any one which
+could be made.
+
+I also mentioned in my last letter, that I had proposed the reducing the
+substance of Monsieur de Calonne's letter into the form of an _Arret_,
+with some alterations, which, on consultation with the merchants at the
+different ports I visited, I had found to be necessary. I received soon
+after a letter from the Comptroller General, informing me, that the
+letter of Monsieur de Calonne was in a course of execution. Of this, I
+enclose you a copy. I was, in that moment, enclosing to him my general
+observations on that letter, a copy of which is also enclosed. In these
+I stated all the alterations I wished to have made. It became expedient
+soon after, to bring on the article of tobacco; first, to know whether
+the Farmers had executed the order of Bernis, and also to prepare some
+arrangements to succeed the expiration of this order. So that I am
+now pursuing the whole subject of our commerce, 1. to have necessary
+amendments made in Monsieur de Calonne's letter; 2. to put it into a
+more stable form; 3. to have full execution of the order of Bernis; 4.
+to provide arrangements for the article of tobacco, after that order
+shall be expired. By the copy of my letter on the two last points,
+you will perceive that I again press the abolition of the Farm of this
+article. The conferences on that subject give no hope of effecting that.
+Some poor palliative is probably all we shall obtain. The Marquis de la
+Fayette goes hand in hand with me in all these transactions, and is
+an invaluable auxiliary to me. I hope it will not be imputed either
+to partiality or affectation, my naming this gentleman so often in my
+despatches. Were I not to do it, it would be a suppression of truth, and
+the taking to myself the whole merit where he has the greatest share.
+
+The Emperor, on his return to Vienna, disavowed the concessions of
+his Governors General to his subjects of Brabant. He at the same time
+proposed their sending deputies to him, to consult on their affairs.
+They refused in the first moment; but afterwards nominated deputies;
+without giving them any power, however, to concede any thing. In the
+mean time, they are arming and training themselves. Probably the Emperor
+will avail himself of the aid of these deputies, to tread back his
+steps. He will be the more prompt to do this, that he may be in
+readiness to act freely, if he finds occasion, in the new scenes
+preparing in Holland. What these will be, cannot be foreseen. You
+well know, that the original party-divisions of that country were into
+Stadtholderians, Aristocrats, and Democrats. There was a subdivision
+of the Aristocrats, into violent and moderate, which was important.
+The violent Aristocrats would have wished to preserve all the powers
+of government in the hands of the Regents, and that these should remain
+self-elective: but choosing to receive a modification of these powers
+from the Stadtholder, rather than from the people, they threw themselves
+into his scale. The moderate Aristocrats would have consented to a
+temperate mixture of democracy, and particularly, that the Regents
+should be elected by the people. They were the declared enemies of the
+Stadtholder, and acted in concert with the Democrats, forming with them
+what was called the Patriots. It is the opinion of dispassionate
+people on the spot, that their views might have been effected. But the
+democratic party aimed at more. They talked of establishing tribunes of
+the people, of annual accounts, of depriving the magistrates at the will
+of the people, &c.; of enforcing all this with the arms in the hands of
+the _corps francs_; and in some places, as at Heusden, Sprang, &c.
+began the execution of these projects. The moderate Aristocrats found it
+difficult to strain their principles to this pitch. A schism took place
+between them and the Democrats, and the former have for some time been
+dropping off from the latter into the scale of the Stadtholder. This
+is the fatal coalition which governs without obstacle in Zealand,
+Friesland, and Guelderland, which constitutes the States of Utrecht, at
+Amersfort, and, with their aid, the plurality in the States General.
+The States of Holland, Groningen, and Overyssel, vote as yet in the
+opposition. But the coalition gains ground in the States of Holland, and
+has been prevalent in the Council of Amsterdam. If its progress be not
+stopped by a little moderation in the Democrats, it will turn the scale
+decidedly in favor of the Stadtholder, in the event of their being left
+to themselves without foreign interference. If foreign powers interfere,
+their prospect does not brighten. I see no sure friends to the Patriots
+but France, while Prussia and England are their assured enemies. Nor is
+it probable, that characters so greedy, so enterprising, as the Emperor
+and Empress, will be idle during such a struggle. Their views have long
+shown which side they would take. That France has engaged to interfere,
+and to support the Patriots, is beyond doubt. This engagement was
+entered into during the life of the late King of Prussia, whose eye was
+principally directed on the Emperor, and whose dispositions towards the
+Prince of Orange would have permitted him to be clipped a little close.
+But the present King comes in with warmer dispositions towards the
+Princess his sister. He has shown decidedly, that he will support her,
+even to the destruction of the balance of Europe, and the disturbance
+of its peace. The King of England has equally decided to support that
+house, at the risk of plunging his nation into another war. He supplies
+the Prince with money at this moment. A particular remittance of one
+hundred and twenty thousand guineas is known of. But his ministry is
+divided. Pitt is against the King's opinion, the Duke of Richmond and
+the rest of the ministers for it. Or, at least, such is the belief here.
+Mr. Adams will have informed you more certainly. This division in the
+English ministry, with the ill condition of their finances for war,
+produces a disposition even in the King, to try first every pacific
+measure: and that country and this were laboring jointly to stop
+the course of hostilities in Holland, to endeavor to effect an
+accommodation, and were scarcely executing at all the armaments ordered
+in their ports; when all of a sudden an inflammatory letter, written
+by the Princess of Orange to the King of Prussia, induces him, without
+consulting England, without consulting even his own Council, to issue
+orders by himself to his generals, to march twenty thousand men to
+revenge the insult supposed to be offered to his sister. With a pride
+and egotism planted in the heart of every King, he considers her being
+stopped in the road, as a sufficient cause to sacrifice a hundred or two
+thousand of his own subjects, and as many of his enemies, and to spread
+fire, sword, and desolation over the half of Europe. This hasty measure
+has embarrassed England, undesirous of war, if it can be avoided,
+yet unwilling to separate from the power who is to render its success
+probable. Still you may be assured, that that court is going on in
+concurrence with this, to prevent extremities, if possible; always
+understood, that if the war cannot be prevented, they will enter into
+it as parties, and in opposition to one another. This event is, in my
+opinion, to be deprecated by the friends of France. She never was equal
+to such a war by land, and such a one by sea; and less so now, than in
+any moment of the present reign. You remember that the nation was in a
+delirium of joy on the convocation of the _Notables_, and on the various
+reformations agreed on between them and the government. The picture of
+the distress of their finances was indeed frightful, but the intentions
+to reduce them to order seemed serious. The constitutional reformations
+have gone on well, but those of expenses make little progress. Some
+of the most obviously useless have indeed been lopped off, but the
+remainder is a heavy mass, difficult to be reduced. Despair has seized
+every mind, and they have passed from an extreme of joy to one of
+discontent. The parliament, therefore, oppose the registering any new
+tax, and insist on an Assembly of the States General. The object of
+this is to limit expenses, and dictate a constitution. The edict for
+the stamp tax has been the subject of reiterated orders and refusals to
+register. At length, the King has summoned the parliament to Versailles
+to hold a bed of justice, in which he will order them, in person,
+to register the edict. At the moment of my writing, they are gone to
+Versailles for this purpose. There will yet remain to them, to protest
+against the register, as forced, and to issue orders against its
+execution on pain of death. But as the King would have no peaceable mode
+of opposition left, it remains to be seen, whether they will push the
+matter to this extremity. It is evident, I think, that the spirit of
+this country is advancing towards a revolution in their constitution.
+There are not wanting persons at the helm, friends to the progress
+of this spirit. The Provincial Assemblies will be the most probable
+instrument of effecting it.
+
+Since writing thus far, I have received an intimation, that it will be
+agreeable not to press our commercial regulations at this moment, the
+ministry being too much occupied with the difficulties surrounding them,
+to spare a moment on any subject which will admit of delay. Our business
+must, therefore, be suspended for a while. To press it out of season,
+would be to defeat, it. It would be felt as a vital benefit here, could
+we relieve their finances, by paying what we owe. Congress will judge
+by Mr. Adams's letters, how far the transferring all our debts in this
+country to Holland is practicable. On the replenishing their treasury
+with our principal and interest, I should not be afraid to ask
+concessions in favor of our West India trade. It would produce a great
+change of opinion as to us and our affairs. In the _Assemblee des
+Notables_, hard things were said of us. They were induced, however,
+in committing us to writing, to smother their ideas a little. In their
+votes, now gone to be printed, our debt is described in these words.
+The twenty-first article of the account, formed of the interest of the
+claims of his Majesty on the United States of America, cannot be drawn
+out for the present, except as a document. The recovery of these claims,
+as well principal as perhaps even interest, although they appear to
+rest on the most solid security, may, nevertheless, be long delayed, and
+should not, consequently, be taken into account in estimating the annual
+revenue. This article amounts to one million and six hundred thousand
+livres.' Above all things, it is desirable to hush the foreign officers
+by payment. Their wants, the nature of their services, their access
+to high characters, and connections with them, bespeak the reasons for
+this. I hear also that Mr. Beaumarchais means to make himself heard,
+if a memorial which he sends by an agent in the present packet is not
+attended to, as he thinks it ought to be. He called on me with it,
+and desired me to recommend his case to a decision, and to note in my
+despatch, that it was the first time he had spoken to me on the
+subject. This is true, it being the first time I ever saw him; but my
+recommendations would be as displaced as unnecessary. I assured him
+Congress would do in that business what justice should require, and
+their means enable them. The information sent me by Mr. Montgomery
+from Alicant, of the death of the Dey of Algiers, was not true. I had
+expressed my doubt of it in my last, when I communicated it. I send
+herewith the newspapers to this date, and a remonstrance of the
+parliament, to show you in what language the King can be addressed at
+this day. I have received no journal of Congress since the beginning of
+November last, and will thank you for them, if printed.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+P. S. August 7. The parliament were received yesterday very harshly
+by the King. He obliged them to register the two edicts for the _impot
+territorial_ and stamp tax. When speaking in my letter of the reiterated
+orders and refusals to register, which passed between the King and
+parliament, I omitted to insert the King's answer to a deputation of
+parliament, which attended him at Versailles. It may serve to show
+the spirit which exists between them. It was in these words, and these
+only:--'_Je vous ferai savoir mes intentions. Allez-vous-en. Qu'on ferme
+la porte._'
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXII.--TO JOHN CHURCHMAN, August 8, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN CHURCHMAN.
+
+Paris, August 8, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have duly received your favor of June the 6th, and immediately
+communicated its contents to a member of the Academy. He told me that
+they had received the other copy of your memorial, which you mention to
+have sent through another channel; that your ideas were not conveyed so
+explicitly, as to enable them to decide finally on their merit, but that
+they had made an entry in their journals, to preserve to you the claim
+of the original idea. As far as we can conjecture it here, we imagine
+you make a table of variations of the needle, for all the different
+meridians whatever. To apply this table to use in the voyage between
+America and Europe, suppose the variation to increase a degree in every
+one hundred and sixty miles. Two difficulties occur; 1. a ready and
+accurate method of finding the variation of the place; 2. an instrument
+so perfect, as that (though the degree on it shall represent one hundred
+and sixty miles) it shall give the parts of the degree so minutely, as
+to answer the purpose of the navigator. The variation of the needle
+at Paris, actually, is 21 deg. west. I make no question you have provided
+against the doubts entertained here, and I shall be happy that our
+country may have the honor of furnishing the old world, what it has so
+long sought in vain.
+
+I am with much respect, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXIII.--TO MONSIEUR L HOMMANDE, August 9, 1787
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR L HOMMANDE.
+
+Paris, August 9, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+At the time you honored me with your letter of May the 31st, I was not
+returned from a journey I had taken into Italy. This circumstance,
+with the mass of business which had accumulated during my absence, must
+apologize for the delay of my answer. Every discovery, which multiplies
+the subsistence of man, must be a matter of joy to every friend to
+humanity. As such, I learn with great satisfaction, that you have
+found the means of preserving flour more perfectly than has been done
+hitherto. But I am not authorized to avail my country of it, by making
+any offer for its communication. Their policy is to leave their citizens
+free, neither restraining nor aiding them in their pursuits. Though the
+interposition of government in matters of invention has its use, yet it
+is in practice so inseparable from abuse, that they think it better
+not to meddle with it. We are only to hope, therefore, that those
+governments, who are in the habit of directing all the actions of their
+subjects by particular law, may be so far sensible of the duty they
+are under of cultivating useful discoveries, as to reward you amply for
+yours, which is among the most interesting to humanity.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great consideration and respect, Sir, your
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXIV.--TO PETER CARR, August 10, 1787
+
+
+TO PETER CARR.
+
+Paris, August 10, 1787.
+
+Dear Peter,
+
+I have received your two letters of December the 30th and April the
+18th, and am very happy to find by them, as well as by letters from Mr.
+Wythe, that you have been so fortunate as to attract his notice and
+good will: I am sure you will find this to have been one of the most
+fortunate events of your life, as I have ever been sensible it was of
+mine. I enclose you a sketch of the sciences to which I would wish you
+to apply, in such order as Mr. Wythe shall advise: I mention also the
+books in them worth your reading, which submit to his correction. Many
+of these are among your father's books, which you should have brought
+to you. As I do not recollect those of them not in his library, you must
+write to me for them, making out a catalogue of such as you think you
+shall have occasion for in eighteen months from the date of your letter,
+and consulting Mr. Wythe on the subject. To this sketch I will add a few
+particular observations.
+
+1. Italian. I fear the learning this language will confound your French
+and Spanish. Being all of them degenerated dialects of the Latin, they
+are apt to mix in conversation. I have never seen a person speaking the
+three languages, who did not mix them. It is a delightful language, but
+late events having rendered the Spanish more useful, lay it aside to
+prosecute that.
+
+2. Spanish. Bestow great attention on this, and endeavor to acquire an
+accurate knowledge of it. Our future connections with Spain and Spanish
+America, will render that language a valuable acquisition. The ancient
+history of a great part of America, too, is written in that language. I
+send you a dictionary.
+
+3. Moral Philosophy. I think it lost time to attend lectures on this
+branch. He who made us would have been a pitiful bungler, if he had
+made the rules of our moral conduct a matter of science. For one man
+of science, there are thousands who are not. What would have become of
+them? Man was destined for society. His morality, therefore, was to be
+formed to this object. He was endowed with a sense of right and wrong,
+merely relative to this. This sense is as much a part of his nature,
+as the sense of hearing, seeing, feeling; it is the true foundation of
+morality, and not the [Greek: no alon]
+
+[Illustration: Greek phrase page216]
+
+truth, &c, as fanciful writers have imagined. The moral sense, or
+conscience, is as much a part of man, as his leg or arm. It is given to
+all human beings, in a stronger or weaker degree, as force of members
+is given them in a greater or less degree. It may be strengthened
+by exercise, as may any particular limb of the body. This sense is
+submitted, indeed, in some degree, to the guidance of reason; but it is
+a small stock which is required for this: even a less one than what we
+call common sense. State a moral case to a ploughman and a professor.
+The former will decide it as well, and often better than the latter,
+because he has not been led astray by artificial rules. In this branch,
+therefore, read good books, because they will encourage, as well as
+direct your feelings. The writings of Sterne, particularly, form the
+best course of morality that ever was written. Besides these, read the
+books mentioned in the enclosed paper: and, above all things, lose no
+occasion of exercising your dispositions to be grateful, to be generous,
+to be charitable, to be humane, to be true, just, firm, orderly,
+courageous, &c. Consider every act of this kind, as an exercise which
+will strengthen your moral faculties, and increase your worth.
+
+4. Religion, Your reason is now mature enough to examine this object.
+In the first place, divest yourself of all bias in favor of novelty and
+singularity of opinion. Indulge them in any other subject rather than
+that of religion. It is too important, and the consequences of error may
+be too serious. On the other hand, shake off all the fears and servile
+prejudices, under which weak minds are servilely crouched. Fix reason
+firmly in her seat, and call to her tribunal every fact, every opinion.
+Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be
+one, he must more approve the homage of reason, than that of blindfolded
+fear. You will naturally examine, first, the religion of your own
+country. Read the Bible, then, as you would read Livy or Tacitus. The
+facts which are within the ordinary course of nature, you will believe
+on the authority of the writer, as you do those of the same kind in Livy
+and Tacitus. The testimony of the writer weighs in their favor, in one
+scale, and their not being against the laws of nature, does not weigh
+against them. But those facts in the Bible, which contradict the laws of
+nature, must be examined with more care, and under a variety of faces.
+Here you must recur to the pretensions of the writer to inspiration from
+God. Examine upon what evidence his pretensions are founded, and
+whether that evidence is so strong, as that its falsehood would be more
+improbable than a change of the laws of nature, in the case he relates.
+For example, in the book of Joshua we are told the sun stood still
+several hours. Were we to read that fact in Livy or Tacitus, we should
+class it with their showers of blood, speaking of statues, beasts, &c.
+But it is said, that the writer of that book was inspired. Examine,
+therefore, candidly, what evidence there is of his having been inspired.
+The pretension is entitled to your inquiry, because millions believe it.
+On the other hand, you are astronomer enough to know, how contrary it
+is to the law of nature, that a body revolving on its axis, as the earth
+does, should have stopped, should not, by that sudden stoppage, have
+prostrated animals, trees, buildings, and should after a certain
+time have resumed its revolution, and that without a second general
+prostration. Is this arrest of the earth's motion, or the evidence which
+affirms it, most within the law of probabilities? You will next read the
+New Testament. It is the history of a personage called Jesus. Keep in
+your eye the opposite pretensions, 1. of those who say he was begotten
+by God, born of a virgin, suspended, and reversed the laws of nature at
+will, and ascended bodily into heaven: and, 2. of those who say he was
+a man, of illegitimate birth, of a benevolent heart, enthusiastic mind,
+who set out without pretensions to divinity, ended in believing them,
+and was punished capitally for sedition, by being gibbeted, according
+to the Roman law, which punished the first commission of that offence by
+whipping, and the second by exile or death _in furca_. See this law in
+the Digest, Lib. 48, tit. 19, Sec. 28. 3. and Lipsius, Lib. 2. _De Cruce_,
+cap. 2. These questions are examined in the books I have mentioned,
+under the head of Religion, and several others. They will assist you in
+your inquiries; but keep your reason firmly on the watch in reading
+them all. Do not be frightened from this inquiry by any fear of its
+consequences. If it ends in a belief that there is no God, you will find
+incitements to virtue in the comfort and pleasantness you feel in its
+exercise, and the love of others which it will procure you. If you find
+reason to believe there is a God, a consciousness that you are acting
+under his eye, and that he approves you, will be a vast additional
+incitement: if that there be a future state, the hope of a happy
+existence in that, increases the appetite to deserve it: if that Jesus
+was also a God, you will be comforted by a belief of his aid and love.
+In fine, I repeat, you must lay aside all prejudice on both sides,
+and neither believe nor reject any thing, because any other person, or
+description of persons, have rejected or believed it. Your own reason is
+the only oracle given you by Heaven, and you are answerable not for the
+rightness, but uprightness of the decision. I forgot to observe, when
+speaking of the New Testament, that you should read all the histories
+of Christ, as well of those whom a council of ecclesiastics have decided
+for us to be Pseudo-evangelists, as those they named Evangelists.
+Because these Pseudo-evangelists pretended to inspiration as much as the
+others, and you are to judge their pretensions by your own reason, and
+not by the reason of those ecclesiastics. Most of these are lost. There
+are some, however, still extant, collected by Fabricius, which I will
+endeavor to get and send you.
+
+5. Travelling. This makes men wiser, but less happy. When men of sober
+age travel, they gather knowledge, which they may apply usefully for
+their country; but they are subject ever after to recollections mixed
+with regret; their affections are weakened by being extended over more
+objects; and they learn new habits, which cannot be gratified when
+they return home. Young men who travel are exposed to all these
+inconveniences in a higher degree, to others still more serious, and do
+not acquire that wisdom for which a previous foundation is requisite, by
+repeated and just observations at home. The glare of pomp and pleasure
+is analogous to the motion of the blood; it absorbs all their affection
+and attention; they are torn from it as from the only good in this
+world, and return to their home as to a place of exile and condemnation.
+Their eyes are for ever turned back to the object they have lost, and
+its recollection poisons the residue of their lives. Their first and
+most delicate passions are hackneyed on unworthy objects here, and they
+carry home the dregs, insufficient to make themselves or any body else
+happy. Add to this, that a habit of idleness, an inability to apply
+themselves to business is acquired, and renders them useless to
+themselves and their country. These observations are founded in
+experience. There is no place where your pursuit of knowledge will be
+so little obstructed by foreign objects, as in your own country, nor any
+wherein the virtues of the heart will be less exposed to be weakened. Be
+good, be learned, and be industrious, and you will not want the aid
+of travelling, to render you precious to your country, dear to your
+friends, happy within yourself. I repeat my advice, to take a great deal
+of exercise, and on foot. Health is the first requisite after morality.
+Write to me often, and be assured of the interest I take in your
+success, as well as the warmth of those sentiments of attachment with
+which I am, Dear Peter, your affectionate friend,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXV.--TO DR. GILMER, August 11, 1787
+
+
+TO DR. GILMER.
+
+Paris, August 11, 1787.
+
+Dear Doctor,
+
+Your letter of January the 9th, 1787, came safely to hand in the month
+of June last. Unluckily you forgot to sign it, and your hand-writing is
+so Protean, that one cannot be sure it is yours. To increase the causes
+of incertitude, it was dated Pen-Park, a name which I only know, as the
+seat of John Harmer. The hand-writing, too, being somewhat in his style,
+made me ascribe it hastily to him, indorse it with his name, and let
+it lie in my bundle to be answered at leisure. That moment of leisure
+arriving, I sat down to answer it to John Harmer, and now, for the
+first time, discover marks of its being yours, and particularly those
+expressions of friendship to myself and family, which you have ever been
+so good as to entertain, and which are to me among the most precious
+possessions. I wish my sense of this, and my desires of seeing you rich
+and happy, may not prevent my seeing any difficulty in the case you
+state of George Harmer's wills; which, as you state them, are thus.
+
+1. A will, dated December the 26th, 1779, written in his own hand, and
+devising to his brother the estates he had received from him.
+
+2. Another will, dated June the 25th, 1782, written also in his own
+hand, devising his estate to trustees, to be conveyed to such of his
+relations, I. H., I. L., or H. L., as should become capable of acquiring
+property, or, on failure of that, to be sold, and the money remitted
+them.
+
+3. A third will, dated September the 12th, 1786, devising all his estate
+at Marrowbone, and his tracts at Horse-pasture and Poison-field to you;
+which will is admitted to record, and of course has been duly executed.
+
+You say the learned are divided on these wills. Yet I see no cause of
+division, as it requires little learning to decide, that 'the first
+deed and last will must always prevail.' I am afraid, therefore, the
+difficulty may arise on the want of words of inheritance in the devise
+to you: for you state it as a devise to 'George Gilmer'(without adding
+'and to his heirs') of 'all the _estate_ called Marrowbone,' 'the
+_tract_ called Horse-pasture,' and 'the tract called Poison-field.' If
+the question is on this point, and you have copied the words of the will
+exactly, I suppose you take an estate in fee simple in Marrowbone, and
+for life only in Horse-pasture and Poison-field; the want of words of
+inheritance in the two last cases, being supplied as to the first, by
+the word 'estate,' which has been repeatedly decided to be descriptive
+of the quantum of interest devised, as well as of its locality. I am in
+hopes, however, you have not copied the words exactly, that there are
+words of inheritance to all the devises, as the testator certainly
+knew their necessity, and that the conflict only will be between the
+different wills, in which case, I see nothing which can be opposed to
+the last. I shall be very happy to eat at Pen-park some of the good
+mutton and beef of Marrowbone, Horse-pasture, and Poison-field, with
+yourself and Mrs. Gilmer, and my good old neighbors. I am as happy no
+where else, and in no other society, and all my wishes end, where I hope
+my days will end, at Monticello. Too many scenes of happiness mingle
+themselves with all the recollections of my native woods and fields, to
+suffer them to be supplanted in my affection by any other. I consider
+myself here as a traveller only, and not a resident. My commission
+expires next spring, and if not renewed, I shall of course return then.
+If renewed, I shall remain here some time longer. How much, I cannot
+say; yet my wishes shorten the period. Among the strongest inducements,
+will be that of your society and Mrs. Gilmer's, which I am glad to find
+brought more within reach, by your return to Pen-park. My daughters are
+importunate to return also. Patsy enjoys good health, and is growing
+to my stature. Maria arrived here about a month ago, after a favorable
+voyage, and in perfect health. My own health has been as good as ever,
+after the first year's probation. If you knew how agreeable to me are
+the details of the small news of my neighborhood, your charity would
+induce you to write frequently. Your letters lodged in the post-office
+at Richmond (to be forwarded to New York) come with certainty. We are
+doubtful yet, whether there will be war or not. Present me with warm
+affection to Mrs. Gilmer, and be assured yourself of the unvarying
+sentiments of esteem and attachment, with which I am, Dear Doctor, your
+sincere friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXVI.--TO JOSEPH JONES, August 14, 1787
+
+
+TO JOSEPH JONES.
+
+Paris, August 14, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have never yet thanked you, but with the heart, for the act of
+Assembly confirming the agreement with Maryland, the pamphlet, and
+papers, I received from you a twelvemonth ago. Very soon after their
+receipt, I got my right wrist dislocated, which prevented me long from
+writing, and as soon as that was able to bear it, I took a long journey,
+from which I am but lately returned. I am anxious to hear what
+our federal convention recommends, and what the States will do in
+consequence of their recommendation. * * * * With all the defects of
+our constitution, whether general or particular, the comparison of our
+governments with those of Europe, is like a comparison of heaven and
+hell. England, like the earth, may be allowed to take the intermediate
+station. And yet I hear there are people among you, who think the
+experience of our governments has already proved, that republican
+governments will not answer. Send those gentry here, to count the
+blessings of monarchy. A king's sister, for instance, stopped in the
+road, and on a hostile journey, is sufficient cause for him to march
+immediately twenty thousand men to revenge this insult, when he had
+shown himself little moved by the matter of right then in question.
+
+*****
+
+From all these broils we are happily free, and that God may keep us long
+so, and yourself in health and happiness, is the prayer of,
+
+Dear Sir, your most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXVII.--TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, August 14, 1787
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+Paris, August 14, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I was happy to find, by the letter of August the 1st, 1786, which you
+did me the honor to write to me, that the modern dress for your statue,
+would meet your approbation. I found it strongly the sentiment of
+West, Copely, Trumbull, and Brown, in London; after which it would be
+ridiculous to add, that it was my own. I think a modern in an antique
+dress, as just an object of ridicule, as a Hercules or Marius with a
+periwig and chapeau bras.
+
+I remember having written to you, while Congress sat at Annapolis, on
+the water communication between ours and the western country, and to
+have mentioned, particularly, the information I had received of
+the plain face of the country between the sources of Big-beaver and
+Cayohoga, which made me hope that a canal, of no great expense, might
+unite the navigation of Lake Erie and the Ohio. You must since have had
+occasion of getting better information on this subject, and if you have,
+you would oblige me by a communication of it. I consider this canal, if
+practicable, as a very important work.
+
+I remain in hopes of great and good effects from the decision of the
+Assembly over which you are presiding. To make our States one as to all
+foreign concerns, preserve them several as to all merely domestic,
+to give to the federal head some peaceable mode of enforcing its just
+authority, to organize that head into legislative, executive, and
+judiciary departments, are great desiderata in our federal constitution.
+Yet with all its defects, and with all those of our particular
+governments, the inconveniences resulting from them are so light, in
+comparison with those existing in every other government on earth, that
+our citizens may certainly be considered as in the happiest political
+situation which exists.
+
+The _Assemblee des Notables_ has been productive of much good in this
+country. The reformation of some of the most oppressive laws has taken
+place, and is taking place. The allotment of the State into subordinate
+governments, the administration of which is committed to persons chosen
+by the people, will work in time a very beneficial change in their
+constitution. The expense of the trappings of monarchy, too, is
+lightening. Many of the useless officers, high and low, of the King,
+Queen, and Princes, are struck off. Notwithstanding all this, the
+discovery of the abominable abuses of public money by the late
+Comptroller General, some new expenses of the court, not of a piece with
+the projects of reformation, and the imposition of new taxes, have, in
+the course of a few weeks, raised a spirit of discontent in this nation,
+so great and so general, as to threaten serious consequences. The
+parliaments in general, and particularly that of Paris, put themselves
+at the head of this effervescence, and direct its object to the calling
+the States General, who have not been assembled since 1614. The object
+is to fix a constitution, and to limit expenses. The King has been
+obliged to hold a bed of justice, to enforce the registering the new
+taxes: the parliament, on their side, propose to issue a prohibition
+against their execution. Very possibly this may bring on their exile.
+The mild and patriotic character of the new ministry is the principal
+dependence against this extremity.
+
+The turn which the affairs of Europe will take, is not yet decided.
+
+A war, wherein France, Holland, and England should be parties, seems,
+_prima facie_, to promise much advantage to us. But, in the first place,
+no war can be safe for us, which threatens France with an unfavorable
+issue. And, in the next, it will probably embark us again into the
+ocean of speculation, engage us to overtrade ourselves, convert us into
+sea-rovers, under French and Dutch colors, divert us from agriculture,
+which is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute
+most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness. The wealth acquired by
+speculation and plunder, is fugacious in its nature, and fills society
+with the spirit of gambling. The moderate and sure income of husbandry
+begets permanent improvement, quiet life, and orderly conduct, both
+public and private. We have no occasion for more commerce than to
+take off our superfluous produce, and the people complain that some
+restrictions prevent this; yet the price of articles with us, in
+general, shows the contrary. Tobacco, indeed, is low, not because we
+cannot carry it where we please, but because we make more than the
+consumption requires. Upon the whole, I think peace advantageous to
+us, necessary for Europe, and desirable for humanity. A few days will
+decide, probably, whether all these considerations are to give way to
+the bad passions of Kings, and those who would be Kings.
+
+I have the honor to be, with very sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+P. S. August 15. The parliament is exiled to Troyes this morning. T. J.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXVIII.--TO COLONEL HUMPHREYS, August 14, 1787
+
+
+TO COLONEL HUMPHREYS.
+
+Paris, August 14, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I remember when you left us, it was with a promise to supply all the
+defects of correspondence in our friends, of which we complained, and
+which you had felt in common with us. Yet I have received but one letter
+from you, which was dated June the 5th, 1786, and I answered it August
+the 14th, 1786. Dropping that, however, and beginning a new account,
+I will observe to you, that wonderful improvements are making here in
+various lines. In architecture, the wall of circumvallation round
+Paris, and the palaces by which we are to be let out and in, are
+nearly completed; four hospitals are to be built instead of the old
+_hotel-dieu_; one of the old bridges has all its houses demolished, and
+a second nearly so; a new bridge is begun at the Place Louis XV.; the
+Palais Royal is gutted, a considerable part in the centre of the
+garden being dug out, and a subterranean circus begun, wherein will be
+equestrian exhibitions, &c. In society, the _habit habille_ is almost
+banished, and they begin to go even to great suppers in frock: the court
+and diplomatic corps, however, must always be excepted. They are too
+high to be reached by any improvement. They are the last refuge from
+which etiquette, formality, and folly will be driven. Take away these,
+and they would be on a level with other people.
+
+     [After describing the unsettled state of Europe, as in some
+     of the preceding letters, the writer proceeds.]
+
+So much for the blessings of having Kings, and magistrates who would be
+Kings. From these events our young republics may learn useful lessons,
+never to call on foreign powers to settle their differences, to guard
+against hereditary magistrates, to prevent their citizens from becoming
+so established in wealth and power, as to be thought worthy of alliance
+by marriage with the nieces, sisters, &c. of Kings, and, in short, to
+besiege the throne of Heaven with eternal prayers, to extirpate from
+creation this class of human lions, tigers, and mammoths, called Kings;
+from whom, let him perish who does not say, 'Good Lord, deliver us;' and
+that so we may say, one and all, or perish, is the fervent prayer of
+him who has the honor to mix with it sincere wishes for your health and
+happiness, and to be, with real attachment and respect, Dear Sir, your
+affectionate friend and humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER LXXXIX.--TO JOHN JAY, August 15, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, August 15, 1787.
+
+An American gentleman leaving Paris this afternoon, to go by the way
+of L'Orient to Boston, furnishes me the rare occasion of a conveyance,
+other than the packet, sure and quick. My letter by the packet informed
+you of the bed of justice, for enregistering the stamp tax and land
+tax. The parliament, on their return came to an _Arretee_ (a resolution)
+which, besides protesting against the enregistering, as done by force,
+laid the foundation for an _Arret de defence_ (an act) against the
+execution of the two new laws. The question on the final _Arret_ was
+adjourned to the day before yesterday. It is believed they did not
+conclude on this _Arret_, as it has not appeared. However, there was a
+concourse of about ten thousand people at the parliament house, who, on
+their adjournment, received them with acclamations of joy, loosened
+the horses of the most eminent speakers against the tax from their
+carriages, and drew them home. This morning, the parliament is exiled
+to Troyes. It is believed to proceed, principally, from the fear of a
+popular commotion here.
+
+The officer charged by this court, to watch the English squadron, which
+was under sailing orders, returned about a week ago with information
+that it had sailed, having shaped its course west-wardly. This is
+another step towards war. It is the more suspicious, as their minister
+here denies the fact. Count Adhemar is here from London, by leave from
+his court. The Duke of Dorset, the British ambassador here, has lately
+gone to London on leave. Neither of these ambassadors has the confidence
+of his court, on the point of abilities. The latter merits it for his
+honesty. The minister of the British court, resident here, remains; but
+Mr. Eden, their ambassador to Spain, under pretence of taking this
+in his route, is in truth their _fac-totum_ in the present emergency.
+Nothing worth noting has occurred since my last, either in the Dutch or
+Austrian Netherlands.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XC.--TO JOHN ADAMS, August 30, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, August 30, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Since your favor of July the 10th, mine have been of July the 17th,
+23rd, and 28th. The last enclosed a bill of exchange from Mr. Grand, on
+Tessier, for L46. 17s. 10d. sterling, to answer General Sullivan's bill
+for that sum. I hope it got safe to hand, though I have been anxious
+about it, as it went by post, and my letters through that channel
+sometimes miscarry.
+
+From the separation of the _Notables_ to the present moment, has been
+perhaps the most interesting interval ever known in this country.
+The propositions of the government, approved by the _Notables_, were
+precious to the nation, and have been in an honest course of execution,
+some of them being carried into effect, and others preparing. Above all,
+the establishment of the Provincial Assemblies, some of which have begun
+their sessions, bid fair to be the instrument for circumscribing the
+power of the crown, and raising the people into consideration. The
+election given to them, is what will do this. Though the minister, who
+proposed these improvements, seems to have meant them as the price
+of the new supplies, the game has been so played, as to secure the
+improvements to the nation, without securing the price. The _Notables_
+spoke softly on the subject of the additional supplies. But the
+parliament took them up roundly, refused to register the edicts for the
+new taxes, till compelled in a bed of justice, and suffered themselves
+to be transferred to Troyes, rather than withdraw their opposition. It
+is urged principally against the King, that his revenue is one hundred
+and thirty millions more than that of his predecessor was, and yet he
+demands one hundred and twenty millions further. You will see this well
+explained in the '_Conference entre un Ministre d'etat et un Conseiller
+au parliament,_' which I send you with some small pamphlets. In the
+mean time, all tongues in Paris (and in France as it is said) have been
+let loose, and never was a license of speaking against the government,
+exercised in London more freely or more universally. Caricatures,
+placards, _bons-mots_, have been indulged in by all ranks of people,
+and I know of no well attested instance of a single punishment. For some
+time, mobs of ten, twenty, and thirty thousand people collected daily,
+surrounded the Parliament house, huzzaed the members, even entered
+the doors and examined into their conduct, took the horses out of the
+carriages of those who did well, and drew them home. The government
+thought it prudent to prevent these, drew some regiments into the
+neighborhood, multiplied the guards, had the streets constantly
+patrolled by strong parties, suspended privileged places, forbade all
+clubs, &c. The mobs have ceased: perhaps this may be partly owing to the
+absence of Parliament. The Count d'Artois, sent to hold a bed of justice
+in the _Cour des Aides_, was hissed and hooted without reserve, by the
+populace; the carriage of Madame de (I forget the name), in the Queen's
+livery, was stopped by the populace, under a belief that it was Madame
+de Polignac, whom they would have insulted; the Queen, going to the
+theatre at Versailles with Madame de Polignac, was received with a
+general hiss. The King, long in the habit of drowning his cares in
+wine, plunges deeper and deeper. The Queen cries, but sins on. The Count
+d'Artois is detested, and Monsieur, the general favorite. The Archbishop
+of Toulouse is made minister principal, a virtuous, patriotic, and able
+character. The Marechal de Castries retired yesterday, notwithstanding
+strong solicitations to remain in office. The Marechal de Segur retired
+at the same time, prompted to it by the court. Their successors are not
+yet known. Monsieur de St. Priest goes ambassador to Holland, in the
+room of Verac, transferred to Switzerland, and the Count de Moustier
+goes to America, in the room of the Chevalier de la Luzerne, who has
+a promise of the first vacancy. These nominations are not yet made
+formally, but they are decided on, and the parties are ordered to
+prepare for their destination.
+
+As it has been long since I have had a confidential conveyance to you,
+I have brought together the principal facts from the adjournment of the
+Notables, to the present moment, which, as you will perceive from their
+nature, required a confidential conveyance. I have done it the rather,
+because, though you will have heard many of them, and seen them in the
+public papers, yet, floating in the mass of lies which constitute the
+atmosphere of London and Paris, you may not have been sure of their
+truth; and I have mentioned every truth of any consequence, to enable
+you to stamp as false, the facts pretermitted. I think that in the
+course of three months, the royal authority has lost, and the rights
+of the nation gained, as much ground by a revolution of public opinion
+only, as England gained in all her civil wars under the Stuarts. I
+rather believe, too, they will retain the ground gained, because it
+is defended by the young and the middle-aged, in opposition to the old
+only. The first party increases, and the latter diminishes daily, from
+the course of nature. You may suppose, that in this situation, war would
+be unwelcome to France. She will surely avoid it, if not forced into it
+by the courts of London and Berlin. If forced, it is probable she
+will change the system of Europe totally, by an alliance with the two
+empires, to whom nothing would be more desirable. In the event of such
+a coalition, not only Prussia, but the whole European world must receive
+from them their laws. But France will probably endeavor to preserve the
+present system, if it can be done, by sacrificing, to a certain degree,
+the pretensions of the patriotic party in Holland. But of all these
+matters, you can judge, in your position, where less secrecy is
+observed, better than I can.
+
+I have news from America as late as July the 19th. Nothing had
+transpired from the federal convention. I am sorry they began their
+deliberations by so abominable a precedent, as that of tying up the
+tongues of their members. Nothing can justify this example, but the
+innocence of their intentions, and ignorance of the value of public
+discussions. I have no doubt that all their other measures will be good
+and wise. It is really an assembly of demigods. General Washington was
+of opinion, that they should not separate till October.
+
+I have the honor to be, with every sentiment of friendship and respect,
+Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCI.--TO MR. WYTHE, September 16,1787
+
+
+TO MR. WYTHE.
+
+Paris, September 16,1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of December the 13th
+and 22nd, 1786, and of January, 1787. These should not have been so
+long unanswered, but that they arrived during my absence on a journey of
+between three and four months, through the southern parts of France and
+northern of Italy. In the latter country, my time allowed me to go no
+further than Turin, Milan, and Genoa: consequently, I scarcely got
+into classical ground. I took with me some of the writings, in which
+endeavors have been made to investigate the passage of Annibal over the
+Alps, and was just able to satisfy myself, from a view of the
+country, that the descriptions given of his march are not sufficiently
+particular, to enable us, at this day, even to guess at his track across
+the Alps. In architecture, painting, sculpture, I found much amusement:
+but more than all, in their agriculture, many objects of which might be
+adopted with us to great advantage. I am persuaded, there are many parts
+of our lower country where the olive tree might be raised, which is
+assuredly the richest gift of Heaven. I can scarcely except bread. I see
+this tree supporting thousands among the Alps, where there is not soil
+enough to make bread for a single family. The caper, too, might be
+cultivated with us. The fig we do raise. I do not speak of the vine,
+because it is the parent of misery. Those who cultivate it are always
+poor, and he who would employ himself with us in the culture of corn,
+cotton, &c. can procure, in exchange for them, much more wine, and
+better, than he could raise by its direct culture.
+
+I sent you formerly copies of the documents on the Tagliaferro family,
+which I had received from Mr. Febroni. I now send the originals. I have
+procured for you a copy of Polybius, the best edition; but the best
+edition of Vitruvius which is with the commentaries of Ficinus, is not
+to be got here. I have sent to Holland for it. In the mean time, the
+Polybius comes in a box containing books for Peter Carr, and for some of
+my friends in Williamsburg and its vicinities. I have taken the liberty
+of addressing the box to you. It goes to New York in the packet-boat
+which carries this letter, and will be forwarded to you by water, by Mr.
+Madison. Its freight to New York is paid here. The transportation from
+thence to Williamsburg, will be demanded of you, and shall stand as the
+equivalent to the cost of Polybius and Vitruvius, if you please. The
+difference either way, will not be worth the trouble of raising and
+transmitting accounts. I send you herewith a state of the contents of
+the box, and for whom each article is. Among these are some, as you will
+perceive, of which I ask your acceptance. It is a great comfort to me,
+that while here, I am able to furnish some amusement to my friends, by
+sending them such productions of genius, ancient and modern, as might
+otherwise escape them; and I hope they will permit me to avail myself of
+the occasion, while it lasts.
+
+This world is going all to war. I hope ours will remain clear of it. It
+is already declared between the Turks and Russians, and considering the
+present situation of Holland, it cannot fail to spread itself all over
+Europe. Perhaps it may not be till next spring, that the other powers
+will be engaged in it: nor is it as yet clear, how they will arrange
+themselves. I think it not impossible, that France and the two empires
+may join against all the rest. The Patriotic party in Holland will
+be saved by this, and the Turks sacrificed. The only thing which can
+prevent the union of France and the two empires, is the difficulty of
+agreeing about the partition of the spoils. Constantinople is the key of
+Asia. Who shall have it, is the question. I cannot help looking forward
+to the re-establishment of the Greeks as a people, and the language of
+Homer becoming again a living language, as among possible events. You
+have now with you Mr. Paradise, who can tell you how easily the modern
+may be improved into the ancient Greek.
+
+You ask me in your letter, what ameliorations I think necessary in our
+federal constitution. It is now too late to answer the question, and
+it would always have been presumption in me to have done it. Your own
+ideas, and those of the great characters who were to be concerned with
+you in these discussions, will give the law, as they ought to do, to us
+all. My own general idea was, that the States should severally preserve
+their sovereignty in whatever concerns themselves alone, and that
+whatever may concern another State, or any foreign nation, should be
+made a part of the federal sovereignty: that the exercise of the federal
+sovereignty should be divided among three several bodies, legislative,
+executive, and judiciary, as the State sovereignties are: and that
+some peaceable means should be contrived, for the federal head to force
+compliance on the part of the States. I have reflected on your idea of
+wooden or ivory diagrams, for the geometrical demonstrations. I should
+think wood as good as ivory; and that in this case, it might add to the
+improvement of the young gentlemen, that they should make the figures
+themselves. Being furnished by a workman with a piece of vineer, no
+other tool than a penknife and a wooden rule would be necessary. Perhaps
+pasteboards, or common cards, might be still more convenient. The
+difficulty is, how to reconcile figures which must have a very sensible
+breadth, to our ideas of a mathematical line, which, as it has neither
+breadth nor thickness, will revolt more at these, than at simple lines
+drawn on paper or slate. If, after reflecting on this proposition, you
+would prefer having them made here, lay your commands on me, and they
+shall be executed.
+
+I return you a thousand thanks for your goodness to my nephew. After my
+debt to you for whatever I am myself, it is increasing it too much,
+to interest yourself for his future fortune. But I know that to you, a
+consciousness of doing good is a luxury ineffable. You have enjoyed it
+already, beyond all human measure, and that you may long live to enjoy
+it, and to bless your country and friends, is the sincere prayer of him,
+who is, with every possible sentiment of esteem and respect, Dear Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCII.--TO JOHN JAY, September 19, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, September 19, 1787.
+
+My last letters to you were of the 6th and 15th of August; since which,
+I have been honored with yours of July the 24th, acknowledging the
+receipt of mine of the 14th and 23d of February. I am anxious to hear
+you have received that also of May the 4th, written from Marseilles.
+According to the desires of Congress, expressed in their vote confirming
+the appointments of Francisco Giuseppa and Girolamo Chiappi, their
+agents in Morocco, I have written letters to these gentlemen, to begin a
+correspondence with them. To the first, I have enclosed the ratification
+of the treaty with the Emperor of Morocco, and shall send it either by
+our agent at Marseilles, who is now here, or by the Count Daranda, who
+sets out for Madrid in a few days, having relinquished his embassy here.
+I shall proceed on the redemption of our captives at Algiers, as soon as
+the commissioners of the treasury shall enable me, by placing the money
+necessary under my orders. The prisoners redeemed by the religious order
+of Mathurins, cost about four hundred dollars each, and the General of
+the order told me, that they had never been able to redeem foreigners on
+so good terms as their own countrymen. Supposing that their redemption,
+clothing, feeding, and transportation should amount to five hundred
+dollars each, there must be, at least, a sum of ten thousand dollars set
+apart for this purpose. Till this is done, I shall take no other step
+than the preparatory one, of destroying at Algiers all idea of our
+intending to redeem the prisoners. This, the General of the Mathurins
+told me, was indispensably necessary, and that it must not, on any
+account, transpire, that the public would interest themselves for their
+redemption. This was rendered the more necessary, by the declaration of
+the Dey to the Spanish consul, that he should hold him responsible, at
+the Spanish price, for our prisoners, even for such as should die. Three
+of them have died of the plague. By authorizing me to redeem at the
+prices usually paid by the European nations, Congress, I suppose, could
+not mean the Spanish price, which is not only unusual but unprecedented,
+and would make our vessels the first object with those pirates. I
+shall pay no attention, therefore, to the Spanish price, unless further
+instructed. Hard as it may seem, I should think it necessary, not to
+let it be known even to the relations of the captives, that we mean to
+redeem them.
+
+I have the honor to inclose you a paper from the admiralty of
+Guadaloupe, sent to me as a matter of form, and to be lodged, I suppose,
+with our marine records. I enclose, also, a copy of a letter from the
+Count de Florida Blanca to Mr. Carmichael, by which you will perceive,
+they have referred the settlement of the claim of South Carolina for
+the use of their frigate, to Mr. Gardoqui, and to the Delegates of South
+Carolina in Congress.
+
+I had the honor to inform you in my last letter, of the parliament's
+being transferred to Troyes. To put an end to the tumults in Paris,
+some regiments were brought nearer, the patroles were strengthened and
+multiplied, some mutineers punished by imprisonment: it produced the
+desired effect. It is confidently believed, however, that the parliament
+will be immediately recalled, the stamp tax and land tax repealed, and
+other means devised of accommodating their receipts and expenditures.
+Those supposed to be in contemplation, are, a rigorous levy of the old
+tax of the _deux vingtiemes_, on the rich, who had, in a great measure,
+withdrawn their property from it, as well as on the poor, on whom it had
+principally fallen. This will greatly increase the receipts: while they
+are proceeding on the other hand, to reform their expenses far beyond
+what they had promised. It is said these reformations will amount to
+eighty millions. Circumstances render these measures more and more
+pressing. I mentioned to you in my last letter, that the officer
+charged by the ministry to watch the motion of the British squadron, had
+returned with information that it had sailed westwardly. The fact was
+not true. He had formed his conclusion too hastily, and thus led the
+ministry into error. The King of Prussia, urged on by England, has
+pressed more and more the affairs of Holland and lately has given to the
+States General of Holland four days only to comply with his demand.
+This measure would, of itself, have rendered it impossible for France
+to proceed longer in the line of accommodation with Prussia. In the
+same moment, an event takes place, which seems to render all attempt at
+accommodation idle. The Turks have declared war against the Russians,
+and that under circumstances which exclude all prospect of preventing
+its taking place. The King of Prussia having deserted his ancient
+friends, there remain only France and Turkey, perhaps Spain also,
+to oppose the two empires, Prussia and England. By such a piece of
+Quixotism, France might plunge herself into ruin with the Turks and
+Dutch, but would save neither. But there is certainly a confederacy
+secretly in contemplation, of which the public have not yet the smallest
+suspicion; that is between France and the two empires. I think it
+sure that Russia has desired this, and that the Emperor, after some
+hesitation, has acceded. It rests on this country to close. Her
+indignation against the King of Prussia will be some spur. She will
+thereby save her party in Holland, and only abandon the Turks to that
+fate she cannot ward off, and which their precipitation has brought on
+themselves, by the instigation of the English ambassador at the Porte,
+and against the remonstrances of the French ambassador. Perhaps this
+formidable combination, should it take place, may prevent the war of the
+western powers, as it would seem that neither England nor Prussia would
+carry their false calculations so far, as, with the aid of the Turks
+only, to oppose themselves to such a force. In that case, the Patriots
+of Holland would be peaceably established in the powers of their
+government, and the war go on against the Turks only, who would probably
+be driven from Europe. This new arrangement would be a total change
+of the European system, and a favorable one for our friends. The
+probability of a general war, in which this country would be engaged
+on one side, and England on the other, has appeared to me sufficient to
+justify my writing to our agents in the different ports of France, to
+put our merchants on their guard, against risking their property in
+French or English bottoms. The Emperor, instead of treading back his
+steps in Brabant, as was expected, has pursued the less honorable plan
+of decoying his subjects thence by false pretences, to let themselves
+be invested by his troops, and this done, he dictates to them his own
+terms. Yet it is not certain the matter will end with that.
+
+The Count De Moustier is nominated Minister Plenipotentiary to America;
+and a frigate is ordered to Cherbourg, to carry him over. He will
+endeavor to sail by the middle of the next month, but if any delay
+should make him pass over the whole of October, he will defer his voyage
+to the spring, being unwilling to undertake a winter passage. Monsieur
+de St. Priest is sent ambassador to Holland, in the room of Monsieur
+de Verac, appointed to Switzerland. The Chevalier de Luzerne might,
+I believe,have gone to Holland, but he preferred a general promise of
+promotion, and the possibility that it might be to the court of London.
+His prospects are very fair. His brother, the Count de la Luzerne, (now
+Governor in the West Indies) is appointed minister of the marine, in
+the place of Monsieur de Castries, who has resigned. The Archbishop of
+Toulouse is appointed ministre principal, and his brother Monsieur
+de Brienne, minister of war, in the place of Monsieur de Segur. The
+department of the Comptroller has had a very rapid succession of
+tenants. From Monsieur de Calonne it passed to Monsieur de Forqueux,
+from him to Villedeuil, and from him to Lambert, who holds it at
+present, but divided with a Monsieur Cabarrus (whom I believe you knew
+in Spain), who is named _Directeur du tresor royal_, the office into
+which M. Necker came at first. I had the honor to inform you, that
+before the departure of the Count de Luzerne to his government in the
+West Indies, I had pressed on him the patronage of our trade with the
+French islands; that he appeared well disposed, and assured me he would
+favor us as much as his instructions, and the laws of the colonies,
+would permit. I am in hopes, these dispositions will be strengthened by
+his residence in the islands, and that his acquaintance among the people
+there will be an additional motive to favor them. Probably they will
+take advantage of his appointment, to press indulgences in commerce with
+us. The ministry is of a liberal complexion, and well disposed to
+us. The war may add to the motives for opening their islands to other
+resources for their subsistence, and for doing what may be agreeable to
+us. It seems to me at present, then, that the moment of the arrival of
+the Count de la Luzerne will be the moment for trying to obtain a
+freer access to their islands. It would be very material to do this, if
+possible, in a permanent way, that is to say, by treaty. But I know of
+nothing we have to offer in equivalent. Perhaps the payment of our
+debt to them might be made use of as some inducement, while they are
+so distressed for money. Yet the borrowing the money in Holland will
+be rendered more difficult by the same event, in proportion as it will
+increase the demand for money by other powers.
+
+The gazettes of Ley den and France, to this date, are enclosed, together
+with some pamphlets on the internal affairs of this country.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCIII.--TO CHARLES THOMSON, September 20, 1787
+
+
+TO CHARLES THOMSON.
+
+Paris, September 20, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your favor of April the 28th did not come to my hands till the 1st
+instant. Unfortunately, the boxes of plants, which were a day too late
+to come by the April packet, missed the packet of June the 10th also,
+and only came by that of July the 25th. They are not yet arrived at
+Paris, but I expect them daily. I am sensible of your kind attention to
+them, and that as you were leaving New York, you took the course which
+bade fair to be the best. That they were forgotten in the hands in
+which you placed them, was probably owing to much business, and more
+important. I have desired Mr. Madison to refund to you the money,
+you were so kind as to advance for me. The delay of your letter will
+apologize for this delay of the repayment. I thank you also, for the
+extract of the letter you were so kind as to communicate to me, on the
+antiquities found in the western country. I wish that the persons who
+go thither, would make very exact descriptions of what they see of that
+kind, without forming any theories. The moment a person forms a theory,
+his imagination sees in every object, only the traits which favor that
+theory. But it is too early to form theories on those antiquities.
+We must wait with patience till more facts are collected. I wish your
+Philosophical Society would collect exact descriptions of the several
+monuments as yet known, and insert them naked in their Transactions, and
+continue their attention to those hereafter to be discovered. Patience
+and observation may enable us, in time, to solve the problem, whether
+those who formed the scattering monuments in our western country, were
+colonies sent off from Mexico or the founders of Mexico itself; whether
+both were the descendants or the progenitors of the Asiatic red men.
+The Mexican tradition, mentioned by Dr. Robertson, is an evidence, but
+a feeble one, in favor of the one opinion. The number of languages
+radically different, is a strong evidence in favor of the contrary one.
+There is an American by the name of Ledyard, he who was with Captain
+Cook on his last voyage, and wrote an account of that voyage, who has
+gone to St. Petersburg; from thence he was to go to Kamtschatka; to
+cross over thence to the northwest coast of America, and to penetrate
+through the main continent, to our side of it. He is a person of
+ingenuity and information. Unfortunately, he has too much imagination.
+However, if he escapes safely, he will give us new, curious, and useful
+information. I had a letter from him, dated last March, when he was
+about to leave St. Petersburg on his way to Kamtschatka.
+
+With respect to the inclination of the strata of rocks, I had observed
+them between the Blue Ridge and North Mountains in Virginia, to be
+parallel with the pole of the earth. I observed the same thing in most
+instances in the Alps, between Cette and Turin: but in returning along
+the precipices of the Apennines, where they hang over the Mediterranean,
+their direction was totally different and various: and you mention, that
+in our western country, they are horizontal. This variety proves they
+have not been formed by subsidence, as some writers of theories of the
+earth have pretended; for then they should always have been in circular
+strata, and concentric. It proves, too, that they have not been formed
+by the rotation of the earth on its axis, as might have been suspected,
+had all these strata been parallel with that axis. They may, indeed,
+have been thrown up by explosions, as Whitehurst supposes, or have been
+the effect of convulsions. But there can be no proof of the explosion,
+nor is it probable that convulsions have deformed every spot of the
+earth. It is now generally agreed that rock grows, and it seems that it
+grows in layers in every direction, as the branches of trees grow in
+all directions. Why seek further the solution of this phenomenon? Every
+thing in nature decays. If it were not reproduced then by growth, there
+would be a chasm.
+
+I remember you asked me in a former letter, whether the steam-mill
+in London was turned by the steam immediately, or by the intermediate
+agency of water raised by the steam. When I was in London, Boulton
+made a secret of his mill. Therefore, I was permitted to see it only
+superficially. I saw no water-wheels, and therefore supposed none.
+I answered you, accordingly, that there were none. But when I was at
+Nismes, I went to see the steam-mill there, and they showed it to me in
+all its parts. I saw that their steam raised water, and that this
+water turned a wheel. I expressed my doubts of the necessity of the
+inter-agency of water, and that the London mill was without it. But they
+supposed me mistaken; perhaps I was so: I have had no opportunity since
+of clearing up the doubt.
+
+*****
+
+I had a letter from Mr. Churchman, but not developing his plan of
+knowing the longitude, fully. I wrote him what was doubted about it, so
+far as we could conjecture what it was.
+
+I am with very great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCIV.--TO JOHN JAY, September 22,1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, September 22,1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+The letters of which the inclosed are copies, are this moment received,
+and as there is a possibility that they may reach Havre before the
+packet sails, I have the honor of enclosing them to you. They contain a
+promise of reducing the duties on tar, pitch, and turpentine, and that
+the government will interest itself with the city of Rouen, to reduce
+the local duty on potash. By this you will perceive, that we are getting
+on a little in this business, though under their present embarrassments,
+it is difficult to procure the attention of the ministers to it. The
+parliament has enregistered the edict for a rigorous levy of the _deux
+vingtiemes_. As this was proposed by the King in lieu of the _impot
+territorial_, there is no doubt now, that the latter, with the stamp
+tax, will be immediately repealed. There can be no better proof of the
+revolution in the public opinion, as to the powers of the monarch,
+and of the force, too, of that opinion. Six weeks ago, we saw the King
+displaying the plenitude of his omnipotence, as hitherto conceived, to
+enforce these two acts. At this day, he is forced to retract them by the
+public voice; for as to the opposition of the parliamemt, that body is
+too little esteemed to produce this effect in any case, where the public
+do not throw themselves into the same scale.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCV.--TO JOHN JAY, September 22, 1787
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, September 22, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+When I had the honor of addressing you this morning, intelligence
+was handing about, which I did not think well enough authenticated to
+communicate to you. As it is now ascertained, I avail myself of the
+chance that another post may yet reach Havre, before the departure of
+the packet. This will depend on the wind, which has for some days
+been unfavorable. I must premise that this court, about ten days
+ago, declared, by their _Charge des Affaires_ in Holland, that if
+the Prussian troops continued to menace Holland with an invasion, his
+Majesty was determined, in quality of ally, to succor that province. An
+official letter from the Hague, of the 18th instant, assures that the
+Prussian army entered the territory of Holland on the 15th, that most
+of the principal towns had submitted, some after firing a gun or two,
+others without resistance: that the Rhingrave de Salm had evacuated
+Utrecht, with part of the troops under his command, leaving behind him
+one hundred and forty-four pieces of cannon, with great warlike stores:
+that the standard of Orange was hoisted every where: that no other
+cockade could be worn at the Hague: that the States General were to
+assemble that night for reinstating the Stadtholder in all his rights.
+The letter concludes, 'We have this moment intelligence that Woerden
+has capitulated; so that Amsterdam remains without defence.' So far the
+letter. We know, otherwise, that Monsieur de St. Priest, who had set
+out on his embassy to the Hague, has stopped at Antwerp, not choosing
+to proceed further till new orders. This Court has been completely
+deceived, first by its own great desire to avoid a war, and secondly by
+calculating that the King of Prussia would have acted on principles
+of common sense, which would surely have dictated, that a power, lying
+between the jaws of Russia and Austria, should not separate itself from
+France, unless, indeed, he had assurances of dispositions in those
+two powers, which are not supposed to exist. On the contrary, I am
+persuaded that they ask the alliance of France, whom we suppose to
+be under hesitations between her reluctance to abandon the Turks, her
+jealousy of increasing by their spoils the power of the two empires, and
+her inability to oppose them. If they cannot obtain her alliance, they
+will surely join themselves to England and Prussia.
+
+Official advices are received, that the first division of the Russian
+army has passed the Borysthenes into the Polish Ukraine, and is marching
+towards the frontiers of Turkey. Thus, we may consider the flames of
+war as completely kindled in two distinct parts of this quarter of
+the globe, and that though France and England have not yet engaged
+themselves in it, the probabilities are that they will do it.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCVI.--TO MR. CARNES, September 22, 1787
+
+
+TO MR. CARNES.
+
+Paris, September 22, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I am honored by your favor of the 17th instant. A war between France and
+England does not necessarily engage America in it; and I think she
+will be disposed rather to avail herself of the advantages of a neutral
+power. By the former usage of nations, the goods of a friend were safe,
+though taken in an enemy bottom, and those of an enemy were lawful
+prize, though found in a free bottom. But in our treaties with France,
+&c. we have established the simpler rule, that a free bottom makes free
+goods, and an enemy bottom, enemy goods. The same rule has been adopted
+by the treaty of armed neutrality between Russia, Sweden, Denmark,
+Holland, and Portugal, and assented to by France and Spain. Contraband
+goods, however, are always excepted, so that they may still be
+seized; but the same powers have established that naval stores are not
+contraband: and this may be considered now as the law of nations. Though
+England acquiesced under this during the late war, rather than draw on
+herself the neutral powers, yet she never acceded to the new principle,
+and her obstinacy on this point is what has prevented the late renewal
+of her treaty with Russia. On the commencement of a new war, this
+principle will probably be insisted on by the neutral powers, whom we
+may suppose to be Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, America, and perhaps Spain.
+_Quere_; if England will again acquiesce. Supposing these details
+might be useful to you, I have taken the liberty of giving them, and
+of assuring you of the esteem with which I am, Sir, your very humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCVII.--TO JOHN JAY, September 24, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, September 24, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+The times are now so critical, that every day brings something new
+and important, not known the day before. Observing the wind still
+unfavorable, I am in hopes the packet may not sail to-morrow, and that
+this letter may be at Havre in time for that conveyance. Mr. Eden has
+waited on Count Montmorin to inform him, officially, that England must
+consider its convention with France, relative to the giving notice of
+its naval armaments, as at an end, and that they are arming generally.
+This is considered here as a declaration of war. The Dutch ambassador
+told me yesterday, that he supposed the Prussian troops probably in
+possession of the Hague. I asked him if it would interrupt the course of
+business, commercial or banking, in Amsterdam; and particularly, whether
+our depot of money there was safe. He said, the people of Amsterdam
+would be surely so wise as to submit, when they should see that they
+could not oppose the Stadtholder: therefore he supposed our depot safe,
+and that there would be no interruption of business. It is the hour of
+the departure of the post: so I have only time to add assurances of the
+respect and esteem, with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most
+obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCVIII,--TO JOHN ADAMS, September 28, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, September 28, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I received your favor by Mr. Cutting, and thank you sincerely for the
+copy of your book. The departure of a packet-boat, which always gives me
+full employment for some time before, has only permitted me to look into
+it a little. I judge of it from the first volume, which I thought formed
+to do a great deal of good. The first principle of a good government,
+is certainly a distribution of its powers into executive, judiciary, and
+legislative, and a subdivision of the latter into two or three
+branches. It is a good step gained, when it is proved that the English
+constitution, acknowledged to be better than all which have preceded
+it, is only better, in proportion as it has approached nearer to this
+distribution of powers. From this, the last step is easy, to show by
+a comparison of our constitutions with that of England, how much more
+perfect they are. The article of Confederations is certainly worthy of
+your pen. It would form a most interesting addition, to show, what has
+been the nature of the Confederations which have existed hitherto, what
+were their excellencies, and what their defects.
+
+A comparison of ours with them would be to the advantage of ours,
+and would increase the veneration of our countrymen for it. It is
+a misfortune, that they do not sufficiently know the value of their
+constitutions, and how much happier they are rendered by them, than any
+other people on earth, by the governments under which they live.
+
+You know all that has happened in the United Netherlands. You know
+also that our friends, Van Staphorsts, will be among the most likely to
+become objects of severity, if any severities should be exercised. Is
+the money in their hands entirely safe? If it is not, I am sure you have
+already thought of it. Are we to suppose the game already up, and that
+the Stadtholder is to be reestablished, perhaps erected into a monarch,
+without the country lifting a finger in opposition to it? If so, it is a
+lesson the more for us. In fact, what a crowd of lessons do the present
+miseries of Holland teach us? Never to have an hereditary officer of any
+sort: never to let a citizen ally himself with kings: never to call in
+foreign nations to settle domestic differences: never to suppose that
+any nation will expose itself to war for us, &c. Still I am not without
+hopes, that a good rod is in soak for Prussia, and that England will
+feel the end of it. It is known to some, that Russia made propositions
+to the Emperor and France, for acting in concert; that the Emperor
+consents, and has disposed four camps of one hundred and eighty
+thousand men, from the limits of Turkey to those of Prussia. This court
+hesitates, or rather its Premier hesitates; for the Queen, Montmorin,
+and Breteuil are for the measure. Should it take place, all may yet come
+to rights, except for the Turks, who must retire from Europe, and this
+they must do, were France Quixotic enough to undertake to support them.
+We, I hope, shall be left free to avail ourselves of the advantages of
+neutrality: and yet, much I fear, the English, or rather their stupid
+King, will force us out of it. For thus I reason. By forcing us into the
+war against them, they will be engaged in an expensive land war, as well
+as a sea war. Common sense dictates, therefore, that they should let
+us remain neuter: ergo, they will not let us remain neuter. I never yet
+found any other general rule for foretelling what they will do, but that
+of examining what they ought not to do.
+
+*****
+
+I have the honor to be, with my best respects to Mrs. Adams, and
+sentiments of perfect esteem and regard to yourself, Sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson
+
+
+
+
+LETTER XCIX.--TO COLONEL SMITH, September 28,1787
+
+
+TO COLONEL SMITH.
+
+Paris, September 28,1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have duly received your favor by Mr. Cutting. I had before had a
+transient acquaintance with him, and knew him to be sensible. Your
+recommendation is always a new merit. I really think, and had taken the
+liberty some time ago of hinting to Congress, that they would do well
+to have a diplomatic character at Lisbon. There is no country whose
+commerce is more interesting to us. I wish Congress would correspond
+to the wishes of that court, in sending a person there, and to mine,
+in sending yourself. For I confess, I had rather see you there than at
+London, because I doubt whether it be honorable for us to keep any body
+at London, unless they keep some person at New York. Of all nations on
+earth, they require to be treated with the most hauteur. They require to
+be kicked into common good manners. You ask, if you shall say any thing
+to Sullivan about the bill. No. Only that it is paid. I have, within
+these two or three days, received letters from him explaining the
+matter. It was really for the skin and bones of the moose, as I had
+conjectured. It was my fault, that I had not given him a rough idea
+of the expense I would be willing to incur for them. He had made the
+acquisition an object of a regular campaign, and that too of a winter
+one. The troops he employed sallied forth, as he writes me, in the month
+of March--much snow--a herd attacked--one killed--in the wilderness--a
+road to cut twenty miles--to be drawn by hand from the frontiers to his
+house--bones to be cleaned, &c. &c. &c. In fine, he put himself to
+an infinitude of trouble, more than I meant: he did it cheerfully, and I
+feel myself really under obligations to him. That the tragedy might not
+want a proper catastrophe, the box, bones, and all are lost: so that
+this chapter of Natural History will still remain a blank. But I have
+written to him not to send me another. I will leave it for my successor
+to fill up, whenever I shall make my bow here. The purchase for Mrs.
+Adams shall be made, and sent by Mr. Cutting. I shall always be happy
+to receive her commands. Petit shall be made happy by her praises of his
+last purchase for her. I must refer you to Mr. Adams for the news. Those
+respecting the Dutch you know as well as I. Nor should they be written
+but with the pen of Jeremiah. Adieu, mon ami! Yours affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER C.--TO MONSIEUR LE COMTE DE BUFFON, October 3, 1787
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR LE COMTE DE BUFFON.
+
+Paris, October 3, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor of informing you, some time ago, that I had written to
+some of my friends in America, desiring they would send me such of the
+spoils of the moose, caribou, elk, and deer, as might throw light on
+that class of animals; but more particularly, to send me the complete
+skeleton, skin, and horns of the moose, in such condition as that the
+skin might be sewed up and stuffed, on its arrival here. I am happy to
+be able to present to you at this moment, the bones and skin of a moose,
+the horns of another individual of the same species, the horns of the
+caribou, the elk, the deer, the spiked-horned buck, and the roebuck of
+America. They all come from New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and were
+received by me yesterday. I give you their popular names, as it rests
+with yourself to decide their real names. The skin of the moose was
+dressed with the hair on, but a great deal of it has come off, and the
+rest is ready to drop off. The horns of the elk are remarkably small. I
+have certainly seen some of them, which would have weighed five or six
+times as much. This is the animal which we call elk in the southern
+parts of America, and of which I have given some description in the
+Notes on Virginia, of which I had the honor of presenting you a copy. I
+really doubt, whether the flat-horned elk exists in America: and I think
+this may be properly classed with the elk, the principal difference
+being in the horns. I have seen the _daim_, the _cerf_, the _chevreuil_,
+of Europe. But the animal we call elk, and which may be distinguished as
+the round-horned elk, is very different from them. I have never seen the
+_brand-hirtz_ or _cerf d'Ardennes_, nor the European elk. Could I get
+a sight of them, I think I should be able to say which of them the
+American elk resembles most, as I am tolerably well acquainted with
+that animal. I must observe, also, that the horns of the deer, which
+accompany these spoils, are not of the fifth or sixth part of the weight
+of some that I have seen. This individual has been of three years
+of age, according to our method of judging. I have taken measures,
+particularly, to be furnished with large horns of our elk and our deer,
+and therefore beg of you not to consider those now sent, as furnishing a
+specimen of their ordinary size. I really suspect you will find that
+the moose, the round-horned elk, and the American deer are species not
+existing in Europe. The moose is, perhaps, of a new class. I wish these
+spoils, Sir, may have the merit of adding any thing new to the treasures
+of nature, which have so fortunately come under your observation, and
+of which she seems to have given you the key: they will in that case
+be some gratification to you, which it will always be pleasing to me
+to have procured; having the honor to be, with sentiments of the most
+perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CI.--TO MR. DUMAS, October 4,1787
+
+
+TO MR. DUMAS.
+
+Paris, October 4,1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I received your favor of the 23rd of September two days ago. That of the
+28th and 29th was put in my hands this morning. I immediately waited on
+the ambassadors, ordinary and extraordinary, of the United Netherlands,
+and also on the envoy of Prussia, and asked their good offices to have
+an efficacious protection extended to your person, your family, and your
+effects, observing, that the United States know no party, but are the
+friends and allies of the United Netherlands as a nation, and would
+expect from their friendship, that the person who is charged with their
+affairs, until the arrival of a minister, should be covered from all
+insult and injury, which might be offered him by a lawless mob; well
+assured that their minister, residing with Congress, would on all
+occasions receive the same. They have been so good as to promise me,
+each, that he will in his first despatches press this matter on the
+proper power, and give me reason to hope that it will be efficacious
+for your safety. I will transmit your letter to Mr. Jay by the Count
+de Moustier, who sets out within a week for New York, as Minister
+Plenipotentiary for France, in that country. I sincerely sympathize in
+your sufferings, and wish that what I have done may effect an end to
+them; being with much respect and esteem, Sir, your most obedient and
+most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CII.--TO JOHN JAY, October 8, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, October 8, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor of writing you on the 19th of September, twice on the
+22nd, and again on the 24th. The two first went by the packet, the
+third by a vessel bound to Philadelphia. I have not yet learned by what
+occasion the last went. In these several letters, I communicated to
+you the occurrences of Europe, as far as they were then known.
+Notwithstanding the advantage which the Emperor seemed to have gained
+over his subjects of Brabant, by the military arrangements he had been
+permitted to make under false pretexts, he has not obtained his ends. He
+certainly wished to enforce his new regulations; but he wished more to
+be cleared of all domestic difficulties, that he might be free to act
+in the great scenes which are preparing for the theatre of Europe.
+He seems, therefore, to have instructed his Governor General of the
+Netherlands to insist on compliance as far as could be insisted, without
+producing resistance by arms; but at the same time, to have furnished
+him with a sufficiently complete recantation, to prevent the effects of
+insurrection. The Governor pressed; the people were firm; a small act of
+force was then attempted, which produced a decided resistance, in which
+the people killed several of the military: the last resource was
+then used, which was the act of recantation; this produced immediate
+tranquillity, and every thing there is now finally settled, by the
+Emperor's relinquishment of his plans.
+
+My letter of the evening of September the 22nd informed you that the
+Prussian troops had entered Holland, and that of the 24th, that England
+had announced to this court that she was arming generally. These two
+events being simultaneous, proved that the two sovereigns acted in
+concert. Immediately after, the court of London announced to the other
+courts of Europe, that if France entered Holland with armed force, she
+would consider it as an act of hostility, and declare war against her;
+sending Mr. Grenville here, at the same time, to make what she called a
+conciliatory proposition. This proposition was received as a new insult,
+Mr. Grenville very coolly treated, and he has now gone back. It is said,
+he has carried the ultimatum of France. What it is, particularly, has
+not transpired; it is only supposed, in general, to be very firm. You
+will see, in one of the Leyden gazettes, one of the letters written by
+the ministers of England to the courts of their respective residence,
+communicating the declaration before mentioned. In the mean time,
+Holland has been sooner reduced by the Prussian troops, than could have
+been expected. The abandonment of Utrecht by the Rhingrave of Salm,
+seems to have thrown the people under a general panic, during which
+every place submitted, except Amsterdam. That had opened conferences
+with the Duke of Brunswick; but as late as the 2nd instant, no
+capitulation was yet concluded. The King of Prussia, on his first move,
+demanded categorically of the King of Poland, what part he intended to
+act in the event of war. The latter answered, he should act as events
+should dictate; and is, in consequence of this species of menace from
+Prussia, arming himself. He can bring into the field about seventy
+thousand good cavalry. In the mean time, though nothing transpires
+publicly of the confederation between France and the two empires,
+mentioned in my letter of September the 19th, it is not the less sure
+that it is on the carpet, and will take place. To the circumstances
+before mentioned, may be added, as further indications of war, the
+naming as Generalissimo of their marine on the Atlantic, Monsieur de
+Suffrein, on the Mediterranean, Monsieur Albert de Rioms, the recalling
+Monsieur de St. Priest, their ambassador, from Antwerp, before he had
+reached the Hague, and the activity of their armies by sea. On the other
+hand, the little movement by land would make one suppose they expected
+to put the King of Prussia into other hands. They too, like the
+Emperor, are arranging matters at home. The rigorous levy of the _deux
+vingtiemes_ is enregistered, the stamp act and _impot territorial_ are
+revoked, the parliament recalled, the nation soothed by these acts, and
+inspired by the insults of the British court. The part of the Council
+still leaning towards peace are become unpopular, and perhaps may feel
+the effects of it. No change in the administration has taken place since
+my last, unless we may consider as such, Monsieur Cabarrus's refusal
+to stand in the lines. Thinking he should be forced to follow, too
+seriously, plans formed by others, he has declined serving.
+
+Should this war take place, as is quite probable, and should it be as
+general as it threatens to be, our neutrality must be attended with
+great advantages. Whether of a nature to improve our morals or our
+happiness, is another question. But is it sure that Great Britain, by
+her searches, her seizures, and other measures for harassing us, will
+permit us to preserve our neutrality? I know it may be argued, that the
+land-war, which she would superadd to her sea-war, by provoking us to
+join her enemies, should rationally hold her to her good behavior with
+us. But since the accession of the present monarch, has it not been
+passion, and not reason, which, nine times out of ten, has dictated her
+measures? Has there been a better rule of prognosticating what he
+would do, than to examine what he ought not to do? When I review
+his dispositions and review his conduct, I have little hope of his
+permitting our neutrality. He will find subjects of provocation in
+various articles of our treaty with France, which will now come into
+view, in all their consequences, and in consequences very advantageous
+to the one, and injurious to the other country. I suggest these doubts,
+on a supposition that our magazines are not prepared for war, and in the
+opinion that provisions for that event should be thought of.
+
+The enclosed letter from Mr. Dumas came to me open, though directed
+to you. I immediately waited on the ambassadors, ordinary and
+extraordinary, of Holland, and the envoy of Prussia, and prayed them
+to interest themselves to have his person, his family, and his
+goods protected. They promised me readily to do it, and have written
+accordingly; I trust it will be with effect. I could not avoid enclosing
+you the letter from Monsieur Bouebe, though I have satisfied him he is
+to expect nothing from Congress for his inventions. These are better
+certified than most of those things are; but if time stamps their worth,
+time will give them to us. He expects no further answer. The gazettes of
+Leyden and France to this date accompany this, which will be delivered
+you by the Count de Moustier, Minister Plenipotentiary from this
+country.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, October 8, 1787
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, October 8, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+The bearer hereof, the Count de Moustier, successor to Monsieur de la
+Luzerne, would, from his office, need no letter of introduction to you
+or to any body. Yet I take the liberty of recommending him to you, to
+shorten those formal approaches, which the same office would otherwise
+expose him to, in making your acquaintance. He is a great enemy to
+formality, etiquette, ostentation, and luxury. He goes with the best
+dispositions to cultivate society, without poisoning it by ill example.
+He is sensible, disposed to view things favorably, and being well
+acquainted with the constitution of England, her manners, and language,
+is the better prepared for his station with us. But I should have
+performed only the lesser, and least pleasing half of my task, were
+I not to add my recommendations of Madame de Brehan. She is goodness
+itself. You must be well acquainted with her. You will find her well
+disposed to meet your acquaintance, and well worthy of it. The way to
+please her, is to receive her as an acquaintance of a thousand years'
+standing. She speaks little English. You must teach her more, and learn
+French from her. She hopes, by accompanying Monsieur de Moustier, to
+improve her health, which is very feeble, and still more, to improve
+her son in his education, and to remove him to a distance from the
+seductions of this country. You will wonder to be told, that there are
+no schools in this country to be compared to ours in the sciences. The
+husband of Madame de Brehan is an officer, and obliged by the times to
+remain with the army. Monsieur de Moustier brings your watch. I have
+worn it two months, and really find it a most incomparable one. It will
+not want the little re-dressing, which new watches generally do, after
+going about a year. It costs six hundred livres. To open it in all its
+parts, press the little pin on the edge with the point of your nail;
+that opens the crystal; then open the dial-plate in the usual way; then
+press the stem, at the end within the loop, and it opens the back for
+winding up or regulating.
+
+De Moustier is remarkably communicative. With adroitness he may
+be pumped of any thing. His openness is from character, not from
+affectation. An intimacy with him may, on this account, be politically
+valuable.
+
+I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CIV.--TO JOHN JAY, October 8, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+(Private.) Paris, October 8, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+The Count de Moustier, Minister Plenipotentiary from the court of
+Versailles to the United States, will have the honor of delivering you
+this. The connection of your offices will necessarily connect you in
+acquaintance; but I beg leave to present him to you, on account of
+his personal as well as his public character. You will find him open,
+communicative, candid, simple in his manners, and a declared enemy to
+ostentation and luxury. He goes with a resolution to add no aliment
+to it by his example, unless he finds that the dispositions of our
+countrymen require it indispensably. Permit me, at the same time, to
+solicit your friendly notice, and through you, that also of Mrs. Jay, to
+Madame la Marquise de Brehan, sister-in-law to Monsieur de Moustier. She
+accompanies him, in hopes that a change of climate may assist her feeble
+health, and also, that she may procure a more valuable education for
+her son, and safer from seduction, in America than in France. I think
+it impossible to find a better woman, more amiable, more modest, more
+simple in her manners, dress, and way of thinking. She will deserve the
+friendship of Mrs. Jay, and the way to obtain hers, is to receive her
+and treat her without the shadow of etiquette.
+
+The Count d'Aranda leaves us in a day or two. He desired me to recall
+him to your recollection, and to assure you of his friendship. In a
+letter which I mean as a private one, I may venture details too minute
+for a public one, yet not unamusing, or unsatisfactory. I may venture
+names too, without the danger of their getting into a newspaper. There
+has long been a division in the Council here, on the question of war
+and peace. Monsieur de Montmorin and Monsieur de Breteuil have been
+constantly for war. They are supported in this by the Queen. The King
+goes for nothing. He hunts one half the day, is drunk the other, and
+signs whatever he is bid. The Archbishop of Toulouse desires peace.
+Though brought in by the Queen, he is opposed to her in this capital
+object, which would produce an alliance with her brother. Whether the
+Archbishop will yield or not, I know not. But an intrigue is already
+begun for ousting him from his place, and it is rather probable it will
+succeed. He is a good and patriotic minister for peace, and very capable
+in the department of finance. At least he is so in theory. I have heard
+his talents for execution censured.
+
+Can I be useful here to Mrs. Jay or yourself, in executing any
+commissions, great or small? I offer you my services with great
+cordiality. You know whether any of the wines of this country may
+attract your wishes. In my tour, last spring, I visited the best
+vineyards of Burgundy, Cote-rotie, Hermitage, Lunelle, Frontignan, and
+white and red Bordeaux, got acquainted with the proprietors, and can
+procure for you the best crops from the vigneron himself. Mrs. Jay knows
+if there is any thing else here, in which I could be useful to her.
+Command me without ceremony, as it will give me real pleasure to serve
+you; and be assured of the sincere attachment and friendship, with which
+I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CV.--TO MONSIEUR LE COMTE DE MOUSTIER, October 9,1787
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR LE COMTE DE MOUSTIER.
+
+Paris, October 9,1787.
+
+Mr. Jefferson has the honor of presenting his respects to Monsieur le
+Comte de Moustier, and of taking leave of him by letter, which he is
+prevented doing in person, by an unexpected visit to Versailles to-day.
+He will hope to have the pleasure of sometimes hearing from him, and
+will take the liberty occasionally, of troubling him with a letter.
+He considers the Count de Moustier as forming with himself the two end
+links of that chain which holds the two nations together, and is happy
+to have observed in him dispositions to strengthen rather than to
+weaken it. It is a station of importance, as on the cherishing good
+dispositions and quieting bad ones, will depend in some degree the
+happiness and prosperity of the two countries. The Count de Moustier
+will find the affections of the Americans with France, but their habits
+with England. Chained to that country by circumstances, embracing what
+they loathe, they realize the fable of the living and the dead bound
+together. Mr. Jefferson troubles the Count de Moustier with two letters,
+to gentlemen whom he wishes to recommend to his particular acquaintance,
+and to that of Madame de Brehan. He bids Monsieur de Moustier a most
+friendly adieu, and wishes him every thing which may render agreeable
+his passage across the water, and his residence beyond it.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CVI.--TO MADAME DE BREHAN, October 9, 1787
+
+
+TO MADAME DE BREHAN.
+
+Paris, October 9, 1787.
+
+Persuaded, Madam, that visits at this moment must be troublesome I beg
+you to accept my adieus, in this form. Be assured, that no one mingles
+with them more regret at separating from you. I will ask your permission
+to inquire of you by letter sometimes, how our country agrees with your
+health and your expectations, and will hope to hear it from yourself.
+The imitation of European manners, which you will find in our towns,
+will, I fear, be little pleasing. I beseech you to practise still your
+own, which will furnish them a model of what is perfect. Should you be
+singular, it will be by excellence, and after a while you will see the
+effect of your example.
+
+Heaven bless you, Madam, and guard you under all circumstances; give you
+smooth waters, gentle breezes, and clear skies, hushing all its elements
+into peace, and leading with its own hand the favored bark, till it
+shall have safely landed its precious charge on the shores of our new
+world.
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CVII.--TO MR. DUMAS, October 14, 1787
+
+
+TO MR. DUMAS.
+
+Paris, October 14, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have duly received your favors of October the 23rd and 26th. With
+respect to the mission you suggest, in the former, no powers are lodged
+in the hands of Mr. Adams and myself. Congress commissioned Mr. Adams,
+Doctor Franklin, and myself, to treat with the Emperor on the subjects
+of amity and commerce: at the same time, they gave us the commission to
+Prussia, with which you are acquainted. We proposed treating through the
+Imperial ambassador here. It was declined on their part, and our powers
+expired, having been given but for two years. Afterwards, the same
+ambassador here was instructed to offer to treat with us. I informed
+him our powers were expired, but that I would write to Congress on the
+subject. I did so, but have never yet received an answer. Whether this
+proceeds from a change of opinion in them, or from the multiplicity
+of their occupations, I am unable to say: but this state of facts will
+enable you to see that we have no powers, in this instance, to take the
+measures you had thought of. I sincerely sympathize with you in your
+sufferings. Though forbidden by my character to meddle in the internal
+affairs of an allied State, it is the wish of my heart that their
+troubles may have such an issue, as will secure the greatest degree
+of happiness to the body of the people: for it is with the mass of the
+nation we are allied, and not merely with their governors. To inform
+the minds of the people, and to follow their will, is the chief duty of
+those placed at their head. What party in your late struggles was most
+likely to do this, you are more competent to judge than I am. Under
+every event, that you maybe safe and happy, is the sincere wish of him,
+who has the honor to be, with sentiments of great esteem, Sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CVIII.--TO MADAME DE CORNY, October 18, 1787
+
+
+TO MADAME DE CORNY.
+
+Paris, October 18, 1787.
+
+I now have the honor, Madam, to send you the Memoire of M. de Calonne.
+Do not injure yourself by hurrying its perusal. Only, when you shall
+have read it at your ease, be so good as to send it back, that it may be
+returned to the Duke of Dorset. You will read it with pleasure. It has
+carried comfort to my heart, because it must do the same to the King and
+the nation. Though it does not prove M. de Calonne to be more innocent
+than his predecessors, it shows him not to have been that exaggerated
+scoundrel, which the calculations and the clamors of the public
+have supposed. It shows that the public treasures have not been so
+inconceivably squandered, as the parliaments of Grenoble, Toulouse, &c.
+had affirmed. In fine, it shows him less wicked, and France less badly
+governed, than I had feared. In examining my little collection of books,
+to see what it could furnish you on the subject of Poland, I find a
+small piece which may serve as a supplement to the history I had sent
+you. It contains a mixture of history and politics, which I think you
+will like--How do you do this morning? I have feared you exerted and
+exposed yourself too much yesterday. I ask you the question, though I
+shall not await its answer. The sky is clearing, and I shall away to my
+hermitage. God bless you, my Dear Madam, now and always. Adieu.
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CIX.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, October 23, 1787
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+Paris, October 23, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency on the subject of the
+_Arret_, which has lately appeared, for prohibiting the importation
+of whale-oils and spermaceti, the produce of foreign fisheries. This
+prohibition, being expressed in general terms, seems to exclude the
+whale-oils of the United States of America, as well as of the nations
+of Europe. The uniform disposition, however, which his Majesty and his
+ministers have shown to promote the commerce between France and the
+United States, by encouraging our productions to come hither, and
+particularly those of our fisheries, induces me to hope, that these were
+not within their view, at the passing of this _Arret_. I am led the more
+into this opinion, when I recollect the assiduity exercised for several
+months, in the year 1785, by the committee appointed by government to
+investigate the objects of commerce of the two countries, and to report
+the encouragements of which it was susceptible; the result of that
+investigation, which his Majesty's Comptroller General did me the
+honor to communicate, in a letter of the 22nd of October, 1786, stating
+therein the principles which should be established for the future
+regulation of that commerce, and particularly distinguishing the article
+of whale-oils by an abatement of the duties on them for the present,
+and a promise of farther abatement after the year 1790; the thorough
+re-investigation with which Monsieur de Lambert honored this subject
+when the letter of 1786 was to be put into the form of an _Arret_; that
+_Arret_ itself, bearing date the 29th of December last, which ultimately
+confirmed the abatements of duty present and future, and declared
+that his Majesty reserved to himself to grant other favors to that
+production, if, on further information, he should find it for the
+interest of the two nations; and finally, the letter in which Monsieur
+de Lambert did me the honor to enclose the _Arret_, and to assure me,
+that the duties which had been levied on our whale-oils, contrary to the
+intention of the letter of 1786, should be restored. On a review, then,
+of all these circumstances, I cannot but presume, that it has not
+been intended to reverse, in a moment, views so maturely digested, and
+uniformly pursued; and that the general expressions of the _Arret_ of
+September the 28th had within their contemplation the nations of Europe
+only. This presumption is further strengthened by having observed, that
+in the treaties of commerce, made since the epoch of our independence,
+the _jura gentis amicissimcae_ conceded to other nations, are expressly
+restrained to those of the 'most favored European nation': his Majesty
+wisely foreseeing that it would be expedient to regulate the commerce of
+a nation, which brings nothing but raw materials to employ the industry
+of his subjects, very differently from that of the European nations,
+who bring mostly what has already passed through all the stages of
+manufacture.
+
+On these circumstances, I take the liberty of asking information from
+your Excellency, as to the extent of the late _Arret_: and if I have not
+been mistaken in supposing it did not mean to abridge that of December
+the 29th, I would solicit an explanatory _Arret_, to prevent the
+misconstruction of it, which will otherwise take place. It is much to be
+desired too, that this explanation could be given as soon as possible,
+in order that it may be handed out with the _Arret_ of September the
+28th. Great alarm may otherwise be spread among the merchants, and
+adventurers in the fisheries, who, confiding in the stability of
+regulations, which his Majesty's wisdom had so long and well matured,
+have embarked their fortunes in speculations in this branch of business.
+
+The importance of the subject to one of the principal members of our
+Union, induces me to attend with great anxiety the re-assurance from
+your Excellency, that no change has taken place in his Majesty's views
+on this subject; and that his dispositions to multiply, rather than
+diminish, the combinations of interest between the two people, continue
+unaltered.
+
+Commerce is slow in changing its channel. That between this country
+and the United States is as yet but beginning; and this beginning has
+received some checks. The _Arret_ in question would be a considerable
+one, without the explanation I have the honor to ask. I am persuaded,
+that a continuation of the dispositions which have been hitherto
+manifested towards us, will insure effects, political and commercial, of
+value to both nations.
+
+I have had too many proofs of the friendly interest your Excellency is
+pleased to take in whatever may strengthen the bands and connect the
+views of the two countries, to doubt your patronage of the present
+application; or to pretermit any occasion of repeating assurances of
+those sentiments of high respect and esteem, with which I have the honor
+to be
+
+your Excellency's most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CX.--TO JOHN JAY, November 3, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, November 3, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+My last letters to you were of the 8th and 27th of October. In the
+former? I mentioned to you the declaration of this country, that they
+would interpose with force, if the Prussian troops entered Holland; the
+entry of those troops into Holland; the declaration of England, that if
+France did oppose force, they would consider it as an act of war; the
+naval armaments on both sides; the nomination of the Bailli de Suffrein
+as Generalissimo on the ocean; and the cold reception of Mr. Grenville
+here, with his conciliatory propositions, as so many symptoms which
+seemed to indicate a certain and immediate rupture. It was indeed
+universally and hourly expected. But the king of Prussia, a little
+before these last events, got wind of the alliance on the carpet between
+France and the two empires: he awaked to the situation in which
+that would place him: he made some application to the court of St.
+Petersburg, to divert the Empress from the proposed alliance, and
+supplicated the court of London not to abandon him. That court had also
+received a hint of the same project; both seemed to suspect, for the
+first time, that it would be possible for France to abandon the Turks,
+and that they were likely to get more than they had played for at
+Constantinople: for they had meant nothing more there, than to divert
+the Empress and Emperor from the affairs of the west, by employing them
+in the east, and, at the same time, to embroil them with France as
+the patroness of the Turks. The court of London engaged not to
+abandon Prussia: but both of them relaxed a little the tone of their
+proceedings. The King of Prussia sent a Mr. Alvensleben here, expressly
+to explain and soothe: the King of England, notwithstanding the cold
+reception of his propositions by Grenville, renewed conferences here
+through Eden and the Duke of Dorset. The minister, in the affection of
+his heart for peace, readily joined in conference, and a declaration and
+counter-declaration were cooked up at Versailles, and sent to London for
+approbation. They were approved, arrived here at one o'clock the 27th,
+were signed that night at Versailles, and on the next day, I had the
+honor of enclosing them to you, under cover to the Count de Moustier,
+whom I supposed still at Brest, dating my letter as of the 27th, by
+mistake for the 28th. Lest, however, these papers should not have got to
+Brest before the departure of the Count de Moustier, I now enclose you
+other copies. The English declaration states a notification of this
+court, in September, by Barthelemy, their minister at London, 'that
+they would send succors into Holland,' as the first cause of England's
+arming; desires an explanation of the intentions of this court, as to
+the affairs of Holland, and proposes to disarm; on condition, however,
+that the King of France shall not retain any hostile views in any
+quarter, for what has been done in Holland. This last phrase was to
+secure Prussia, according to promise. The King of France acknowledges
+the notification by his minister at London, promises he will do nothing
+in consequence of it, declares he has no intention to intermeddle with
+force in the affairs of Holland, and that he will entertain hostile
+views in no quarter, for what has been done there. He disavows having
+ever had any intention to interpose with force in the affairs of that
+republic. This disavowal begins the sentence, which acknowledges he had
+notified the contrary to the court of London, and it includes no apology
+to soothe the feelings which may be excited in the breasts of the
+Patriots of Holland, at hearing the King declare he never did intend to
+aid them with force, when promises to do this were the basis of those
+very attempts to better their constitution, which have ended in its
+ruin, as well as their own.
+
+I have analyzed these declarations, because, being somewhat wrapped up
+in their expressions, their full import might escape, on a transient
+reading; and it is necessary it should not escape. It conveys to us the
+important lesson, that no circumstances of morality, honor, interest, or
+engagement, are sufficient to authorize a secure reliance on any nation,
+at all times, and in all positions. A moment of difficulty, or a moment
+of error, may render for ever useless the most friendly dispositions
+in the King, in the major part of his ministers, and the whole of his
+nation. The present pacification is considered by most, as only a short
+truce. They calculate on the spirit of the nation, and not on the aged
+hand which guides its movements. It is certain, that from this moment
+the whole system of Europe changes. Instead of counting together
+England, Austria, and Russia, as heretofore, against France, Spain,
+Holland, Prussia, and Turkey, the division will probably be, England,
+Holland, and Prussia, against France, Austria, Russia, and perhaps
+Spain. This last power is not sure, because the dispositions of its heir
+apparent are not sure. But whether the present be truce or peace, it
+will allow time to mature the conditions of the alliance between France
+and the two empires, always supposed to be on the carpet. It is thought
+to be obstructed by the avidity of the Emperor, who would swallow a good
+part of Turkey, Silesia, Bavaria, and the rights of the Germanic body.
+To the two or three first articles, France might consent, receiving in
+gratification a well rounded portion of the Austrian Netherlands, with
+the islands of Candia, Cyprus, Rhodes, and perhaps Lower Egypt. But
+all this is in embryo, uncertainly known, and counterworked by the
+machinations of the courts of London and Berlin. The following solution
+of the British armaments is supposed in a letter of the 25th ultimo,
+from Colonel Blachden of Connecticut, now at Dunkirk, to the Marquis
+de la Fayette. I will cite it in his own words. "A gentleman who left
+London two days ago, and came to this place to-day, informs me that
+it is now generally supposed that Mr. Pitt's great secret, which has
+puzzled the whole nation so long, and to accomplish which design, the
+whole force of the nation is armed, is to make a vigorous effort for
+the recovery of America. When I recollect the delay they have made in
+delivering the forts in America, and that little more than a year ago,
+one of the British ministry wrote to the King a letter, in which were
+these remarkable words, 'If your Majesty pleases, America may yet be
+yours;' add to this, if it were possible for the present ministry in
+England to effect such a matter, they would secure their places and
+their power for a long time, and should they fail in the end, they would
+be certain of holding them during the attempt, which it is in their
+power to prolong as much as they please, and at all events, they would
+boast of having endeavored the recovery of what a former ministry had
+abandoned, it is possible." A similar surmise has come in a letter from
+a person in Rotterdam to one at this place. I am satisfied that the
+King of England believes the mass of our people to be tired of their
+independence, and desirous of returning under his government; and that
+the same opinion prevails in the ministry and nation. They have hired
+their news-writers to repeat this lie in their gazettes so long, that
+they have become the dupes of it themselves. But there is no occasion
+to recur to this, in order to account for their arming. A more rational
+purpose avowed, that purpose executed, and when executed, a solemn
+agreement to disarm, seem to leave no doubt, that the re-establishment
+of the Stadtholder was their object. Yet it is possible, that having
+found that this court will not make war in this moment for any ally, new
+views may arise, and they may think the moment favorable for executing
+any purposes they may have, in our quarter. Add to this, that reason is
+of no aid in calculating their movements. We are, therefore, never safe
+till our magazines are filled with arms. The present season of truce, or
+peace, should, in my opinion, be improved without a moment's respite,
+to effect this essential object, and no means be omitted, by which money
+may be obtained for the purpose. I say this, however, with due deference
+to the opinion of Congress, who are better judges of the necessity and
+practicability of the measure.
+
+I mentioned to you, in a former letter, the application I had made to
+the Dutch ambassadors and Prussian envoy, for the protection of Mr.
+Dumas. The latter soon after received an assurance, that he was put
+under the protection of the States of Holland; and the Dutch ambassador
+called on me a few days ago, to inform me, by instruction from
+his constituents, 'that the States General had received a written
+application from Mr. Adams, praying their protection of Dumas: that they
+had instructed their greffier, Fagel, to assure Mr. Adams, by letter,
+that he was under the protection of the States of Holland; but to inform
+him, at the same time, that Mr. Dumas's conduct, out of the line of
+his office, had been so extraordinary, that they would expect _de
+l'honnetete de Mr. Adams_, that he would charge some other person with
+the affairs of the United States, during his absence.'
+
+Your letter, of September the 8th, has been duly received. I shall pay
+due attention to the instructions relative to the medals, and give any
+aid I can, in the case of Boss's vessel. As yet, however, my endeavors
+to find _Monsieur Pauly, avocat au conseil d'etat, rue Coquilliere_,
+have been ineffectual. There is no such person living in that street.
+I found a _Monsieur Pauly, avocat au parlement_, in another part of
+the town; he opened the letter, but said it could not mean him. I shall
+advertise in the public papers. If that fails, there will be no other
+chance of finding him. Mr. Warnum will do well, therefore, to send some
+other description by which the person may be found. Indeed some friend
+of the party interested should be engaged to follow up this business,
+as it will require constant attention, and probably a much larger sum of
+money than that named in the bill inclosed in Mr. Warnum's letter.
+
+I have the honor to enclose you a letter from O'Bryan to me, containing
+information from Algiers, and one from Mr. Montgomery at Alicant.
+The purpose of sending you this last, is to show you how much the
+difficulties of ransom are increased since the Spanish negotiations.
+The Russian captives have cost about eight thousand livres apiece, on an
+average. I certainly have no idea that we should give any such sum; and,
+therefore, if it should be the sense of Congress to give such a price, I
+would be glad to know it by instruction. My idea is, that we should not
+ransom but on the footing of the nation which pays least, that it may be
+as little worth their while to go in pursuit of us, as any nation. This
+is cruelty to the individuals now in captivity, but kindness to the
+hundreds that would soon be so, were we to make it worth the while of
+those pirates to go out of the Streights, in quest of us. As soon as
+money is provided, I shall put this business into train. I have taken
+measures to damp, at Algiers, all expectations of our proposing to
+ransom, at any price. I feel the distress which this must occasion to
+our countrymen there, and their connections; but the object of it is
+their ultimate good, by bringing down their holders to such a price as
+we ought to pay, instead of letting them remain in such expectations as
+cannot be gratified. The gazettes of France and Leyden accompany this.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+     [The annexed are translations of the declaration and
+     counter-declaration, referred to in the preceding letter.]
+
+DECLARATION.
+
+The events which have taken place in the republic of the United
+Provinces appearing no longer to leave any subject of discussion, and
+still less of dispute, between the two courts, the undersigned are
+authorized to ask, if it be the intention of his Most Christian Majesty
+to act in pursuance of the notification given, on the 16th of last
+month, by the Minister Plenipotentiary of his Most Christian Majesty,
+which, announcing his purpose of aiding Holland, has occasioned maritime
+armaments on the part of his Majesty, which armaments have become
+reciprocal.
+
+If the court of Versailles is disposed to explain itself on this
+subject, and on the conduct adopted towards the republic, in a manner
+conformably to the desire, evinced by each party, to preserve a good
+understanding between the two courts, it being also understood, at
+the same time, that no hostile view is entertained, in any quarter,
+in consequence of the past; his Majesty, always eager to manifest his
+concurrence in the friendly sentiments of his Most Christian Majesty,
+agrees forthwith that the armaments, and, in general, all preparations
+for war, shall be mutually discontinued, and that the marines of the two
+nations shall be placed on the footing of a peace establishment, such as
+existed on the first of January of the present year.
+
+Signed. Dorset Wm. Eden.
+
+At Versailles, the 27th of October, 1787.
+
+
+COUNTER-DECLARATION.
+
+It neither being, nor ever having been, the intention of his Majesty
+to interpose by force in the affairs of the republic of the United
+Provinces, the communication made to the court of London by M.
+Barthelemy having had no other object than to announce to that court an
+intention, the motives of which no longer-exist, especially since the
+King of Prussia has made known his resolution, his Majesty makes no
+difficulty in declaring, that he has no wish to act in pursuance of the
+communication aforesaid, and that he entertains no hostile view in any
+quarter, relative to what has passed in Holland.
+
+Consequently, his Majesty, desiring to concur in the sentiments of his
+Britannic Majesty, for the preservation of a good understanding between
+the two courts, consents with pleasure to the proposition of his
+Britannic Majesty, that the armaments, and, in general, all preparations
+for war, shall be mutually discontinued, and that the marines of the two
+nations shall be replaced upon the footing of the peace establishment,
+as it existed on the first day of January of the present year.
+
+Signed. Montmorin.
+
+At Versailles, the 27th of October, 1787.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXI.--TO JOHN JAY, November 3, 1787
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+(Private.) Paris, November 3, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I shall take the liberty of confiding sometimes to a private letter,
+such details of the small history of the court or cabinet, as may be
+worthy of being known, and yet not proper to be publicly communicated.
+I doubt whether the administration is yet in a permanent form. The Count
+de Montmorin and Baron de Breteuil are, I believe, firm enough in their
+places. It was doubted whether they would wait for the Count de la
+Luzerne, if the war had taken place: but at present I suppose they will.
+I wish it also, because M. de Hector, his only competitor, has on some
+occasions shown little value for the connection with us. Lambert, the
+Comptroller General, is thought to be very insecure. I should be sorry
+also to lose him. I have worked several days with him, the Marquis de
+la Fayette, and Monsieur du Pont (father of the young gentleman gone to
+America with the Count de Moustier), to reduce into one _Arret_ whatever
+concerned our commerce. I have found him a man of great judgment and
+application, possessing good general principles on subjects of commerce,
+and friendly dispositions towards us. He passed the _Arret_ in a very
+favorable form, but it has been opposed in the Council, and will,
+I fear, suffer some alteration in the article of whale-oil. That
+of tobacco, which was put into a separate instrument, experiences
+difficulties also, which do not come from him. M. du Pont has rendered
+us essential services on these occasions. I wish his son could be so
+well noticed, as to make a favorable report to his father; he would, I
+think, be gratified by it, and his good dispositions be strengthened,
+and rendered further useful to us. Whether I shall be able to send you
+these regulations by the present packet, will depend on their getting
+through the Council in time. The Archbishop continues well with his
+patroness. Her object is, a close connection with her brother. I suppose
+he convinces her, that peace will furnish the best occasion of cementing
+that connection.
+
+It may not be uninstructive to give you the origin and nature of
+his influence with the Queen. When the Duke de Choiseul proposed the
+marriage of the Dauphin with this lady, he thought it proper to send a
+person to Vienna, to perfect her in the language. He asked his friend,
+the Archbishop of Toulouse, to recommend to him a proper person. He
+recommended a certain Abbe. The Abbe, from his first arrival at Vienna,
+either tutored by his patron, or prompted by gratitude, impressed on
+the Queen's mind the exalted talents and merit of the Archbishop, and
+continually represented him as the only man fit to be placed at the helm
+of affairs. On his return to Paris, being retained near the person of
+the Queen, he kept him constantly in her view. The Archbishop was named
+of the _Assembly des Notables_, had occasion enough there to prove his
+talents, and Count de Vergennes, his great enemy, dying opportunely, the
+Queen got him into place. He uses the Abbe even yet, for instilling all
+his notions into her mind. That he has imposing talents and patriotic
+dispositions, I think is certain. Good judges think him a theorist only,
+little acquainted with the details of business, and spoiling all his
+plans by a bungled execution. He may perhaps undergo a severe trial. His
+best actions are exciting against him a host of enemies, particularly
+the reduction of the pensions, and reforms in other branches of economy.
+Some think the other ministers are willing he should stay in, till he
+has effected this odious, yet necessary work, and that they will then
+make him the scape-goat of the transaction. The declarations too, which
+I send you in my public letter, if they should become public, will
+probably raise an universal cry. It will all fall on him, because
+Montmorin and Breteuil say, without reserve, that the sacrifice of the
+Dutch has been against their advice. He will, perhaps, not permit these
+declarations to appear in this country. They are absolutely unknown:
+they were communicated to me by the Duke of Dorset, and I believe no
+other copy has been given here. They will be published doubtless in
+England, as a proof of their triumph, and may from thence make their way
+into this country. If the Premier can stem a few months, he may remain
+long in office, and will never make war if he can help it. If he should
+be removed, the peace will probably be short. He is solely chargeable
+with the loss of Holland. True, they could not have raised money by
+taxes to supply the necessities of war; but could they do it were their
+finances ever so well arranged? No nation makes war now-a-days, but by
+the aid of loans: and it is probable, that in a war for the liberties
+of Holland, all the treasures of that country would have been at their
+service. They have now lost the cow which furnishes the milk of war.
+She will be on the side of their enemies, whenever a rupture shall
+take place: and no arrangement of their finances can countervail this
+circumstance.
+
+I have no doubt, you permit access to the letters of your foreign
+ministers, by persons only of the most perfect trust. It is in the
+European system to bribe the clerks high, in order to obtain copies
+of interesting papers. I am sure you are equally attentive to the
+conveyance of your letters to us, as you know that all are opened that
+pass through any post-office of Europe. Your letters which come by the
+packet, if put into the mail at New York, or into the post-office at
+Havre, wear proofs that they have been opened. The passenger to whom
+they are confided, should be cautioned always to keep them in his own
+hands, till he can deliver them personally in Paris.
+
+I have the honor to be, with very sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXII.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, November 6, 1787
+
+TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, November 6, 1787.
+
+I take the liberty of asking your Excellency's perusal of the enclosed
+case of an American hostage, confined in the prisons of Dunkirk. His
+continuance there seems to be useless, and yet endless. Not knowing how
+far the government can interfere for his relief, as it is a case wherein
+private property is concerned, I do not presume to ask his liberation
+absolutely: but I will solicit from your Excellency such measures in his
+behalf, as the laws and usages of the country may permit.
+
+The Comptroller General having been so good as to explain to me in a
+conversation, that he wished to know what duties were levied in England
+on American whale-oil, I have had the honor of informing him by letter,
+that the ancient duties on that article are seventeen pounds, six
+shillings, and six pence, sterling, the ton, and that some late
+additional duties make them amount to about eighteen pounds sterling.
+That the common whale-oil sells there but for about twenty pounds
+sterling, the ton, and of course the duty amounts to a prohibition. This
+duty was originally laid on all foreign fish-oil, with a view to favor
+the British and American fisheries. When we became independent, and of
+course foreign to Great Britain, we became subject to the foreign
+duty. No duty, therefore, which France may think proper to lay on this
+article, can drive it to the English market. It could only oblige the
+inhabitants of Nantucket to abandon their fishery. But the poverty
+of their soil offering them no other resource, they must quit their
+country, and either establish themselves in Nova Scotia, where, as
+British fishermen, they may participate of the British premium, in
+addition to the ordinary price of their whale-oil, or they must accept
+the conditions which this government offers, for the establishment they
+have proposed at Dunkirk. Your Excellency will judge, what conditions
+may counterbalance, in their minds, the circumstances of the vicinity
+of Nova Scotia, sameness of langague,[sp.] laws, religion, customs,
+and kindred. Remaining in their native country, to which they are most
+singularly attached, excluded from commerce with England, taught to look
+to France as the only country from which they can derive sustenance,
+they will, in case of war, become useful rovers against its enemies.
+Their position, their poverty, their courage, their address, and their
+hatred, will render them formidable scourges on the British commerce.
+It is to be considered then, on the one hand, that the duty which M. de
+Calonne had proposed to retain on their oil, may endanger the shifting
+this useful body of seamen out of our joint scale into that of the
+British; and also may suppress a considerable subject of exchange for
+the productions of France: on the other hand, that it may produce an
+addition to his Majesty's revenue. What I have thus far said, is on
+the supposition, that the duty may operate a diminution of the price
+received by the fishermen. If it act in the contrary direction, and
+produce an augmentation of price to the consumer, it immediately brings
+into competition a variety of other oils, vegetable and animal, a good
+part of which France receives from abroad, and the fisherman, thus
+losing his market, is compelled equally to change either his calling or
+country. When M. de Calonne first agreed to reduce the duties to what he
+has declared, I had great hopes the commodity could bear them, and
+that it would become a medium of commerce between France and the United
+States. I must confess, however, that my expectations have not been
+fulfilled, and that but little has come here as yet. This induces me
+to fear, that it is so poor an article, that any duty whatever will
+suppress it. Should this take place, and the spirit of emigration once
+seize those people, perhaps an abolition of all duty might then come too
+late to stop, what it would now easily prevent. I fear there is danger
+in the experiment; and it remains for the wisdom of his Majesty and his
+ministers to decide, whether the prospect of gain to the revenue, or
+establishing a national fishery, may compensate this danger. If the
+government should decide to retain the duty, I shall acquiesce in it
+cheerfully, and do every thing in my power to encourage my countrymen
+still to continue their occupation.
+
+The actual session of our several legislatures would render it
+interesting to forward immediately the regulations proposed on our
+commerce; and the expiration of the order of Bernis, at the close of
+this month, endangers a suspension and derangement in the commerce of
+tobacco, very embarrassing to the merchants of the two countries.
+Pardon me therefore, Sir, if I appear solicitous to obtain the ultimate
+decision of his Majesty's Council on these subjects, and to ask as early
+a communication of that decision, as shall be convenient.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most profound esteem and
+respect, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXIII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, November 13, 1787
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, November 13, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+This will be delivered you by young Mr. Rutledge. Your knowledge of his
+father will introduce him to your notice. He merits it, moreover, on his
+own account.
+
+I am now to acknowledge your favors of October the 8th and 26th. That of
+August the 25th was duly received, nor can I recollect by what accident
+I was prevented from acknowledging it in mine of September the 28th. It
+has been the source of my subsistence hitherto, and must continue to
+be so, till I receive letters on the affairs of money from America. Van
+Staphorsts and Willinks have answered my drafts. Your books for Marquis
+de la Fayette are received here. I will notify it to him, who is at
+present with his Provincial Assembly in Auvergne.
+
+Little is said lately of the progress of the negotiations between
+the courts of Petersburg, Vienna, and Versailles. The distance of the
+former, and the cautious, unassuming character of its minister here,
+is one cause of delays: a greater one is, the greediness and instable
+character of the Emperor. Nor do I think that the Principal here,
+will be easily induced to lend himself to any connection, which shall
+threaten a war within a considerable number of years. His own reign
+will be that of peace only, in all probability; and were any accident
+to tumble him down, this country would immediately gird on its sword and
+buckler, and trust to occurrences for supplies of money. The wound their
+honor has sustained, festers in their hearts; and it may be said with
+truth, that the Archbishop and a few priests, determined to support his
+measures, because proud to see their order come again into power, are
+the only advocates for the line of conduct which has been pursued. It is
+said, and believed through Paris literally, that the Count de
+Montmorin '_pleuroit comme un enfant_,' when obliged to sign the
+counter-declaration. Considering the phrase as figurative, I believe it
+expresses the distress of his heart. Indeed, he has made no secret of
+his individual opinion. In the mean time, the Principal goes on with
+a firm and patriotic spirit in reforming the cruel abuses of the
+government, and preparing a new constitution, which will give to this
+people as much liberty as they are capable of managing. This, I think,
+will be the glory of his administration, because, though a good theorist
+in finance, he is thought to execute badly. They are about to open a
+loan of one hundred millions to supply present wants, and it is said,
+the preface of the _Arret_ will contain a promise of the convocation of
+the States General during the ensuing year. Twelve or fifteen Provincial
+Assemblies are already in action, and are going on well: and I think,
+that, though the nation suffers in reputation, it will gain infinitely
+in happiness under the present administration. I enclose to Mr. Jay a
+pamphlet, which I will beg of you to forward. I leave it open for your
+perusal. When you shall have read it, be so good as to stick a wafer in
+it. It is not yet published, nor will be for some days. This copy has
+been ceded to me as a favor.
+
+How do you like our new constitution? I confess there are things in it,
+which stagger all my dispositions to subscribe to what such an Assembly
+has proposed. The House of federal representatives will not be adequate
+to the management of affairs, either foreign or federal. Their President
+seems a bad edition of a Polish King. He may be elected from four years
+to four years, for life. Reason and experience prove to us, that a
+chief magistrate, so continuable, is an office for life. When one or
+two generations shall have proved, that this is an office for life, it
+becomes, on every succession, worthy of intrigue, of bribery, of force,
+and even of foreign interference. It will be of great consequence to
+France and England, to have America governed by a Galloman or Angloman.
+Once in office, and possessing the military force of the Union, without
+the aid or check of a council, he would not be easily dethroned, even
+if the people could be induced to withdraw their votes from him. I wish
+that at the end of the four years, they had made him for ever ineligible
+a second time. Indeed, I think all the good of this new constitution
+might have been couched in three or four new articles to be added to the
+good, old, and venerable fabric, which should have been preserved even
+as a religious relique. Present me and my daughters affectionately to
+Mrs. Adams. The younger one continues to speak of her warmly. Accept
+yourself assurances of the sincere esteem and respect, with which I have
+the honor to be, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXIV.--TO COLONEL SMITH, November 13, 1787
+
+
+TO COLONEL SMITH.
+
+Paris, November 13, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of October the
+4th, 8th, and 26th. In the last, you apologize for your letters of
+introduction to Americans coming here. It is so far from needing apology
+on your part, that it calls for thanks on mine. I endeavor to show
+civilities to all the Americans who come here, and who will give me
+opportunities of doing it: and it is a matter of comfort to know, from
+a good quarter, what they are, and how far I may go in my attentions to
+them.
+
+Can you send me Woodmason's bills for the two copying presses, for the
+Marquis de la Fayette and the Marquis de Chastellux? The latter makes
+one article in a considerable account, of old standing, and which I
+cannot present for want of this article. I do not know whether it is
+to yourself or Mr. Adams I am to give my thanks for the copy of the new
+constitution. I beg leave, through you, to place them where due. It will
+yet be three weeks before I shall receive them from America. There
+are very good articles in it; and very bad. I do not know which
+preponderate. What we have lately read in the history of Holland, in
+the chapter on the Stadtholder, would have sufficed to set me against
+a chief magistrate eligible for a long duration, if I had ever been
+disposed towards one: and what we have always read of the elections of
+Polish Kings, should have for ever excluded the idea of one continuable
+for life. Wonderful is the effect of impudent and persevering lying.
+The British ministry have so long hired their gazetteers to repeat, and
+model into every form, lies about our being in anarchy, that the world
+has at length believed them, the English nation has believed them,
+the ministers themselves have come to believe them, and what is more
+wonderful, we have believed them ourselves. Yet where does this anarchy
+exist? Where did it ever exist, except in the single instance of
+Massachusetts? And can history produce an instance of rebellion so
+honorably conducted? I say nothing of its motives. They were founded in
+ignorance, not wickedness. God forbid, we should ever be twenty years
+without such a rebellion. The people cannot be all, and always, well
+informed. The part which is wrong will be discontented, in proportion to
+the importance of the facts they misconceive. If they remain quiet under
+such misconceptions, it is a lethargy, the forerunner of death to the
+public liberty. We have had thirteen States independent for eleven
+years. There has been one rebellion. That comes to one rebellion in a
+century and a half for each State. What country before ever existed a
+century and a half without a rebellion? And what country can preserve
+its liberties, if its rulers are not warned from time to time, that this
+people preserve the spirit of resistance? Let them take arms. The remedy
+is to set them right as to facts, pardon, and pacify them. What signify
+a few lives lost in a century or two? The tree of liberty must be
+refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It
+is its natural manure. Our convention has been too much impressed by the
+insurrection of Massachusetts: and on the spur of the moment, they are
+setting up a kite to keep the hen-yard in order. I hope in God, this
+article will be rectified before the new constitution is accepted. You
+ask me, if any thing transpires here on the subject of South America?
+Not a word. I know that there are combustible materials there, and
+that they wait the torch only. But this country probably will join
+the extinguishers. The want of facts worth communicating to you,
+has occasioned me to give a little loose to dissertation. We must be
+contented to amuse, when we cannot inform.
+
+Present my respects to Mrs. Smith, and be assured of the sincere esteem
+of, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXV.--TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, December 11, 1787
+
+
+TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, December 11, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am later in acknowledging the receipt of your favors of October the
+15th, and November the 5th and 15th, because we have been long expecting
+a packet, which I hoped would bring communications worth detailing to
+you; and she arrived only a few days ago, after a very long passage
+indeed. I am very sorry you have not been able to make out the cipher
+of my letter of September the 25th, because it contained things which
+I wished you to know at that time. They have lost now a part of their
+merit; * but still I wish you could decipher them, as there remains
+a part, which it might yet be agreeable to you to understand. I have
+examined the cipher, from which it was written. It as precisely a copy
+of those given to Messrs. Barclay and Lambe. In order that you may
+examine whether yours corresponds, I will now translate into cipher, the
+three first lines of my letter of June the 14th.
+
+*****
+
+This will serve to show, whether your cipher corresponds with mine, as
+well as my manner of using it. But I shall not use it in future, till I
+know from you the result of your re-examination of it. I have the honor
+now, to return you the letter you had been so good as to enclose to me.
+About the same time of Liston's conversation with you, similar ones were
+held with me by Mr. Eden. He particularly questioned me on the effect
+of our treaty with France, in the case of a war, and what might be our
+dispositions. I told him without hesitation, that our treaty obliged
+us to receive the armed vessels of France, with their prizes, into our
+ports, and to refuse the admission of prizes made on her by her enemies;
+that there was a clause by which we guarantied to France her American
+possessions, and which might, perhaps, force us into the war, if these
+were attacked. 'Then it will be war,' said he, 'for they will assuredly
+be attacked.' I added, that our dispositions would be to be neutral, and
+that I thought it the interest of both those powers that we should be
+so, because it would relieve both from all anxiety as to the feeding
+their West India islands, and England would, moreover, avoid a heavy
+land war on our continent, which would cripple all her proceedings
+elsewhere. He expected these sentiments from me personally, and he knew
+them to be analogous to those of our country. We had often before had
+occasions of knowing each other: his peculiar bitterness towards us
+had sufficiently appeared, and I had never concealed from him, that I
+considered the British as our natural enemies, and as the only nation
+on earth, who wished us ill from the bottom of their souls. And I am
+satisfied, that were our continent to be swallowed up by the ocean,
+Great Britain would be in a bonfire from one end to the other. Mr.
+Adams, as you know, has asked his recall. This has been granted, and
+Colonel Smith is to return too; Congress having determined to put an end
+to their commission at that court. I suspect and hope they will make no
+new appointment.
+
+Our new constitution is powerfully attacked in the American newspapers.
+The objections are, that its effect would be to form the thirteen States
+into one; that, proposing to melt all down into one general government,
+they have fenced the people by no declaration of rights; they have not
+renounced the power of keeping a standing army; they have not secured
+the liberty of the press; they have reserved the power of abolishing
+trials by jury in civil cases; they have proposed that the laws of the
+federal legislatures shall be paramount the laws and constitutions of
+the States; they have abandoned rotation in office; and particularly
+their President may be re-elected from four years to four years, for
+life, so as to render him a King for life, like a King of Poland; and
+they have not given him either the check or aid of a council. To these,
+they add calculations of expense, &c. &.c. to frighten the people. You
+will perceive that those objections are serious and some of them not
+without foundation. The constitution, however, has been received with
+a very general enthusiasm, and as far as can be judged from external
+demonstrations, the bulk of the people are eager to adopt it. In the
+eastern States, the printers will print nothing against it, unless the
+writer subscribes his name. Massachusetts and Connecticut have called
+conventions in January, to consider of it. In New York, there is a
+division. The Governor (Clinton) is known to be hostile to it. Jersey,
+it is thought, will certainly accept it. Pennsylvania is divided; and
+all the bitterness of her factions has been kindled anew on it. But the
+party in favor of it is strongest, both in and out of the legislature.
+This is the party anciently of Morris, Wilson, &c., Delaware will do
+what Pennsylvania shall do. Maryland is thought favorable to it; yet it
+is supposed Chase and Paca will oppose it. As to Virginia, two of her
+Delegates, in the first place, refused to sign it. These were Randolph,
+the Governor, and George Mason. Besides these, Henry, Harrison, Nelson,
+and the Lees are against it. General Washington will be for it, but it
+is not in his character to exert himself much in the case. Madison
+will be its main pillar; but though an immensely powerful one, it is
+questionable whether he can bear the weight of such a host. So that the
+presumption is, that Virginia will reject it. We know nothing of the
+dispositions of the States south of this. Should it fall through, as is
+possible, notwithstanding the enthusiasm with which it was received in
+the first moment, it is probable that Congress will propose, that, the
+objections which the people shall make to it being once known, another
+convention shall be assembled, to adopt the improvements generally
+acceptable, and omit those found disagreeable. In this way, union may
+be produced under a happy constitution, and one which shall not be too
+energetic, as are the constitutions of Europe. I give you these details,
+because, possibly, you may not have received them all. The sale of our
+western lands is immensely successful. Five millions of acres have been
+sold at private sale, for a dollar an acre, in certificates; and at the
+public sales, some of them had sold as high as two dollars and forty
+cents the acre. The sales had not been begun two months. By these
+means, taxes, &c. our domestic debt, originally twenty-eight millions
+of dollars, was reduced, by the 1st day of last October, to twelve
+millions, and they were then in treaty-for two millions of acres more,
+at a dollar, private sale. Our domestic debt will thus be soon paid off,
+and that done, the sales will go on for money, at a cheaper rate, no
+doubt, for the payment of our foreign debt. The _petite guerre_, always
+waged by the Indians, seems not to abate the ardor of purchase or
+emigration. Kentucky is now counted at sixty thousand. Frankland is also
+growing fast.
+
+I have been told, that the cutting through the Isthmus of Panama, which
+the world has so often wished, and supposed practicable, has at times
+been thought of by the government of Spain, and that they once proceeded
+so far, as to have a survey and examination made of the ground; but
+that the result was, either impracticability or too great difficulty.
+Probably the Count de Campomanes, or Don Ulloa, can give you information
+on this head. I should be exceedingly pleased to get as minute details
+as possible on it, and even copies of the survey, report, &c. if they
+could be obtained at a moderate expense. I take the liberty of asking
+your assistance in this.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great respect and esteem, Sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXVI.--TO JOHN ADAMS
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, December 12, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+In the month of July, I received from Fiseaux & Co. of Amsterdam, a
+letter notifying me that the principal of their loan to the United
+States would become due the first day of January. I answered them that
+I had neither powers nor information on the subject, but would transmit
+their letter to the board of treasury. I did so, by the packet which
+sailed from Havre, August the 10th. The earliest answer possible would
+have been by the packet which arrived at Havre three or four days ago.
+But by her I do not receive the scrip of a pen from any body. This makes
+me suppose, that my letters are committed to Paul Jones, who was to sail
+a week after the departure of the packet; and that possibly, he may be
+the bearer of orders from the treasury, to repay Fiseaux' loan, with the
+money you borrowed. But it is also possible, he may bring no order on
+the subject. The slowness with which measures are adopted on our side
+the water, does not permit us to count on punctual answers; but, on the
+contrary, renders it necessary for us to suppose, in the present case,
+that no orders will arrive in time, and to consider whether any thing,
+and what, should be done. As it may be found expedient to transfer all
+our foreign debts to Holland, by borrowing there, and as it may always
+be prudent to preserve a good credit in that country, because we may
+be forced into wars, whether we will or not, I should suppose it very
+imprudent to suffer our credit to be annihilated, for so small a sum
+as fifty-one thousand guelders. The injury will be greater too, in
+proportion to the smallness of the sum; for they will ask, 'How can a
+people be trusted for large sums, who break their faith for such small
+ones?' You know best what effect it will have on the minds of the
+money-lenders of that country, should we fail in this payment. You know
+best also, whether it is practicable and prudent for us, to have this
+debt paid without orders. I refer the matter, therefore, wholly to
+your consideration, willing to participate with you in any risk and any
+responsibility, which may arise. I think it one of those cases, where
+it is a duty to risk one's self. You will perceive, by the enclosed, the
+necessity of an immediate answer, and that, if you think any thing
+can and should be done, all the necessary authorities from you should
+accompany your letter. In the mean time, should I receive any orders
+from the treasury by Paul Jones, I will pursue them, and consider
+whatever you shall have proposed or done, as _non avenue_.
+
+I am, with much affection, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXVII.--TO JAMES MADISON, December 20, 1787
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, December 20, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of October the 8th, by the Count de Moustier.
+Yours of July the 18th, September the 6th, and October the 24th, were
+successively received, yesterday, the day before, and three or four
+days before that. I have only had time to read the letters; the printed
+papers communicated with them, however interesting, being obliged to lie
+over till I finish my despatches for the packet, which despatches must
+go from hence the day after to-morrow. I have much to thank you for;
+first and most for the ciphered paragraph respecting myself. These
+little informations are very material towards forming my own decisions.
+I would be glad even to know, when any individual member thinks I have
+gone wrong in any instance. If I know myself, it would not excite ill
+blood in me, while it would assist to guide my conduct, perhaps to
+justify it, and to keep me to my duty, alert. I must thank you too, for
+the information in Thomas Burke's case; though you will have found by a
+subsequent letter, that I have asked of you a further investigation of
+that matter. It is to gratify the lady who is at the head of the convent
+wherein my daughters are, and who, by her attachment and attention to
+them, lays me under great obligations, I shall hope, therefore, still
+to receive from you the result of all the further inquiries my
+second letter had asked. The parcel of rice which you informed me had
+miscarried, accompanied my letter to the Delegates of South Carolina.
+Mr. Bourgoin was to be the bearer of both, and both were delivered
+together into the hands of his relation here, who introduced him to
+me, and who, at a subsequent moment, undertook to convey them to Mr.
+Bourgoin. This person was an engraver, particularly recommended to
+Dr. Franklin and Mr. Hopkinson. Perhaps he may have mislaid the little
+parcel of rice among his baggage. I am much pleased, that the sale
+of western lands is so successful. I hope they will absorb all the
+certificates of our domestic debt speedily, in the first place, and that
+then, offered for cash, they will do the same by our foreign ones.
+
+The season admitting only of operations in the cabinet, and these
+being in a great measure secret, I have little to fill a letter, I
+will therefore make up the deficiency, by adding a few words on the
+constitution proposed by our convention.
+
+I like much the general idea of framing a government, which should go on
+of itself, peaceably, without needing continual recurrence to the
+State legislatures. I like the organization of the government into
+legislative, judiciary, and executive. I like the power given the
+legislature to levy taxes, and for that reason solely, I approve of the
+greater House being chosen by the people directly. For though I think
+a House, so chosen, will be very far inferior to the present Congress,
+will be very illy qualified to legislate for the Union, for foreign
+nations, &c.; yet this evil does not weigh against the good of
+preserving inviolate the fundamental principle, that the people are
+not to be taxed but by representitives[sp.] chosen immediately by
+themselves. I am captivated by the compromise of the opposite claims of
+the great and little States, of the latter to equal, and the former to
+proportional influence. I am much pleased, too, with the substitution
+of the method of voting by persons, instead of that of voting by States:
+and I like the negative given to the Executive, conjointly with a third
+of either House; though I should have liked it better, had the judiciary
+been associated for that purpose, or invested separately with a similar
+power. There are other good things of less moment.
+
+I will now tell you what I do not like. First, the omission of a bill of
+rights, providing clearly, and without the aid of sophism, for freedom
+of religion, freedom of the press, protection against standing armies,
+restriction of monopolies, the eternal and unremitting force of the
+_habeas corpus_ laws, and trials by jury in all matters of fact triable
+by the laws of the land, and not by the laws of nations. To say, as Mr.
+Wilson does, that a bill of rights was not necessary, because all is
+reserved in the case of the general government which is not given, while
+in the particular ones, all is given which is not reserved, might do
+for the audience to which it was addressed: but it is surely a _gratis
+dictum_, the reverse of which might just as well be said; and it is
+opposed by strong inferences from the body of the instrument, as well as
+from the omission of the clause of our present Confederation, which had
+made the reservation in express terms. It was hard to conclude, because
+there has been a want of uniformity among the States as to the cases
+triable by jury, because some have been so incautious as to dispense
+with this mode of trial in certain cases, therefore the more prudent
+States shall be reduced to the same level of calamity. It would have
+been much more just and wise to have concluded the other way, that as
+most of the States had preserved with jealousy this sacred palladium of
+liberty, those who had wandered, should be brought back to it: and to
+have established general right rather than general wrong. For I consider
+all the ill as established, which maybe established. I have a right to
+nothing, which another has a right to take away; and Congress will have
+a right to take away trials by jury in all civil cases. Let me add,
+that a bill of rights is what the people are entitled to against every
+government on earth, general or particular; and what no just government
+should refuse, or rest on inference.
+
+The second feature I dislike, and strongly dislike, is the abandonment,
+in every instance, of the principle of rotation in office, and most
+particularly in the case of the President. Reason and experience tell
+us, that the first magistrate will always be re-elected if he may be
+re-elected. He is then an officer for life.
+
+This once observed, it becomes of so much consequence to certain
+nations, to have a friend or a foe at the head of our affairs, that they
+will interfere with money and with arms. A Galloman, or an Angloman,
+will be supported by the nation he befriends. If once elected, and at a
+second or third election outvoted by one or two votes, he will pretend
+false votes, foul play, hold possession of the reins of government,
+be supported by the States voting for him, especially if they be the
+central ones, lying in a compact body themselves, and separating their
+opponents; and they will be aided by one nation in Europe, while the
+majority are aided by another. The election of a President of America,
+some years hence, will be much more interesting to certain nations of
+Europe, than ever the election of a King of Poland was. Reflect on all
+the instances in history, ancient and modern, of elective monarchies,
+and say, if they do not give foundation for my fears; the Roman
+Emperors, the Popes while they were of any importance, the German
+Emperors till they became hereditary in practice, the Kings of Poland,
+the Deys of the Ottoman dependencies. It may be said, that if elections
+are to be attended with these disorders, the less frequently they
+are repeated the better. But experience says, that to free them from
+disorder, they must be rendered less interesting by a necessity of
+change. No foreign power, nor domestic party, will waste their blood and
+money to elect a person, who must go out at the end of a short period.
+The power of removing every fourth year by the vote of the people, is
+a power which they will not exercise, and if they were disposed
+to exercise it, they would not be permitted. The King of Poland is
+removable every day by the diet. But they never remove him. Nor would
+Russia, the Emperor, &c. permit them to do it. Smaller objections are,
+the appeals on matters of fact as well as law; and the binding all
+persons, legislative, executive, and judiciary, by oath, to maintain
+that constitution. I do not pretend to decide, what would be the best
+method of procuring the establishment of the manifold good things in
+this constitution, and of getting rid of the bad. Whether by adopting
+it, in hopes of future amendment; or, after it shall have been duly
+weighed and canvassed by the people, after seeing the parts they
+generally dislike, and those they generally approve, to say to them,
+'We see now what you wish. You are willing to give to your federal
+government such and such powers: but you wish, at the same time, to have
+such and such fundamental rights secured to you, and certain sources of
+convulsion taken away. Be it so. Send together your deputies again. Let
+them establish your fundamental rights by a sacrosanct declaration, and
+let them pass the parts of the constitution you have approved. These
+will give powers to your federal government sufficient for your
+happiness.' This is what might be said, and would probably produce a
+speedy, more perfect, and more permanent form of government. At all
+events, I hope you will not be discouraged from making other trials, if
+the present one should fail. We are never permitted to despair of
+the commonwealth. I have thus told you freely what I like, and what I
+dislike, merely as a matter of curiosity; for I know it is not in my
+power to offer matter of information to your judgment, which has been
+formed after hearing and weighing every thing which the wisdom of
+man could offer on these subjects. I own, I am not a friend to a very
+energetic government. It is always oppressive. It places the governors
+indeed more at their ease, at the expense of the people. The late
+rebellion in Massachusetts has given more alarm, than I think it should
+have done. Calculate that one rebellion in thirteen States in the course
+of eleven years, is but one for each State in a century and a half. No
+country should be so long without one. Nor will any degree of power in
+the hands of government prevent insurrections. In England, where the
+hand of power is heavier than with us, there are seldom half a dozen
+years without an insurrection. In France, Where it is still heavier, but
+less despotic, as Montesquieu supposes, than in some other countries,
+and where there are always two or three hundred thousand men ready to
+crush insurrections, there have been three in the course of the three
+years I have been here, in every one of which greater numbers were
+engaged than in Massachusetts, and a great deal more blood was spilt. In
+Turkey, where the sole nod of the despot is death, insurrections are the
+events of every day. Compare again the ferocious depredations of
+their insurgents, with the order, the moderation, and the almost
+self-extinguishment of ours. And say, finally, whether peace is best
+preserved by giving energy to the government, or information to the
+people. This last is the most certain and the most legitimate engine of
+government. Educate and inform the whole mass of the people. Enable them
+to see that it is their interest to preserve peace and order, and they
+will preserve them. And it requires no very high degree of education
+to convince them of this. They are the only sure reliance for the
+preservation of our liberty. After all, it is my principle that the
+will of the majority should prevail. If they approve the proposed
+constitution in all its parts, I shall concur in it cheerfully, in
+hopes they will amend it, whenever they shall find it works wrong. This
+reliance cannot deceive us, as long as we remain virtuous; and I think
+we shall be so, as long as agriculture is our principal object, which
+will be the case, while there remain vacant lands in any part of
+America. When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in
+Europe, we shall become corrupt as in Europe, and go to eating
+one another as they do there. I have tired you by this time with
+disquisitions which you have already heard repeated by others, a
+thousand and a thousand times; and, therefore, shall only add assurances
+of the esteem and attachment, with which I have the honor to be, Dear
+Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+P. S. The instability of our laws is really an immense evil. I think it
+would be well to provide in our constitutions, that there shall always
+be a twelvemonth between the engrossing a bill and passing it: that it
+should then be offered to its passage without changing a word: and that
+if circumstances should be thought to require a speedier passage, it
+should take two thirds of both Houses, instead of a bare majority.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXVIII.--TO E. CARRINGTON, December 21, 1787
+
+
+TO E. CARRINGTON
+
+Paris, December 21, 1787.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have just received your two favors of October the 23rd and November
+the 10th. I am much obliged to you for your hints in the Danish
+business. They are the only information I have on that subject, except
+the resolution of Congress, and warn me of a rock on which I should most
+certainly have split. The vote plainly points out an agent, only leaving
+it to my discretion to substitute another. My judgment concurs with that
+of Congress as to his fitness. But I shall inquire for the surest banker
+at Copenhagen to receive the money, not because I should have had any
+doubts, but because I am informed others have them. Against the failure
+of a banker, were such an accident, or any similar one to happen, I
+cannot be held accountable in a case, where I act without particular
+interest. My principal idea in proposing the transfer of the French
+debt, was, to obtain on the new loans a much longer day for the
+reimbursement of the principal, hoping that the resources of the United
+States could have been equal to the article of interest alone. But I
+shall endeavor to quiet, as well as I can, those interested. A part of
+them will probably sell out at any rate: and one great claimant may be
+expected to make a bitter attack on our honor. I am very much pleased
+to hear, that our western lands sell so successfully. I turn to this
+precious resource, as that which will, in every event, liberate us from
+our domestic debt, and perhaps too from our foreign one: and this, much
+sooner than I had expected. I do not think any thing could have been
+done with them in Europe. Individual speculators and sharpers had duped
+so many with their unlocated land-warrants, that every offer would have
+been suspected.
+
+As to the new constitution, I find myself nearly a neutral. There is a
+great mass of good in it, in a very desirable form; but there is also,
+to me, a bitter pill or two. I have written somewhat lengthily to Mr.
+Madison on this subject, and will take the liberty to refer you to that
+part of my letter to him. I will add one question to what I have said
+there. Would it not have been better to assign to Congress exclusively,
+the article of imposts for federal purposes, and to have left direct
+taxation exclusively to the States? I should suppose the former fund
+sufficient for all probable events, aided by the land office.
+
+The form which the affairs of Europe may assume, is not yet decipherable
+by those out of the cabinet. The Emperor gives himself, at present,
+the airs of a mediator. This is necessary to justify a breach with the
+Porte. He has his eye at the same time on Germany, and particularly on
+Bavaria, the Elector of which has, for a long time, been hanging over
+the grave. Probably, France would now consent to the exchange of the
+Austrian Netherlands, to be created into a kingdom for the Duke de
+Deux-ponts, against the electorate of Bavaria. This will require a
+war. The Empress longs for Turkey, and viewing France as her principal
+obstacle, would gladly negotiate her acquiescence. To spur on this, she
+is coquetting it with England. The King of Prussia, too, is playing
+a double game between France and England. But I suppose the former
+incapable of forgiving him, or of ever reposing confidence in him.
+Perhaps the spring may unfold to us the final arrangement, which will
+take place among the powers of this continent.
+
+I often doubt whether I should trouble Congress or my friends with these
+details of European politics. I know they do not excite that interest
+in America, of which it is impossible for one to divest himself here. I
+know too, that it is a maxim with us, and I think it is a wise one, not
+to entangle ourselves with the affairs of Europe. Still, I think,
+we should know them. The Turks have practised the same maxim of not
+meddling in the complicated wrangles of this continent. But they have
+unwisely chosen to be ignorant of them also, and it is this total
+ignorance of Europe, its combinations, and its movements, which exposes
+them to that annihilation possibly about taking place. While there are
+powers in Europe which fear our views, or have views on us, we should
+keep an eye on them, their connections, and oppositions, that in a
+moment of need, we may avail ourselves of their weakness with respect to
+others as well as ourselves, and calculate their designs and movements,
+on all the circumstances under which they exist. Though I am persuaded,
+therefore, that these details are read by many with great indifference,
+yet I think it my duty to enter into them, and to run the risk of giving
+too much, rather than too little information.
+
+I have the honor to be, with perfect esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+P. S. The resolution of Congress, relative to the prize money received
+here, speaks of that money as paid to me. I hope this matter is properly
+understood. The treasury board desired me to receive it, and apply it to
+such and such federal purposes; and they would pay the dividends of
+the claimants in America. This would save the expense of remittance. I
+declined, however, receiving the money, and ordered it into the hands
+of their banker, who paid it away for the purposes to which they had
+destined it. I should be sorry an idea should get abroad, that I had
+received the money of those poor fellows, and applied it to other
+purposes. I shall, in like manner, order the Danish and Barbary money
+into the hands of bankers, carefully avoiding ever to touch a sou of
+it, or having any other account to make out than what the banker will
+furnish. T. J.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXIX.--TO MONSIEUR LIMOZIN, December 22, 1787
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR LIMOZIN.
+
+Paris, December 22, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honor now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the
+18th and 19th of November, and two of the 18th of the present month.
+I did not write to you immediately on the receipt of the two first,
+because the observation they contained were to be acted on here. I
+was much obliged to you for them, as I have been frequently before for
+others, and you will find that I have profited by them in the _Arret_
+which is to come out for the regulation of our commerce, wherein most
+of the things are provided for, which you have from time to time
+recommended. With respect to the article of yellow wax, I think there
+is a general clause in the _Arret_, which will take it in; but I am not
+sure of it. If there be not, it is now too late to get any alteration
+made. You shall receive the _Arret_ the moment it is communicated to me.
+
+I have examined the case of Captain Thomas, with all the dispositions
+possible, to interpose for him. But on mature reflection, I find it is
+one of those cases wherein my solicitation would be ill received. The
+government of France, to secure to its subjects the carrying trade
+between her colonies and the mother country, have made a law, forbidding
+any foreign vessels to undertake to carry between them. Notwithstanding
+this, an American vessel has undertaken, and has brought a cargo. For me
+to ask that this vessel shall be received, would be to ask a repeal of
+the law, because there is no more reason for receiving her, than there
+will be for receiving the second, third, &c, which shall act against the
+same law, nor for receiving an American vessel, more than the vessels of
+other nations. Captain Thomas has probably engaged in this business, not
+knowing the law; but ignorance of the law is no excuse, in any country.
+If it were, the laws would lose their effect, because it can be always
+pretended. Were I to make this application to the Comptroller General,
+he might possibly ask me, whether, in a like case, of a French vessel in
+America acting through ignorance, against law, we would suspend the law
+as to her? I should be obliged honestly to answer, that with us there
+is no power which can suspend the law for a moment; and Captain Thomas
+knows that this answer would be the truth. The Senegal company seems to
+be as much engaged in it as he is. I should suppose his most probable
+means of extrication, would be with their assistance, and availing
+himself of their privileges, and the apparent authority he has received
+from the officers of government there. I am sorry his case is such a
+one, as I cannot present to the minister. A jealousy of our taking
+away their carrying trade, is the principal reason which obstructs our
+admission into their West India islands. It would not be right for me to
+strengthen that jealousy.
+
+I have the honor to be, with much esteem, Sir, your most obedient,
+humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXX.--TO JOHN JAY, December 31, 1787
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, December 31, 1787.
+
+Sir,
+
+Since the receipt of the letter of Monsieur de Calonne, of October the
+22nd, 1786, I have several times had the honor of mentioning to you,
+that I was endeavoring to get the substance of that letter reduced into
+an _Arret_, which, instead of being revocable by a single letter of a
+Comptroller General, would require an _Arret_ to repeal or alter it, and
+of course must be discussed in full Council, and so give time to prevent
+it. This has been pressed as much as it could be with prudence. One
+cause of delay has been the frequent changes of the Comptroller General;
+as we had always our whole work to begin again, with every new one.
+Monsieur Lambert's continuance in office for some months has enabled us,
+at length, to get through the business; and I have just received from
+him a letter, and the _Arret_ duly authenticated; of which I have the
+honor to send you a number of printed copies. You will find, that the
+several alterations and additions are made, which, on my visit, to the
+seaports, I had found to be necessary, and which my letters of June the
+21st and August the 6th particularly mentioned to you. Besides these,
+we have obtained some new articles of value, for which openings arose
+in the course of the negotiation. I say we have done it, because
+the Marquis de la Fayette has gone hand in hand with me through this
+business, and has been a most invaluable aid. I take the liberty of
+making some observations on the articles of the _Arret_, severally, for
+their explanation, as well as for the information of Congress.
+
+Article 1. In the course of our conferences with the Comptroller
+General, we had prevailed on him to pass this article with a suppression
+of all duty. When he reported the _Arret_, however, to the Council, this
+suppression was objected to, and it was insisted to re-establish the
+duties of seven livres and ten sous, and of ten sous the livre, reserved
+in the letter of M. de Calonne. The passage of the _Arret_ was stopped,
+and the difficulty communicated to me. I urged every thing I could,
+in letters and in conferences, to convince them that whale-oil was an
+article which could bear no duty at all. That if the duty fell on the
+consumer, he would choose to buy vegetable oils; if on the fisherman, he
+could no longer live by his calling, remaining in his own country;
+and that if he quitted his own country, the circumstances of vicinity,
+sameness of language, laws, religion, and manners, and perhaps the
+ties of kindred, would draw him to Nova Scotia, in spite of every
+encouragement which could be given at Dunkirk; and that thus those
+fishermen would be shifted out of a scale friendly to France, into one
+always hostile. Nothing, however, could prevail. It hung on this article
+alone, for two months, during which we risked the total loss of the
+_Arret_ on the stability in office of Monsieur Lambert; for if he had
+gone out, his successor might be less favorable; and if Monsieur Necker
+were the successor, we might lose the whole, as he never set any
+store by us, or the connection with us. About ten days ago, it became
+universally believed that Monsieur Lambert was to go out immediately.
+I therefore declined further insisting on the total suppression, and
+desired the _Arret_ might pass, leaving the duties on whale-oil, as
+Monsieur de Calonne had promised them; but with a reservation, which
+may countenance our bringing on this matter again, at a more favorable
+moment.
+
+Article 2. The other fish-oils are placed in a separate article;
+because, whatever encouragements we may hereafter obtain for whale-oils,
+they will not be extended to those which their own fisheries produce.
+
+Article 3. A company had silently, and by unfair means, obtained a
+monopoly for the making and selling spermaceti candles: as soon as we
+discovered it, we solicited its suppression, which is effected by this
+clause.
+
+Article 4. The duty of an eighth per cent, is merely to oblige the
+masters of vessels to enter their cargoes, for the information of
+government; without inducing them to attempt to smuggle.
+
+Article 6. Tar, pitch, and turpentine of America, coming in competition
+with the same articles produced in the southwestern parts of France,
+we could obtain no greater reduction, than two and a half per cent. The
+duties before were from four to six times that amount.
+
+Article 10. The right of _entrepot_, given by this article, is almost
+the same thing, as the making all their ports, free ports for us. The
+ships are indeed subject to be visited, and the cargoes must be reported
+in ports of _entrepot_, which need not be done in the free ports.
+But the communication between the _entrepot_ and the country is not
+interrupted by continual search of all persons passing into the country,
+which has proved so troublesome to the inhabitants of our free ports,
+as that a considerable proportion of them have wished to give back the
+privilege of their freedom.
+
+Article 13. This article gives us the privileges and advantages of
+native subjects, in all their possessions in Asia, and in the scales
+leading thereto. This expression means, at present, the isles of France
+and Bourbon, and will include the Cape of Good Hope, should any future
+event put it into the hands of France. It was with a view to this, that
+I proposed the expression, because we were then in hourly expectation
+of a war, and it was suspected that France would take possession of
+that place. It will, in no case, be considered as including any thing
+westward of the Cape of Good Hope. I must observe further, on this
+article, that it will only become valuable, on the suppression of their
+East India Company; because, as long as their monopoly continues, even
+native subjects cannot enter their Asiatic ports, for the purposes of
+commerce. It is considered, however, as certain, that this Company will
+be immediately suppressed.
+
+The article of tobacco could not be introduced into the _Arret_; because
+it was necessary to consider the Farmers General as parties to that
+arrangement. It rests, therefore, of necessity, on the basis of a letter
+only. You will perceive that this is nothing more than a continuation of
+the order of Bernis, only leaving the prices unfixed; and like that, it
+will require a constant and vexatious attention, to have its execution
+enforced.
+
+The States who have much to carry, and few carriers, will observe,
+perhaps, that the benefits of these regulations are somewhat narrowed,
+by confining them to articles brought hither in French or American
+bottoms. But they will consider, that nothing in these instruments moves
+from us. The advantages they hold out are all given by this country to
+us, and the givers will modify their gifts as they please. I suppose it
+to be a determined principle of this court not to suffer our carrying
+business, so far as their consumption of our commodities extends,
+to become a nursery for British seamen. Nor would this, perhaps, be
+advantageous to us, considering the dispositions of the two nations
+towards us. The preference which our shipping will obtain on this
+account, may counterpoise the discouragements it experiences from the
+aggravated dangers of the Barbary States. Nor is the idea unpleasing,
+which shows itself in various parts of these papers, of naturalizing
+American bottoms, and American citizens in France and in its foreign
+possessions. Once established here, and in their eastern settlements,
+they may revolt less at the proposition to extend it to those westward.
+They are not yet, however, at that point; we must be contented to go
+towards it a step at a time, and trust to future events for hastening
+our progress.
+
+With respect to the alliance between this and the two imperial courts,
+nothing certain transpires. We are enabled to conjecture its progress,
+only from facts which now and then show themselves. The following may be
+considered as indications of it. 1. The Emperor has made an attempt to
+surprise Belgrade. The attempt failed, but will serve to plunge him into
+the war, and to show that he had assumed the character of mediator, only
+to enable himself to gain some advantage by surprise. 2. The mediation
+of France is probably at an end, and their abandonment of the Turks
+agreed on; because they have secretly ordered their officers to quit the
+Turkish service. This fact is known to but few, and not intended to be
+known: but I think it certain. 3. To the offer of mediation lately made
+by England and Prussia, the court of Petersburg answered, that having
+declined the mediation of a friendly power (France), she could not
+accept that of two courts, with whose dispositions she had reason to be
+dissatisfied. 4. The States General are said to have instructed their
+ambassador here, lately, to ask of M. de Montmorin, whether the inquiry
+had been made, which they had formerly desired; 'By what authority the
+French engineers had been placed in the service of Holland?' And that he
+answered, that the inquiry had not been made, nor should be made.
+Though I do not consider the channel through which I get this fact,
+as absolutely sure, yet it is so respectable, that I give credit to it
+myself. 5. The King of Prussia is withdrawing his troops from Holland.
+Should this alliance show itself it would seem that France, thus
+strengthened, might dictate the re-establishment of the affairs of
+Holland, in her own form. For it is not conceivable, that Prussia would
+dare to move, nor that England would alone undertake such a war, and
+for such a purpose. She appears, indeed, triumphant at present; but the
+question is, Who will triumph last?
+
+I enclose you a letter from Mr. Dumas. I received one from him myself,
+wherein he assures me, that no difficulties shall be produced, by what
+he had suggested relative to his mission to Brussels. The gazettes of
+France and Leyden to this date accompany this letter, which, with the
+several papers put under your cover, I shall send to M. Limozin, our
+agent at Havre, to be forwarded by the Juno, Captain Jenkins, which
+sails from that port for New York, on the 3d of January.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXI.--TO MONSIEUR LAMBERT, January 3, 1788
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR LAMBERT.
+
+Paris, January 3, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+I am honored with your Excellency's letter of the 29th of December,
+enclosing the _Arret_ on the commerce between France and the United
+States. I availed myself of the occasion of a vessel sailing this day
+from Havre for New York, to forward it to Congress. They will receive
+with singular satisfaction, this new testimony of his Majesty's
+friendship for the United States, of his dispositions to promote their
+interest, and to strengthen the bands which connect the two nations.
+
+Permit me, Sir, to return you, personally, my sincere thanks for the
+great attention you have paid to this subject, for the sacrifices you
+have kindly made of a time so precious as yours, every moment of which
+is demanded and is occupied by objects interesting to the happiness of
+millions; and to proffer you the homage of those sincere sentiments
+of attachment and respect, with which I have the honor to be, your
+Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXII.--TO LE COMTE BERNSTORFF, January 21, 1788
+
+
+TO LE COMTE BERNSTORFF, _Minister of Foreign Affairs, Copenhagen_.
+
+Paris, January 21, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+I am instructed by the United States of America, in Congress assembled,
+to bring again under the consideration of his Majesty, the King of
+Denmark, and of his ministers, the case of the three prizes taken from
+the English during the late war, by an American squadron under the
+command of Commodore Paul Jones, put into Bergen in distress, there
+rescued from our possession by orders from the court of Denmark,
+and delivered back to the English. Dr. Franklin, then Minister
+Plenipotentiary from the United States at the court of Versailles, had
+the honor of making applications to the court of Denmark, for a just
+indemnification to the persons interested, and particularly by a letter
+of the 22nd of December, 1779, a copy of which I have now the honor of
+enclosing to your Excellency. In consequence of this, the sum of ten
+thousand pounds was proposed to him, as an indemnification, through
+the Baron de Waltersdorff, then at Paris. The departure of both those
+gentlemen from this place, soon after, occasioned an intermission in
+the correspondence on this subject. But the United States continue to
+be very sensibly affected by this delivery of their prizes to Great
+Britain, and the more so, as no part of their conduct had forfeited
+their claim to those rights of hospitality, which civilized nations
+extend to each other. Not only a sense of justice due to the individuals
+interested in those prizes, but also an earnest desire that no subject
+of discontent may check the cultivation and progress of that friendship,
+which they wish may subsist and increase between the two countries,
+prompt them to remind his Majesty of the transaction in question; and
+they flatter themselves, that his Majesty will concur with them in
+thinking, that as restitution of the prizes is not practicable, it is
+reasonable and just that he should render, and that they should accept,
+a compensation equivalent to the value of them. And the same principles
+of justice towards the parties, and of amity to the United States,
+which influenced the breast of his Majesty to make, through the Baron de
+Waltersdorff, the proposition of a particular sum, will surely lead him
+to restore their full value, if that were greater, as is believed, than
+the sum proposed. In order to obtain, therefore, a final arrangement of
+this demand, Congress have authorized me to depute a special agent to
+Copenhagen, to attend the pleasure of his Majesty. No agent could be so
+adequate to this business, as the Commodore Paul Jones, who commanded
+the squadron which took the prizes. He will therefore have the honor
+of delivering this letter to your Excellency, in person; of giving such
+information as may be material, relative to the whole transaction; of
+entering into conferences for its final adjustment; and being himself
+principally interested, not only in his own right, but as the natural
+patron of those who fought under him, whatever shall be satisfactory
+to him, will have a great right to that ultimate approbation, which
+Congress have been pleased to confide to me.
+
+I beg your Excellency to accept the homage of that respect, which your
+exalted station, talents, and merit impress, as well as those sentiments
+of esteem and regard, with which I have the honor to be
+
+Your Excellency's most obedient
+
+and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXIII.--TO WILLIAM RUTLEDGE, February 2, 1788
+
+
+TO WILLIAM RUTLEDGE.
+
+Paris, February 2, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I should have sooner answered your favor of January the 2nd, but that we
+have expected for some time, to see you here. I beg you not to think of
+the trifle I furnished you with, nor to propose to return it, till you
+shall have that sum more than you know what to do with. And on every
+other occasion of difficulty, I hope you will make use of me freely.
+I presume you will now remain at London, to see the trial of Hastings.
+Without suffering yourself to be imposed on by the pomp in which it
+will be enveloped, I would recommend to you to consider and decide for
+yourself these questions. If his offence is to be decided by the law of
+the land, why is he not tried in that court in which his fellow citizens
+are tried, that is, the King's Bench? If he is cited before another
+court, that he may be judged, not according to the law of the land, but
+by the discretion of his judges, is he not disfranchised of his most
+precious right, the benefit of the laws of his country, in common
+with his fellow citizens? I think you will find, in investigating this
+subject, that every solid argument is against the extraordinary court,
+and that every one in its favor is specious only. It is a transfer from
+a judicature of learning and integrity, to one, the greatness of which
+is both illiterate and unprincipled. Yet such is the force of prejudice
+with some, and of the want of reflection in others, that many of our
+constitutions have copied this absurdity, without suspecting it to be
+one. I am glad to hear that our new constitution is pretty sure of being
+accepted by States enough to secure the good it contains, and to meet
+with such opposition in some others, as to give us hopes it will be
+accommodated to them, by the amendment of its most glaring faults,
+particularly the want of a declaration of rights.
+
+The long expected edict for the Protestants at length appears here.
+Its analysis is this. It is an acknowledgment (hitherto withheld by the
+laws) that Protestants can beget children, and that they can die, and be
+offensive unless buried. It does not give them permission to think, to
+speak, or to worship. It enumerates the humiliations to which they shall
+remain subject, and the burthens to which they shall continue to be
+unjustly exposed. What are we to think of the condition of the human
+mind in a country, where such a wretched thing as this has thrown the
+State into convulsions, and how must we bless our own situation in a
+country, the most illiterate peasant of which is a Solon, compared
+with the authors of this law. There is modesty often, which does
+itself injury; our countrymen possess this. They do not know their own
+superiority. You see it; you are young, you have time and talents to
+correct them. Study the subject while in Europe, in all the instances
+which will present themselves to you, and profit your countrymen of
+them, by making them to know and value themselves.
+
+Adieu, my dear Sir, and be assured of the esteem with which I am your
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXIV.--TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY, Feb. 7, 1788
+
+
+TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY.
+
+Paris, February 7, 1788.
+
+Gentlemen,
+
+Your favors of November the 10th and 13th, and December the 5th, have
+been duly received. Commodore Jones left this place for Copenhagen,
+the 5th instant, to carry into execution the resolution of Congress, of
+October the 25th. Whatever monies that court shall be willing to allow,
+shall be remitted to your bankers, either in Amsterdam or Paris, as
+shall be found most beneficial, allowing previously to be withdrawn
+Commodore Jones's proportion, which will be necessary for his
+subsistence. I desired him to endeavor to prevail on the Danish
+minister, to have the money paid in Amsterdam or Paris, by their banker
+in either of those cities, if they have one.
+
+M. Ast (secretary to the consulate) is at L'Orient. Whether he comes up
+with the papers, or sends them, they shall be received, sealed up, and
+taken care of. I will only ask the favor of you, that I may never be
+desired to break the seals, unless very important cause for it should
+arise.
+
+I have just received from Messrs. Willincks and Van Staphorsts, a
+letter of January the 31st, in which are these words: 'The official
+communication we have of the actual situation and prospect of the
+finances of the United States, would render such a partial payment as
+that to Fiseaux's house of no avail towards the support of the public
+credit, unless effectual measures shall be adopted, to provide funds for
+the two hundred and seventy thousand florins, interest, that will be due
+the first of June next; a single day's retard in which would ground a
+prejudice of long duration.' They informed me, at the same time, that
+they have made to you the following communication; that Mr. Stanitski,
+our principal broker, and holder of thirteen hundred and forty thousand
+dollars, of certificates of our domestic debt, offers to have our loan
+of a million of guilders (of which six hundred and twenty-two thousand
+eight hundred and forty are still unfilled) immediately made up, on
+condition that he may retain thereout one hundred and eighty thousand
+guilders, being one year's interest on his certificates, allowing a
+deduction of ten per cent, from his said interest, as a compensation
+for his receiving it in Amsterdam instead of America, and not pretending
+that this shall give him any title to ask any payment of future interest
+in Europe. They observe, that this will enable them to face the demands
+of Dutch interest, till the 1st of June, 1789, pay the principal of
+Fiseaux' debt, and supply the current expenses of your legation in
+Europe. On these points, it is for you to decide. I will only take the
+liberty to observe, that if they shall receive your acceptance of the
+proposition, some days credit will still be to be given for producing
+the cash, and that this must be produced fifteen days before it is
+wanting, because that much previous notice is always given to the
+creditors, that their money is ready. It is, therefore, but three months
+from this day, before your answer should be in Amsterdam. It might
+answer a useful purpose also, could I receive a communication of that
+answer ten days earlier than they. The same stagnation attending our
+passage from the old to the new form of government, which stops the
+feeble channel of money hitherto flowing towards our treasury, has
+suspended also what foreign credit we had. So that, at this moment, we
+may consider the progress of our loan as stopped. Though much an
+enemy to the system of borrowing, yet I feel strongly the necessity of
+preserving the power to borrow. Without this, we might be overwhelmed by
+another nation, merely by the force of its credit. However, you can best
+judge whether the payment of a single year's interest on Stanitski's
+certificates, in Europe, instead of America, may be more injurious to
+us than the shock of our credit in Amsterdam, which may be produced by a
+failure to pay our interest.
+
+I have only to offer any services which I can render in this business,
+either here or by going to Holland, at a moment's warning, if that
+should be necessary.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXV.--TO DOCTOR PRICE, February 7, 1788
+
+
+TO DOCTOR PRICE.
+
+Paris, February 7, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+It is rendering mutual service to men of virtue and understanding,
+to make them acquainted with one another. I need no other apology for
+presenting to your notice the bearer hereof, Mr. Barlow. I know you
+were among the first who read the "Vision of Columbus," while yet in
+manuscript: and think the sentiments I heard you express of that poem,
+will induce you to be pleased with the acquaintance of their author. He
+comes to pass a few days only at London, merely to know something of it.
+As I have little acquaintance there, I cannot do better for him than to
+ask you to be so good as to make him known to such persons, as his turn
+and his time might render desirable to him.
+
+I thank you for the volume you were so kind as to send me some time
+ago. Every thing you write is precious, and this volume is on the most
+precious of all our concerns. We may well admit morality to be the child
+of the understanding rather than of the senses, when we observe that
+it becomes dearer to us as the latter weaken, and as the former grows
+stronger by time and experience, till the hour arrives in which all
+other objects lose all their value. That that hour may be distant with
+you, my friend, and that the intermediate space may be filled with
+health and happiness, is the sincere prayer of him who is, with
+sentiments of great respect and friendship, Dear Sir, your most
+obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXVI.--TO A. DONALD, February.7, 1788
+
+TO A. DONALD.
+
+Paris, February.7, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I received duly your friendly letter of November the 12th. By this time,
+you will have seen published by Congress, the new regulations obtained
+from this court, in favor of our commerce. You will observe, that the
+arrangement relative to tobacco is a continuation of the order of Berni
+for five years, only leaving the price to be settled between the
+buyer and seller. You will see too, that all contracts for tobacco are
+forbidden, till it arrives in France. Of course, your proposition for a
+contract is precluded.
+
+I fear the prices here will be low, especially if the market be crowded.
+You should be particularly attentive to the article, which requires that
+the tobacco should come in French or American bottoms, as this article
+will, in no instance, be departed from.
+
+I wish with all my soul, that the nine first conventions may accept the
+new constitution, because this will secure to us the good it contains,
+which I think great and important. But I equally wish, that the four
+latest conventions, which ever they be, may refuse to accede to it,
+till a declaration of rights be annexed. This would probably command the
+offer of such a declaration, and thus give to the whole fabric, perhaps,
+as much perfection as any one of that kind ever had. By a declaration of
+rights, I mean one which shall stipulate freedom of religion, freedom
+of the press, freedom of commerce against monopolies, trial by juries
+in all cases, no suspensions of the _habeas corpus_, no standing armies.
+These are fetters against doing evil, which no honest government should
+decline. There is another strong feature in the new constitution, which
+I as strongly dislike. That is, the perpetual re-eligibility of the
+President. Of this I expect no amendment at present, because I do not
+see that any body has objected to it on your side the water. But it will
+be productive of cruel distress to our country, even in your day and
+mine. The importance to France and England, to have our government in
+the hands of a friend or foe, will occasion their interference by money,
+and even by arms. Our President will be of much more consequence to them
+than a King of Poland. We must take care, however, that neither this,
+nor any other objection to the new form, produces a schism in our Union.
+That would be an incurable evil, because near friends falling out, never
+re-unite cordially; whereas, all of us going together, we shall be sure
+to cure the evils of our new constitution, before they do great harm.
+The box of books I had taken the liberty to address to you, is but just
+gone from Havre for New York. I do not see, at present, any symptoms
+strongly indicating war. It is true, that the distrust existing between
+the two courts of Versailles and London, is so great, that they can
+scarcely do business together. However, the difficulty and doubt
+of obtaining money make both afraid to enter into war. The little
+preparations for war, which we see, are the effect of distrust, rather
+than of a design to commence hostilities. And in such a state of mind,
+you know, small things may produce a rupture: so that though peace is
+rather probable, war is very possible.
+
+Your letter has kindled all the fond recollections of ancient times;
+recollections much dearer to me than any thing I have known since. There
+are minds which can be pleased by honors and preferments; but I see
+nothing in them but envy and enmity. It is only necessary to possess
+them, to know how little they contribute to happiness, or rather how
+hostile they are to it. No attachments soothe the mind so much as those
+contracted in early life; nor do I recollect any societies which have
+given me more pleasure, than those of which you have partaken with me.
+1 had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage, with my books, my
+family, and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the
+world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which
+any human power can give. I shall be glad to hear from you often. Give
+me the small news as well as the great. Tell Dr. Currie, that I believe
+I am indebted to him a letter, but that like the mass of our countrymen,
+I am not, at this moment, able to pay all my debts; the post being to
+depart in an hour, and the last stroke of a pen I am able to send by it,
+being that which assures you of the sentiments of esteem and attachment,
+with which I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXVII.--TO M. WARVILLE, February 12, 1888
+
+TO M. WARVILLE.
+
+Paris, February 12, 1888.
+
+Sir,
+
+I am very sensible of the honor you propose to me, of becoming a member
+of the society for the abolition of the slave-trade. You know that
+nobody wishes more ardently, to see an abolition, not only of the trade,
+but of the condition of slavery: and certainly nobody will be more
+willing to encounter every sacrifice for that object. But the influence
+and information of the friends to this proposition in France will be
+far above the need of my association. I am here as a public servant,
+and those whom I serve, having never yet been able to give their
+voice against the practice, it is decent for me to avoid too public
+a demonstration of my wishes to see it abolished. Without serving the
+cause here, it might render me less able to serve it beyond the water. I
+trust you will be sensible of the prudence of those motives, therefore,
+which govern my conduct on this occasion, and be assured of my wishes
+for the success of your undertaking, and the sentiments of esteem and
+respect, with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient,
+humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXVIII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, March 2, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, March 2, 1788.--Sunday.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I received this day, a letter from Mrs. Adams, of the 26th ultimo,
+informing me you would set out on the 29th for the Hague. Our affairs at
+Amsterdam press on my mind like a mountain. I have no information to
+go on, but that of Willincks and Van Staphorsts, and according to that,
+something seems necessary to be done. I am so anxious to confer with
+you on this subject, and to see you and them together, and get some
+effectual arrangement made in time, that I determine to meet you at the
+Hague. I will set out the moment some repairs are made to my carriage:
+it is promised me at three o'clock to-morrow; but probably they will
+make it night, and that I may not set out till Tuesday morning. In that
+case, I shall be at the Hague on Friday night: in the mean time, you
+will perhaps have made all your bows there. I am sensible how irksome
+this must be to you, in the moment of your departure. But it is a great
+interest of the United States, which is at stake, and I am sure you will
+sacrifice to that your feelings and your interest. I hope to shake you
+by the hand within twenty-four hours after you receive this; and in
+the mean time, I am, with much esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your
+affectionate friend and humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXIX.--TO JOHN JAY, March 16, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Amsterdam, March 16, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+In a letter of the 13th instant, which I had the honor of addressing you
+from this place, I mentioned in general terms, the object of my journey
+hither, and that I should enter into more particular details, by the
+confidential conveyance which would occur through Mr. Adams and Colonel
+Smith.
+
+The board of treasury had, in the month of December, informed me and
+our bankers here, that it would be impossible for them to make any
+remittances to Europe for the then ensuing year, and that they must,
+therefore, rely altogether on the progress of the late loan. But this,
+in the mean time, after being about one third filled, had ceased to
+get forward. The bankers who had been referred to me for advice, by Mr.
+Adams, stated these circumstances, and pressed their apprehension for
+the ensuing month of June, when two hundred and seventy thousand florins
+would be wanting for interest. In fine, they urged an offer of the
+holders of the former bonds, to take all those remaining on hand,
+provided they might receive out of them the interest on a part of our
+domestic debt, of which they had also become the holders. This would
+have been one hundred and eighty thousand florins. To this proposition,
+I could not presume any authority to listen. Thus pressed between the
+danger of failure on one hand, and this proposition on the other, I
+heard of Mr. Adams being gone to the Hague to take leave. His knowledge
+of the subject was too valuable to be neglected under the present
+difficulty, and it was the last moment in which we could be availed of
+it. I set out immediately, therefore, for the Hague, and we came on to
+this place together, in order to see what could be done. It was easier
+to discover, than to remove, the causes which obstructed the progress
+of the loan. Our affairs here, like those of other nations, are in the
+hands of particular bankers. These employ particular, and they have
+their particular circle of money-lenders. These moneylenders, as I have
+before mentioned, while placing a part of their money in our
+foreign loans, had at the same time employed another part in a joint
+speculation, to the amount of eight hundred and forty thousand dollars,
+in our domestic debt. A year's interest was becoming due on this, and
+they wished to avail themselves of our want of money for the foreign
+interest, to obtain payment of the domestic. Our first object was to
+convince our bankers, that there was no power on this side the Atlantic
+which could accede to this proposition, or give it any countenance. They
+at length, therefore, but with difficulty, receded from this ground, and
+agreed to enter into conferences with the brokers and lenders, and to
+use every exertion to clear the loan from the embarrassment in which
+this speculation had engaged it. What will be the result of these
+conferences, is not yet known. We have hopes, however, that it is not
+desperate, because the bankers consented yesterday, to pay off the
+capital of fifty-one thousand florins, which had become due on the first
+day of January, and which had not yet been paid. We have gone still
+further. The treasury board gives no hope of remittances, till the new
+government can procure them. For that government to be adopted, its
+legislature assembled, its system of taxation and collection arranged,
+the money gathered from the people into the treasury, and then remitted
+to Europe, must extend considerably into the year 1790. To secure our
+credit then, for the present year only, is but to put off the evil day
+to the next. What remains of the last loan, when it shall be filled up,
+will little more than clear us of present demands, as may be seen by the
+estimate enclosed. We thought it better, therefore, to provide at once
+for the years 1789 and 1790 also; and thus to place the government at
+its ease, and her credit in security, during that trying interval.
+The same estimate will show, that another million of florins will be
+necessary to effect this. We stated this to our bankers, who concurred
+in our views, and that to ask the whole sum at once would be better than
+to make demands from time to time, so small, as that they betray to
+the money-holders the extreme feebleness of our resources. Mr. Adams,
+therefore, has executed bonds for another million of florins; which,
+however, are to remain unissued till Congress shall have ratified
+the measure that this transaction is something or nothing, at their
+pleasure. We suppose its expediency so apparent, as to leave little
+doubt of its ratification. In this case, much time will have been saved
+by the execution of the bonds at this moment, and the proposition will
+be presented here under a more favorable appearance, according to the
+opinion of the bankers. Mr. Adams is under a necessity of setting out
+to-morrow morning, but I shall stay two or three days longer, to attend
+to and encourage the efforts of the bankers; though it is yet doubtful
+whether they will ensure us a safe passage over the month of June. Not
+having my letters here to turn to, I am unable to say whether the last I
+wrote, mentioned the declaration of the Emperor that he should take part
+in the war against the Turks. This declaration appeared a little before,
+or a little after that letter, I do not recollect which. Some little
+hostilities have taken place between them. The court of Versailles seems
+to pursue immoveably its pacific system, and from every appearance in
+the country from which I write, we must conclude that its tragedy is
+wound up. The triumph appears complete, and tranquillity perfectly
+established. The numbers who have emigrated are differently estimated,
+from twenty to forty thousand. A little before I left Paris, I received
+a piece of intelligence, which should be communicated, leaving you to
+lay what stress on it, it may seem to deserve. Its authenticity may be
+surely relied on. At the time of the late pacification, Spain had about
+fifteen ships of the line nearly ready for sea. The convention
+for disarming did not extend to her, nor did she disarm. This gave
+inquietude to the court of London, and they demanded an explanation.
+One was given, they say, which is perfectly satisfactory. The Russian
+minister at Versailles, getting knowledge of this, became suspicious
+on his part. He recollected that Spain, during the late war, had been
+opposed to the entrance of a Russian fleet into the Mediterranean, and
+concluded, if England was not the object of this armament, Russia
+might be. It is known that that power means to send a fleet of about
+twenty-four ships into the Mediterranean this summer. He sent to the
+Count de Montmorin, and expressed his apprehensions. The Count de
+Montmorin declared, that the object of Spain in that armament was
+totally different; that he was not sure she would succeed; but that
+France and Spain were to be considered as one, and that the former would
+become guarantee for the latter, that she would make no opposition to
+the Russian fleet. If neither England nor Russia be the object, the
+question recurs, Who is it for? You know best, if our affairs with Spain
+are in a situation to give jealousy to either of us. I think it very
+possible, that the satisfaction of the court of London may have been
+pretended or premature. It is possible also, that the affairs of Spain
+in South America may require them to assume a threatening appearance. I
+give you the facts, however, and you will judge whether they are objects
+of attention or of mere curiosity.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of sincere esteem and respect,
+Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+P. S. I enclose herewith an extract of a letter from the Count de
+Vergennes to the French ambassador at the Hague, which will make a
+remarkable chapter in the history of the late revolution here. It is not
+public, nor should be made so by us. Probably those who have been the
+victims of it, will some day publish it.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXX.--TO MR. DUMAS, March 29, 1788
+
+
+TO MR. DUMAS.
+
+Amsterdam, March 29, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 14th, 18th,
+and 23rd instant. I would have preferred doing it in person, but the
+season, and the desire of seeing what I have not yet seen, invite me to
+take the route of the Rhine. I shall leave this place to-morrow morning,
+and probably not reach Paris till the latter end of April. In the moment
+we were to have conferred on the subject of paying the arrears due to
+you, a letter of the 20th of February, from the board of treasury, was
+received, forbidding the application of money to any purpose, (except
+our current claims,) till the June interest should be actually in hand.
+Being by the letter, tied up from giving an order in your favor, I
+return you the letter you had written to Mr. Jay, on the supposition
+that the order for your arrears was given. It has been suggested,
+however, that if you could receive bonds of the loan, you could make
+them answer your purpose, and the commissioners say, this would in no
+wise interfere with the views of the treasury board, nor the provision
+for the June interest. I have, therefore, recommended to them in
+writing, to give you bonds to the amount of your balance, if you choose
+to take them, rather than to wait. I wish this may answer your purpose.
+I remember that in the conversation which I had the honor of having with
+you, on the evening I was at the Hague, you said that your enemies had
+endeavored to have it believed, that Congress would abandon you, and
+withdraw your appointments. An enemy generally says and believes what
+he wishes, and your enemies, particularly, are not those who are most in
+the counsels of Congress, nor the best qualified to tell what Congress
+will do. From the evidences you have received of their approbation, and
+from their well known steadiness and justice, you must be assured of
+a continuance of their favor, were they to continue under the present
+form. Nor do I see any thing in the new government which threatens us
+with less firmness. The Senate, who will make and remove their foreign
+officers, must, from its constitution, be a wise and steady body.
+Nor would a new government begin its administration by discarding old
+servants; servants who have put all to the risk, and when the risk was
+great, to obtain that freedom and security under which themselves
+will be what they shall be. Upon the whole, my Dear Sir, tranquillize
+yourself and your family upon this subject. All the evidence, which
+exists as yet, authorizes you to do this, nor can I foresee any cause
+of disquiet in future. That none may arise, that yourself and family may
+enjoy health, happiness, and the continued approbation of those by whom
+you wish most to be approved, is the sincere wish of him, who has the
+honor to be, with sentiments of sincere esteem and attachment, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXI.--TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY, March 29, 1788
+
+
+TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY.
+
+Gentlemen,
+
+Amsterdam, March 29, 1788.
+
+*****
+
+I cannot close my letter, without some observations on the transfer of
+our domestic debt to foreigners. This circumstance, and the failure to
+pay off Fiseaux' loan, were the sole causes of the stagnation of our
+late loan. For otherwise our credit would have stood on more hopeful
+grounds than heretofore. There was a condition in the last loan, that,
+the lenders furnishing one third of the money, the remaining two thirds
+of the bonds should remain eighteen months unsold, and at their option
+to take or not, and that in the mean time, the same bankers should
+open no other loan for us. These same lenders became purchasers of our
+domestic debt, and they were disposed to avail themselves of the power
+they had thus acquired over us as to our foreign demands, to make us
+pay the domestic one. Should the present necessities have obliged you
+to comply with their proposition for the present year, I should be of
+opinion it ought to be the last instance. If the transfer of these debts
+to Europe meet with any encouragement from us, we can no more borrow
+money here, let our necessities be what they will. For who will give
+ninety-six per cent, for the foreign obligations of the same nation,
+whose domestic ones can be bought at the same market for fifty-five
+per cent.; the former, too, bearing an interest of only five per cent.,
+while the latter yields six. If any discouragements can be honestly
+thrown on this transfer, it would seem advisable, in order to keep the
+domestic debt at home. It would be a very effectual one, if, instead of
+the title existing in our treasury books alone, it was made to exist
+in loose papers, as our loan office debts do. The European holder would
+then be obliged to risk the title paper of his capital, as well as his
+interest, in the hands of his agent in America, whenever the interest
+was to be demanded; whereas, at present, he trusts him with the interest
+only. This single circumstance would put a total stop to all future
+sales of domestic debt at this market. Whether this, or any other
+obstruction, can or should be thrown in the way of these operations,
+is not for me to decide; but I have thought the subject worthy your
+consideration.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXII.--TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, May 2, 1788
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+Paris, May 2, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am honored with your Excellency's letter by the last packet, and thank
+you for the information it contains on the communication between the
+Cayahoga and Big Beaver. I have ever considered the opening a canal
+between those two water courses, as the most important work in that
+line, which the state of Virginia could undertake. If will infallibly
+turn through the Potomac all the commerce of Lake Erie, and the country
+west of that, except what may pass down the Mississippi; and it is
+important that it be soon done, lest that commerce should, in the mean
+time, get established in another channel. Having, in the spring of the
+last year, taken a journey through the southern parts of France, and
+particularly examined the canal of Languedoc, through its whole course,
+I take the liberty of sending you the notes I made on the spot, as you
+may find in them something perhaps, which may be turned to account, some
+time or other, in the prosecution of the Potomac canal. Being merely a
+copy from my travelling notes, they are undigested and imperfect, but
+may still, perhaps, give hints capable of improvement in your mind.
+
+The affairs of Europe are in such a state still, that it is impossible
+to say what form they will take ultimately. France and Prussia, viewing
+the Emperor as their most dangerous and common enemy, had heretofore
+seen their common safety as depending on a strict connection with
+one another. This had naturally inclined the Emperor to the scale
+of England, and the Empress also, as having views in common with the
+Emperor, against the Turks. But these two powers would, at any time,
+have gladly quitted England, to coalesce with France, as being the power
+which they met every where, opposed as a barrier to all their schemes
+of aggrandizement. When, therefore, the present King of Prussia took
+the eccentric measure of bidding defiance to France, by placing his
+brother-in-law on the throne of Holland, the two empires immediately
+seized the occasion of soliciting an alliance with France. The motives
+for this appeared so plausible, that it was believed the latter would
+have entered into this alliance, and that thus the whole political
+system of Europe would have taken a new form. What has prevented this
+court from coming into it, we know not. The unmeasurable ambition of the
+Emperor, and his total want of moral principle and honor, are suspected.
+A great share of Turkey, the recovery of Silesia, the consolidation of
+his dominions by the Bavarian exchange, the liberties of the Germanic
+body, all occupy his mind together; and his head is not well enough
+organized, to pursue so much only of all this, as is practicable.
+Still it was thought that France might safely have coalesced with these
+powers, because Russia and herself holding close together, as their
+interests would naturally dictate, the Emperor could never stir, but
+with their permission. France seems, however, to have taken the worst
+of all parties, that is, none at all. She folds her arms, lets the
+two empires go to work to cut up Turkey as they can, and holds Prussia
+aloof, neither as a friend nor foe. This is withdrawing her opposition
+from the two empires, without the benefit of any condition whatever. In
+the mean time, England has clearly overreached herself. She excited
+the war between the Russians and Turks, in hopes that France, still
+supporting the Turks, would be embarrassed with the two empires. She did
+not foresee the event which has taken place, of France abandoning the
+Turks, and that which may take place, of her union with the two empires.
+She allied herself with Holland, but cannot obtain the alliance of
+Prussia. This latter power would be very glad to close again the breach
+with France, and therefore, while there remains an opening for this,
+holds off from England, whose fleets could not enter into Silesia, to
+protect that from the Emperor. Thus you see, that the old system is
+unhinged, and no new one hung in its place. Probabilities are rather
+in favor of a connection between the two empires, France, and Spain.
+Several symptoms show themselves, of friendly dispositions between
+Russia and France, unfriendly ones between Russia and England, and such
+as are barely short of hostility between England and France. But into
+real hostilities, this country would with difficulty be drawn. Her
+finances are too deranged, her internal union too much dissolved, to
+hazard a war. The nation is pressing on fast, to a fixed constitution.
+Such a revolution in the public opinion has taken place, that the crown
+already feels its powers bounded, and is obliged, by its measures, to
+acknowledge limits.
+
+A States-General will be called at some epoch not distant; they will
+probably establish a civil list, and leave the government to temporary
+provisions of money, so as to render frequent assemblies of the national
+representative necessary. How that representative will be organized, is
+yet uncertain. Among a thousand projects, the best seems to me, that of
+dividing them into two Houses, of Commons and Nobles; the Commons to be
+chosen by the Provincial Assemblies, who are chosen themselves by the
+people, and the Nobles by the body of _Noblesse_, as in Scotland. But
+there is no reason to conjecture, that this is the particular scheme
+which will be preferred.
+
+The war between the Russians and Turks has made an opening for our
+Commodore Paul Jones. The Empress has invited him into her service.
+She insures to him the rank of rear-admiral; will give him a separate
+command, and it is understood, that he is never to be commanded. I think
+she means to oppose him to the Captain Pacha, on the Black Sea. He is by
+this time, probably, at St. Petersburg. The circumstances did not permit
+his awaiting the permission of Congress, because the season was close at
+hand for opening the campaign. But he has made it a condition, that he
+shall be free at all times to return to the orders of Congress, whenever
+they shall please to call for him; and also, that he shall not, in any
+case be expected to bear arms against France. I believe Congress had it
+in contemplation to give him the grade of admiral, from the date of
+his taking the Serapis. Such a measure now, would greatly gratify him,
+second the efforts of fortune in his favor, and better the opportunities
+of improving him for our service, whenever the moment shall come in
+which we may want him.
+
+The danger of our incurring something like a bankruptcy in Holland,
+which might have been long, and even fatally felt in a moment of crisis,
+induced me to take advantage of Mr. Adams's journey to take leave at
+the Hague, to meet him there, get him to go on to Amsterdam, and try to
+avert the impending danger. The moment of paying a great sum of annual
+interest was approaching. There was no money on hand; the board of
+treasury had notified that they could not remit any; and the progress
+of the loan, which had been opened there, had absolutely stopped.
+Our bankers there gave me notice of all this; and that a single day's
+failure in the payment of interest, would have the most fatal effect
+on our credit. I am happy to inform you, we were able to set the loan
+a going again, and that the evil is at least postponed. Indeed, I am
+tolerably satisfied, that if the measures we proposed, are ratified
+by Congress, all European calls for money (except the French debt)
+are secure enough, till the end of the year 1790; by which time, we
+calculated that the new government might be able to get money into
+the treasury. Much conversation with the bankers, brokers, and
+money-holders, gave me insight into the state of national credit there,
+which I had never before been able satisfactorily to get. The English
+credit is the first, because they never open a loan, without laying and
+appropriating taxes for the payment of the interest, and there has never
+been an instance of their failing one day, in that payment. The Emperor
+and Empress have good credit, because they use it little, and have
+hitherto been very punctual. This country is among the lowest, in point
+of credit. Ours stands in hope only. They consider us as the surest
+nation on earth for the repayment of the capital; but as the punctual
+payment of interest is of absolute necessity in their arrangements,
+we cannot borrow but with difficulty and disadvantage. The monied
+men, however, look towards our new government with a great degree of
+partiality, and even anxiety. If they see that set out on the English
+plan, the first degree of credit will be transferred to us. A favorable
+occasion will arise to our new government of asserting this ground to
+themselves. The transfer of the French debt, public and private,
+to Amsterdam, is certainly desirable. An act of the new government,
+therefore, for opening a loan in Holland for the purpose, laying taxes
+at the same time for paying annually the interest and a part of the
+principal, will answer the two valuable purposes, of ascertaining the
+degree of our credit, and of removing those causes of bickering and
+irritation, which should never be permitted to subsist with a nation,
+with which it is so much our interest to be on cordial terms as with
+France. A very small portion of this debt, I mean that part due to the
+French officers, has done us an injury, of which those in office in
+America cannot have an idea. The interest is unpaid for the last three
+years; and these creditors, highly connected, and at the same time
+needy, have felt and communicated hard thoughts of us. Borrowing, as we
+have done, three hundred thousand florins a year, to pay our interest
+in Holland, it would have been worth while to have added twenty thousand
+more, to suppress those clamors. I am anxious about every thing which
+may affect our credit. My wish would be, to possess it in the highest
+degree, but to use it little. Were we without credit, we might be
+crushed by a nation of much inferior resources, but possessing higher
+credit. The present system of war renders it necessary to make exertions
+far beyond the annual resources of the State, and consume in one year
+the efforts of many. And this system we cannot change. It remains, then,
+that we cultivate our credit with the utmost attention.
+
+I had intended to have written a word to your Excellency on the subject
+of the new constitution, but I have already spun out my letter to an
+immoderate length. I will just observe, therefore, that according to
+my ideas, there is a great deal of good in it. There are two things,
+however, which I dislike strongly, 1. The want of a declaration of
+rights. I am in hopes the opposition in Virginia will remedy this,
+and produce such a declaration. 2. The perpetual re-eligibility of the
+President. This, I fear, will make that an office for life, first, and
+then hereditary. I was much an enemy to monarchies before I came to
+Europe. I am ten thousand times more so, since I have seen what they
+are. There is scarcely an evil known in these countries, which may not
+be traced to their king, as its source, nor a good, which is not derived
+from the small fibres of republicanism existing among them. I can
+further say, with safety, there is not a crowned head in Europe, whose
+talents or merits would entitle him to be elected a vestryman by the
+people of any parish in America. However, I shall hope, that before
+there is danger of this change taking place in the office of President,
+the good sense and free spirit of our countrymen will make the changes
+necessary to prevent it. Under this hope, I look forward to the general
+adoption of the new constitution with anxiety, as necessary for us under
+our present circumstances. I have so much trespassed on your patience
+already, by the length of this letter, that I will add nothing further,
+than those assurances of sincere esteem and attachment, with which I
+have the honor to be, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, May 3,1788
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, May 3,1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Mine of February the 6th acknowledged the receipt of yours of December
+the 9th and 20th; since that, those of February the 19th and 20th have
+come to hand. The present will be delivered you by Mr. Warville, whom
+you will find truly estimable, and a great enthusiast for liberty. His
+writings will have shown you this.
+
+For public news, I must refer you to my letters to Mr. Jay. Those
+I wrote to him from Amsterdam will have informed you of my journey
+thither. While there, I endeavored to get, as well as I could, into the
+state of national credit there; for though I am an enemy to the using
+our credit but under absolute necessity, yet the possessing a good
+credit I consider as indispensable, in the present system of carrying on
+war. The existence of a nation having no credit, is always precarious.
+The credit of England is the best. Their paper sells at par on the
+exchange of Amsterdam, the moment any of it is offered, and they can
+command there any sum they please. The reason is, that they never
+borrow, without establishing taxes for the payment of the interest, and
+they never yet failed one day in that payment. The Emperor and Empress
+have good credit enough. They use it little and have been ever punctual.
+This country cannot borrow at all there; for though they always pay
+their interest within the year, yet it is often some months behind. It
+is difficult to assign to our credit its exact station in this scale.
+They consider us as the most certain nation on earth for the principal;
+but they see that we borrow of themselves to pay the interest, so that
+this is only a conversion of their interest into principal. Our paper,
+for this reason, sells for from four to eight per cent, below par, on
+the exchange, and our loans are negotiated with the Patriots only.
+But the whole body of money-dealers, Patriot and Stadtholderian, look
+forward to our new government with a great degree of partiality and
+interest. They are disposed to have much confidence in it, and it was
+the prospect of its establishment, which enabled us to set the loan of
+last year into motion again. They will attend steadfastly to its first
+money operations. If these are injudiciously begun, correction, whenever
+they shall be corrected, will come too late. Our borrowings will always
+be difficult and disadvantageous. If they begin well, our credit will
+immediately take the first station. Equal provision for the interest,
+adding to it a certain prospect for the principal, will give us a
+preference to all nations, the English not excepted. The first act of
+the new government should be some operation, whereby they may assume to
+themselves this station. Their European debts form a proper subject for
+this. Digest the whole, public and private, Dutch, French, and Spanish,
+into a table, showing the sum of interest due every year, and the
+portions of principal payable the same year. Take the most certain
+branch of revenue, and one which shall suffice to pay the interest, and
+leave such a surplus as may accomplish all the payments of the capital,
+as terms somewhat short of those, at which they will become due. Let the
+surpluses of those years, in which no reimbursement of principal falls,
+be applied to buy up our paper on the exchange of Amsterdam, and thus
+anticipate the demands of principal. In this way our paper will be kept
+up at par; and this alone will enable us to command in four and twenty
+hours, at any time, on the exchange of Amsterdam, as many millions as
+that capital can produce. The same act which makes this provision for
+the existing debts, should go on to open a loan to their whole amount;
+the produce of that loan to be applied, as fast as received, to the
+payment of such parts of the existing debts as admit of payment. The
+rate of interest to be as the government should privately instruct their
+agent, because it must depend on the effect these measures would have on
+the exchange. Probably it could be lowered from time to time. Honest and
+annual publications of the payments made, will inspire confidence, while
+silence would conceal nothing from those interested to know.
+
+You will perceive by the _comte rendu_ which I send you, that this
+country now calls seriously for its interest at least. The nonpayment
+of this, hitherto, has done our credit little injury, because the
+government here, saying nothing about it, the public have supposed they
+wished to leave us at our ease as to the payment. It is now seen that
+they call for it, and they will publish annually the effect of that
+call. A failure here, therefore, will have the same effect on our credit
+hereafter, as a failure at Amsterdam. I consider it, then, as of a
+necessity not to be dispensed with, that these calls be effectually
+provided for. If it shall be seen, that the general provision before
+hinted at cannot be in time, then it is the present government which
+should take on itself to borrow in Amsterdam what may be necessary. The
+new government should by no means be left by the old to the necessity of
+borrowing a stiver, before it can tax for its interest. This will be
+to destroy the credit of the new government in its birth. And I am of
+opinion, that if the present Congress will add to the loan of a million
+(which Mr. Adams and myself have proposed this year) what may be
+necessary for the French calls to the year 1790, the money can be
+obtained at the usual disadvantage. Though I have not at this
+moment received such authentic information from our bankers as I may
+communicate to Congress, yet I know privately from one of them (Mr.
+Jacob Van Staphorst, who is here), that they had on Hand a fortnight ago
+four hundred thousand florins, and the sale going on well. So that the
+June interest, which had been in so critical a predicament, was already
+secured. If the loan of a million on Mr. Adams's bonds of this year be
+ratified by Congress, the applications of the money on hand may go on
+immediately, according to the statement I sent to Mr. Jay. One article
+in this I must beg you to press on the treasury board; that is, an
+immediate order for the payment of the three years' arrearages to the
+French officers. They were about holding a meeting to take desperate
+measures on this subject, when I was called to Holland. I desired them
+to be quiet till my return, and since my return I have pressed a further
+tranquillity till July, by which time I have given them reason to hope I
+may have an answer from the treasury board to my letters of March. Their
+ill humor can be contained no longer; and as I know no reason why
+they may not be paid at that time, I shall have nothing to urge in our
+defence after that.
+
+*****
+
+You remember the report, drawn by Governor Randolph, on the navigation
+of the Mississippi. When I came to Europe, Mr. Thomson was so kind as to
+have me a copy of it made out. I lent it to Dr. Franklin, and he mislaid
+it, so that it could never be found. Could you make interest with him
+to have me another copy made, and send it to me? By Mr. Warville I send
+your pedometer. To the loop at the bottom of it you must sew a tape, and
+at the other end of the tape a small hook (such as we use under the
+name of hooks and eyes), cut a little hole in the bottom of your left
+watch-pocket, pass the hook and tape through it, and down between the
+breeches and drawers, and fix the hook on the edge of your knee-band,
+an inch from the knee-buckle; then hook the instrument itself by its
+swivel-hook on the upper edge of the watch-pocket. Your tape being well
+adjusted in length, your double steps will be exactly counted by the
+instrument, the shortest hand pointing out the thousands, the flat hand
+the hundreds, and the long hand the tens and units. Never turn the hands
+backward; indeed, it is best not to set them to any given place, but to
+note the number they stand at when you begin to walk. The adjusting the
+tape to its exact length is a critical business, and will cost you many
+trials. But once done, it is done for ever. The best way is to have a
+small buckle fixed on the middle of the tape, by which you can take
+it up, and let it out at pleasure. When you choose it should cease to
+count, unhook it from the top of the watch-pocket, and let it fall down
+to the bottom of the pocket.
+
+*****
+
+I am, with sentiments of the most sincere esteem and attachment, Dear
+Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXIV.--TO JOHN JAY, May 4, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, May 4, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor of addressing you in two letters of the 13th and 16th of
+March from Amsterdam, and have since received Mr. Ramson's of February
+the 20th. I staid at Amsterdam about ten or twelve days after the
+departure of Mr. Adams, in hopes of seeing the million of the last year
+filled up. This, however, could not be accomplished on the spot. But
+the prospect was so good as to have dissipated all fears; and since my
+return here, I learn (not officially from our bankers, but) through a
+good channel, that they have received near four hundred thousand florins
+since the date of the statement I sent you in my letter of March the
+16th; and I presume we need not fear the completion of that loan, which
+will provide for all our purposes of the year 1788, as stated in
+that paper. I hope, therefore, to receive from the treasury orders in
+conformity thereto, that I may be able to proceed to the redemption of
+our captives. A provision for the purposes of the years 1789 and 1790,
+as stated in the same paper, will depend on the ratification by Congress
+of Mr. Adams's bonds of this year for another million of florins. But
+there arises a new call from this government, for its interest at least.
+Their silence hitherto has made it be believed in general, that they
+consented to the nonpayment of our interest to them, in order to
+accommodate us. You will perceive in the seventy-fifth and seventy-sixth
+pages of the _compte rendu_, which I have the honor to send you, that
+they call for this interest, and will publish whether it be paid or not;
+and by No. 25, page eighty-one, that they count on its regular receipt
+for the purposes of the year. These calls, for the first days of
+January, 1789 and 1790, will amount to about a million and a half of
+florins more; and if to be raised by loan, it must be for two millions,
+as well to cover the expenses of the loan, as that loans are not opened
+for fractions of millions. This publication seems to render a provision
+for this interest as necessary as for that of Amsterdam.
+
+I had taken measures to have it believed at Algiers, that our government
+withdrew its attention from our captives there. This was to prepare
+their captors for the ransoming them at a reasonable price. I find,
+however, that Captain O'Bryan is apprized that I have received some
+authority on this subject. He writes me a cruel letter, supposing me the
+obstacle to their redemption. Their own interest requires that I should
+leave them to think thus hardly of me. Were the views of government
+communicated to them, they could not keep their own secret, and such
+a price would be demanded for them, as Congress, probably, would
+think ought not to be given, lest it should be the cause of involving
+thousands of others of their citizens in the same condition. The moment
+I have money, the business shall be set in motion.
+
+By a letter from Joseph Chiappe, our agent at Mogadore, I am notified of
+a declaration of the Emperor of Morocco, that if the States General
+of the United Netherlands do not, before the month of May, send him an
+ambassador, to let him know whether it is war or peace between them, he
+will send one to them with five frigates; and that if their dispositions
+be unfavorable, their frigates shall proceed to America to make prizes
+on the Dutch, and to sell them there. It seems to depend on the Dutch,
+therefore, whether the Barbary powers shall learn the way to our coasts,
+and whether we shall have to decide the question of the legality of
+selling in our ports vessels taken from them. I informed you, in a
+former letter, of the declaration made by the court of Spain to that of
+London, relative to its naval armament, and also of the declaration of
+the Count de Montmorin to the Russian minister here on the same subject.
+I have good information, that the court of Spain has itself made a
+similar and formal declaration to the minister of Russia at Madrid.
+So that Russia is satisfied she is not the object. I doubt whether the
+English are equally satisfied as to themselves. The season has hitherto
+prevented any remarkable operation between the Turks and the two
+empires. The war, however, will probably go on, and the season now
+admits of more important events. The Empress has engaged Commodore Paul
+Jones in her service. He is to have the rank of rear-admiral, with
+a separate command, and it is understood that he is in no case to be
+commanded. He will probably be opposed to the Captain Pacha on the Black
+Sea. He received this invitation at Copenhagen, and as the season for
+commencing the campaign, was too near to admit time for him to ask
+and await the permission of Congress, he accepted the offer, only
+stipulating, that he should be always free to return to the orders of
+Congress whenever called for, and that he should not be expected to bear
+arms against France. He conceived, that the experience he should gain
+would enable him to be more useful to the United States, should they
+ever have occasion for him. It has been understood, that Congress had
+had it in contemplation to give him the grade of rear-admiral, from the
+date of the action of the Serapis, and it is supposed, that such a mark
+of their approbation would have a favorable influence on his fortune in
+the north. Copies of the letters which passed between him and the Danish
+minister are herewith transmitted. I shall immediately represent to
+Count Bernstorff, that the demand for our prizes can have no connection
+with a treaty of commerce; that there is no reason why the claims of
+our seamen should await so distant and uncertain an event; and press the
+settlement of this claim.
+
+This country still pursues its line of peace. The ministry seem now all
+united in it; some from a belief of their inability to carry on a war;
+others from a desire to arrange their internal affairs, and improve
+their constitution. The differences between the King and parliaments
+threaten a serious issue. Many symptoms indicate that the government has
+in contemplation some act of highhanded authority. An extra number of
+printers have for several days been employed, the apartment wherein they
+are at work being surrounded by a body of guards, who permit no body
+either to come out or go in. The commanders of the provinces, civil and
+military, have been ordered to be at their stations on a certain day
+of the ensuing week. They are accordingly gone: so that the will of the
+King is probably to be announced through the whole kingdom on the same
+day. The parliament of Paris, apprehending that some innovation is to
+be attempted, which may take from them the opportunity of deciding on it
+after it shall be made known, came last night to the resolution of
+which I have the honor to enclose you a manuscript copy. This you will
+perceive to be, in effect, a declaration of rights. I am obliged to
+close here the present letter, lest I should miss the opportunity of
+conveying it by a passenger who is to call for it. Should the delay of
+the packet admit any continuation of these details, they shall be the
+subject of another letter, to be forwarded by post. The gazettes of
+Leyden and France accompany this.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXV.--TO THE COUNT DE MOUSTIER, May 17, 1788
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE MOUSTIER.
+
+Paris, May 17, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have at length an opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your
+favors of February, and March the 14th, and congratulating you on your
+resurrection from the dead, among whom you had been confidently entombed
+by the news-dealers of Paris. I am sorry that your first impressions
+have been disturbed by matters of etiquette, where surely they
+should least have been expected to occur. These disputes are the most
+insusceptible of determination, because they have no foundation in
+reason. Arbitrary and senseless in their nature, they are arbitrarily
+decided by every nation for itself. These decisions are meant to prevent
+disputes, but they produce ten, where they prevent one. It would have
+been better, therefore, in a new country, to have excluded etiquette
+altogether; or if it must be admitted in some form or other, to have
+made it depend on some circumstance founded in nature, such as the age
+or station of the parties. However, you have got over all this, and I
+am in hopes have been able to make up a society suited to your own
+dispositions. Your situation will doubtless be improved by the adoption
+of the new constitution, which I hope will have taken place before
+you receive this. I see in this instrument a great deal of good.
+The consolidation of our government, a just representation, an
+administration of some permanence, and other features of great value,
+will be gained by it. There are, indeed, some faults, which revolted me
+a good deal in the first moment; but we must be contented to travel on
+towards perfection, step by step. We must be contented with the ground
+which this constitution will gain for us, and hope that a favorable
+moment will come for correcting what is amiss in it. I view in the same
+light the innovations making here. The new organization of the judiciary
+department is undoubtedly for the better. The reformation of the
+criminal code is an immense step taken towards good. The composition
+of the Plenary court is indeed vicious in the extreme; but the basis of
+that court may be retained, and its composition changed. Make of it a
+representative of the people, by composing it of members sent from
+the Provincial Assemblies, and it becomes a valuable member of the
+constitution. But it is said, the court will not consent to do this:
+the court, however, has consented to call the States General, who will
+consider the Plenary court but as a canvass for them to work on. The
+public mind is manifestly advancing on the abusive prerogatives of
+their governors, and bearing them down. No force in the government can
+withstand this, in the long run. Courtiers had rather give up power than
+pleasures; they will barter, therefore, the usurped prerogatives of
+the King for the money of the people. This is the agent by which modern
+nations will recover their rights. I sincerely wish that, in this
+country, they may be contented with a peaceable and passive opposition.
+At this moment we are not sure of this; though as yet it is difficult
+to say what form the opposition will take. It is a comfortable
+circumstance, that their neighboring enemy is under the administration
+of a minister disposed to keep the peace. Engage in war who will, may
+my country long continue your peaceful residence, and merit your good
+offices with that nation, whose affections it is their duty and interest
+to cultivate.
+
+Accept these and all other the good wishes of him, who has the honor to
+be, with sincere esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient and
+most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXVI.--TO JOHN JAY, May 23,1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, May 23,1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+When I wrote my letter of the 4th instant, I had no reason to doubt that
+a packet would have sailed on the 10th, according to the established
+order. The passengers had all, except one, gone down to Havre in this
+expectation. However, none has sailed, and perhaps none will sail, as
+I think the suppression of the packets is one of the economies in
+contemplation. An American merchant, concerned in the commerce of the
+whale-oil, proposed to government to despatch his ships from Havre and
+Boston at stated periods, and to take on board the French courier and
+mail, and the proposition has been well enough received. I avail myself
+of a merchant vessel going from Havre, to write the present.
+
+In my letter of the 4th, I stated to you the symptoms which indicated
+that government had some great stroke of authority in contemplation.
+That night they sent guards to seize Monsieur d'Epremenil and Monsieur
+Goiskind, two members of parliament, in their houses. They escaped,
+and took sanctuary in the Palais (or parliament house). The parliament
+assembled itself extraordinarily, summoned the Dukes and Peers
+specially, and came to the resolution of the 5th, which they sent to
+Versailles by deputies, determined not to leave the palace till they
+received an answer. In the course of that night a battalion of guards
+surrounded the house. The two members were taken by the officers from
+among their fellows, and sent off to prison, the one to Lyons, the other
+(d'Epremenil), the most obnoxious, to an island in the Mediterranean.
+The parliament then separated. On the 8th, a bed of justice was held at
+Versailles, wherein were enregistered the six ordinances which had been
+passed in Council on the 1st of May, and which I now send you. They
+were in like manner enregistered in beds of justice, on the same day, in
+nearly all the parliaments of the kingdom. By these ordinances, 1. The
+criminal law is reformed, by abolishing examination on the _sellette_,
+which, like our holding up the hand at the bar, remained a stigma on the
+party, though innocent; by substituting an oath, instead of torture, on
+the _question prealable_, which is used after condemnation, to make the
+prisoner discover his accomplices; (the torture, abolished in 1780, was
+on the _question preparatoire_, previous to judgment, in order to make
+the prisoner accuse himself;) by allowing counsel to the prisoner for
+his defence; obliging the judges to specify in their judgments the
+offence for which he is condemned; and respiting execution a month,
+except in the case of sedition. This reformation is unquestionably good,
+and within the ordinary legislative powers of the crown. That it should
+remain to be made at this day, proves that the monarch is the last
+person in his kingdom who yields to the progress of philanthropy and
+civilization. 2. The organization of the whole judiciary department is
+changed, by the institution of subordinate jurisdictions, the taking
+from the parliaments the cognizance of all causes of less value than
+twenty thousand livres, reducing their numbers to about a fourth, and
+suppressing a number of special courts. Even this would be a great
+improvement, if it did not imply that the King is the only person
+in this nation, who has any rights or any power. 3. The right of
+registering the laws is taken from the parliaments, and transferred to
+a Plenary court, created by the King. This last is the measure most
+obnoxious to all persons. Though the members are to be for life, yet a
+great proportion of them are from descriptions of men always candidates
+for the royal favor in other lines. As yet, the general consternation
+has not sufficiently passed over, to say whether the matter will end
+here. I send you some papers, which indicate symptoms of resistance.
+These are the resolution of the _Noblesse_ of Brittany, the declaration
+of the Advocate General of Provence, which is said to express the
+spirit of that province; and the _Arrete of the Chatelet_, which is the
+hustings-court of the city of Paris. Their refusal to act under the
+new character assigned them, and the suspension of their principal
+functions, are very embarrassing. The clamors this will excite, and
+the disorders it may admit, will be loud, and near to the royal ear and
+person. The parliamentary fragments permitted to remain, have already
+some of them refused, and probably all will refuse, to act under that
+form. The assembly of the clergy which happens to be sitting, have
+addressed the King to call the States General immediately. Of the Dukes
+and Peers (thirty-eight in number), nearly half are either minors or
+superannuated; two thirds of the acting half seem disposed to avoid
+taking a part; the rest, about eight or nine, have refused, by letters
+to the King, to act in the new courts. A proposition excited among the
+Dukes and Peers, to assemble and address the King for a modification of
+the Plenary court, seems to show that the government would be willing to
+compromise on that head. It has been prevented by the Dukes and Peers in
+opposition, because they suppose that no modification to be made by the
+government will give to that body the form they desire, which is that of
+a representative of the nation. They foresee that if the government
+is forced to this, they will call them, as nearly as they can, in the
+ancient forms; in which case, less good will be to be expected from
+them. But they hope they may be got to concur in a declaration of
+rights, at least, so that the nation may be acknowledged to have some
+fundamental rights, not alterable by their ordinary legislature, and
+that this may form a ground-work for future improvements. These seem to
+be the views of the most enlightened and disinterested characters of the
+opposition. But they may be frustrated by the nation's making no cry at
+all, or by a hasty and premature appeal to arms. There is neither
+head nor body in the nation, to promise a successful opposition to
+two hundred thousand regular troops. Some think the army could not
+be depended on by the government; but the breaking men to military
+discipline, is breaking their spirits to principles of passive
+obedience. A firm, but quiet opposition, will be the most likely
+to succeed. Whatever turn this crisis takes, a revolution in their
+constitution seems inevitable, unless foreign war supervene, to suspend
+the present contest. And a foreign war they will avoid, if possible,
+from an inability to get money. The loan of one hundred and twenty
+millions, of the present year, is filled up by such subscriptions as may
+be relied on. But that of eighty millions, proposed for the next year,
+cannot be filled up, in the actual situation of things.
+
+The Austrians have been successful in an attack upon Schabatz, intended
+as a preliminary to that of Belgrade. In that on Dubitza, another town
+in the neighborhood of Belgrade, they have been repulsed, and as is
+suspected, with considerable loss. It is still supposed the Russian
+fleet will go into the Mediterranean, though it will be much retarded by
+the refusal of the English government to permit its sailors to engage in
+the voyage. Sweden and Denmark are arming from eight to twelve ships of
+the line each. The English and Dutch treaty you will find in the Leyden
+gazettes of May the 9th and 13th. That between England and Prussia is
+supposed to be stationary. Monsieur de St. Priest, the ambassador from
+this court to the Hague, has either gone, or is on the point of going.
+The Emperor of Morocco has declared war against England. I enclose you
+his orders in our favor, on that occasion. England sends a squadron
+to the Mediterranean for the protection of her commerce, and she is
+reinforcing her possessions in the two Indies. France is expecting the
+arrival of an embassy from Tippoo Saib, is sending some regiments to the
+East Indies, and a fleet of evolution into the Atlantic. Seven ships of
+the line and several frigates, sailed from Cadiz on the 22nd of April,
+destined to perform evolutions off the Western Islands, as the Spaniards
+say, but really to their American possessions, as is suspected. Thus
+the several powers are by little and little, taking the position of war,
+without an immediate intention of waging it. But that the present ill
+humor will finally end in war, is doubted by nobody.
+
+In my letter of February the 5th, I had the honor of informing you of
+the discontent produced by our _Arret_ of December the 29th, among the
+merchants of this country, and of the deputations from the chambers of
+commerce to the minister, on that subject. The articles attacked, were
+the privileges on the sale of our ships, and the _entrepot_ for codfish.
+The former I knew to be valuable: the latter I supposed not so; because
+during the whole of the time we have had four free ports in this
+kingdom, we have never used them for the smuggling of fish. I concluded,
+therefore, the ports of _entrepot_ would not be used for that purpose. I
+saw that the ministers would sacrifice something to quiet the merchants,
+and was glad to save the valuable article relative to our ships, by
+abandoning the useless one for our codfish. It was settled, therefore,
+in our conferences, that an _Arret_ should be passed, abridging the
+former one only as to the entrepot of codfish. I was in Holland when the
+_Arret_ came out; and did not get a copy of it till yesterday. Surprised
+to find that fish-oil was thereby also excluded from the entrepot, I
+have been to-day to make some inquiry into the cause; and from what I
+can learn, I conclude it must have been a mere error in the clerk who
+formed the _Arret_, and that it escaped attention on its passage. The
+_entrepot_ of whale-oil was not objected to by a single deputy at
+the conferences, and the excluding it is contrary to the spirit of
+encouragement the ministers have shown a disposition to give. I trust,
+therefore, I may get it altered on the first occasion which occurs,
+and I believe one will soon occur. In the mean time, we do not store a
+single drop for re-exportation, as all which comes here is needed
+for the consumption of this country; which will alone, according to
+appearances, become so considerable as to require all we can produce.
+
+By a letter of the 8th instant, from our bankers, I learn that they had
+disposed of bonds enough to pay our June interest, and to replace the
+temporary advances made by Mr. Grand, and from a fund placed here by the
+State of Virginia. I have desired them, accordingly, to replace these
+monies, which had been lent for the moment only, and in confidence of
+immediate repayment. They add, that the payment of the June interest
+and the news from America, will, as they trust, enable them to place
+the remaining bonds of the last year's million. I suppose, indeed, that
+there is no doubt of it, and that none would have been expressed, if
+those two houses could draw better together than they do. In the mean
+time, I hope the treasury board will send an order for so much as may be
+necessary for executing the purposes of Congress, as to our captives at
+Algiers.
+
+I send you herewith, a _Memoire_ of Monsieur Caseaux, whose name is
+familiar on the journals of Congress. He prepared it to be delivered to
+the King, but I believe he will think better, and not deliver it. The
+gazettes of France and Leyden accompany this.
+
+I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+P. S. May 27, 1788. I have kept my letter open to the moment of Mr.
+Warville's departure (he being the bearer of it), that I might add
+any new incidents that should occur. The refusal of the _Chatelet_ and
+_Grande Chambre_ of Paris to act in the new character assigned them,
+continues. Many of the _grandes bailliages_ accept, some conditionally,
+some fully. This will facilitate greatly the measures of government, and
+may possibly give them a favorable issue. The parliament of Toulouse,
+considering the edicts as nullities, went on with their business. They
+have been exiled in consequence. Monsieur de St. Priest left Paris for
+the Hague, on the 23rd. I mention this fact, because it denotes the
+acquiescence of this government in the late revolution there. A second
+division of a Spanish fleet will put to sea soon. Its destination
+not declared. Sweden is arming to a greater extent than was at first
+supposed. From twelve so sixteen sail of the line are spoken of, on good
+grounds, Denmark, for her own security, must arm in proportion to this.
+T. J.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXVII.--TO JOHN BROWN, May 26,1788
+
+
+TO JOHN BROWN.
+
+Paris, May 26,1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+It was with great pleasure I saw your name on the roll of Delegates, but
+I did not know you had actually come onto New-York, till Mr. Paradise
+informed me of it. Your removal from Carolina to Kentucky was not an
+indifferent event to me. I wish to see that country in the hands of
+people well disposed, who know the value of the connection between that
+and the maritime States, and who wish to cultivate it. I consider their
+happiness as bound up together, and that every measure should be taken,
+which may draw the bands of union tighter. It will be an efficacious one
+to receive them into Congress, as I perceive they are about to desire
+to this be added an honest and disinterested conduct in Congress, as
+to every thing relating to them, we may hope for a perfect harmony. The
+navigation of the Mississippi was, perhaps, the strongest trial to which
+the justice of the federal government could be put. If ever they thought
+wrong about it, I trust they have got to rights. I should think it
+proper for the western country to defer pushing their right to that
+navigation to extremity, as long as they can do without it, tolerably;
+but that the moment it becomes absolutely necessary for them, it will
+become the duty of the maritime states to push it to every extremity,
+to which they would their own right of navigating the Chesapeake, the
+Delaware, the Hudson, or any other water. A time of peace will not
+be the surest for obtaining this object. Those, therefore, who have
+influence in the new country, would act wisely, to endeavor to keep
+things quiet till the western parts of Europe shall be engaged in war.
+Notwithstanding the aversion of the courts of London and Versailles to
+war, it is not certain that some incident may not engage them in it.
+England, France, Spain, Russia, Sweden, and Denmark will all have fleets
+at sea, or ready to put to sea immediately. Who can answer for the
+prudence of all their officers? War is their interest. Even their courts
+are pacific from impotence only, not from disposition. I wish to Heaven
+that our new government may see the importance of putting themselves
+immediately into a respectable position. To make provision for the
+speedy payment of their foreign debts, will be the first operation
+necessary. This will give them credit. A concomitant one should be,
+magazines and manufactures of arms. This country is at present in a
+crisis of very uncertain issue. I am in hopes it will be a favorable one
+to the rights and happiness of the people; and that this will take place
+quietly. Small changes in the late regulations will render them wholly
+good. The campaign opens between the Turks and the two empires, with an
+aspect rather favorable to the former. The Russians seem not yet thawed
+from the winter's torpitude. They have no army yet in motion: and the
+Emperor has been worsted in two thirds of the small actions, which
+they have had as yet. He is said to be rather retiring. I do not think,
+however, that the success of the Turks in the partisan affairs which
+have taken place, can authorize us to presume, that they will be
+superior also in great decisions. Their want of discipline and skill in
+military manoeuvres is of little consequence in small engagements, and
+of great in larger ones. Their grand army was at Adrianople by the last
+accounts, and to get from thence to Belgrade will require a month. It
+will be that time at least then, before we can have any very interesting
+news from them. In the mean time, the plague rages at Constantinople to
+a terrible degree. I cannot think but that it would be desirable to all
+commercial nations, to have that nation and all its dependencies driven
+from the sea-coast, into the interior parts of Asia and Africa. What a
+field would, thus be restored to commerce! The finest parts of the old
+world are now dead, in a great degree, to commerce, to arts, to science,
+and to society. Greece, Syria, Egypt, and the northern coast of Africa,
+constituted the whole world almost for the Romans, and to us they are
+scarcely known, scarcely accessible at all. The present summer will
+enable us to judge, what turn this contest will take. I am greatly
+anxious to hear that nine States accept our new constitution. We must
+be contented to accept of its good, and to cure what is evil in it
+hereafter. It seems necessary for our happiness at home; I am sure it is
+so for our respectability abroad. I shall, at all times, be glad to hear
+from you, from New York, from Kentucky, or whatever region of the
+earth you inhabit; being with sentiments of very sincere esteem and
+attachment, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXVIII.--TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, May 27, 1788
+
+
+TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, May 27, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your favors of April the 14th and 29th, and May the 8th, have lately
+come to hand. That of January the 29th, by M. de Moinedo, had been left
+here during my absence on a journey to Amsterdam. That gentleman had
+gone, as I presume, before my return, from my being unable to learn any
+thing of him.
+
+*****
+
+With respect to the Isthmus of Panama, I am assured by Burgoine (who
+would not chose to be named, however), that a survey was made, that a
+canal appeared very practicable, and that the idea was suppressed for
+political reasons altogether. He has seen and minutely examined the
+report. This report is to me a vast _desideratum_, for reasons political
+and philosophical. I cannot help suspecting the Spanish squadrons to
+be gone to South America, and that some disturbances have been excited
+there by the British. The court of Madrid may suppose we would not see
+this with an unwilling eye. This may be true as to the uninformed part
+of our people: but those who look into futurity farther than the present
+moment or age, and who combine well what is, with what is to be, must
+see that our interests, well understood, and our wishes are, that Spain
+shall (not for ever, but) very long retain her possessions in that
+quarter; and that her views and ours must, in a good degree, and for a
+long time, concur. It is said in our gazettes, that the Spaniards have
+sunk one of our boats on the Mississippi, and that our people retaliated
+on one of theirs. But my letters, not mentioning this fact, have made
+me hope it is not true, in which hope your letter confirms me. There are
+now one hundred thousand inhabitants in Kentucky. They have accepted the
+offer of independence, on the terms proposed by Virginia, and they have
+decided that their independent government shall begin on the first day
+of the next year. In the mean time, they claim admittance into Congress.
+Georgia has ceded her western territory to the United States, to take
+place with the commencement of the new federal government. I do not know
+the boundaries. There has been some dispute of etiquette with the new
+French minister, which has disgusted him.
+
+The following is a state of the progress and prospects of the new plan
+of government.
+
+*****
+
+The conduct of Massachusetts has been noble. She accepted the
+constitution, but voted that it should stand as a perpetual instruction
+to her Delegates, to endeavor to obtain such and such reformations; and
+the minority, though very strong both in numbers and abilities, declared
+_viritim_ and _seriatim_, that acknowledging the principle that the
+majority must give the law, they would now support the new constitution
+with their tongues, and with their blood, if necessary. I was much
+pleased with many and essential parts of this instrument, from the
+beginning. But I thought I saw in it many faults, great and small.
+What I have read and reflected, has brought me over from several of my
+objections, of the first moment, and to acquiesce under some others. Two
+only remain, of essential consideration, to wit, the want of a bill of
+rights, and the expunging the principle of necessary rotation in the
+offices of President and Senator. At first, I wished that when nine
+States should have accepted the constitution, so as to insure us what is
+good in it, the other four might hold off till the want of the bill of
+rights at least, might be supplied. But I am now convinced that the
+plan of Massachusetts is the best, that is, to accept and to amend
+afterwards. If the States which were to decide after her, should all
+do the same, it is impossible but they must obtain the essential
+amendments. It will be more difficult, if we lose this instrument, to
+recover what is good in it, than to correct what is bad, after we shall
+have adopted it. It has, therefore, my hearty prayers, and I wait with
+anxiety for news of the votes of Maryland, South Carolina, and Virginia.
+There is no doubt that General Washington will accept the presidentship;
+though he is silent on the subject. He would not be chosen to the
+Virginia convention. A riot has taken place in New York, which I will
+state to you from an eye-witness. It has long been a practice with the
+surgeons of that city, to steal from the grave bodies recently buried.
+A citizen had lost his wife: he went, the first or second evening after
+her burial, to pay a visit to her grave.. He found that it had been
+disturbed, and suspected from what quarter. He found means to be
+admitted to the anatomical lecture of that day, and on his entering the
+room, saw the body of his wife, naked and under dissection. He raised
+the people immediately. The body, in the mean time, was secreted. They
+entered into and searched the houses of the physicians whom they most
+suspected, but found nothing. One of them however more guilty or more
+timid than the rest, took asylum in the prison. The mob considered
+this an acknowledgment of guilt. They attacked the prison. The Governor
+ordered militia to protect the culprit, and suppress the mob. The
+militia, thinking the mob had just provocation, refused to turn out.
+Hereupon the people of more reflection, thinking it more dangerous that
+even a guilty person should be punished without the forms of law,
+than that he should escape, armed themselves, and went to protect the
+physician. They were received by the mob with a volley of stones, which
+wounded several of them. They hereupon fired on the mob and killed four.
+By this time, they received a reinforcement of other citizens of
+the militia horse, the appearance of which, in the critical moment,
+dispersed the mob. So ended this chapter of history, which I have
+detailed to you, because it may be represented as a political riot, when
+politics had nothing to do with it. Mr. Jay and Baron Steuben were both
+grievously wounded in the head by stones. The former still kept his bed,
+and the latter his room, when the packet sailed, which was the 24th of
+April. I am, with sentiments of great esteem and respect, Dear Sir, your
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXXXIX.--TO JOHN JAY, May 27, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+(Private.) Paris, May 27, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+The change which is likely to take place in the form of our government,
+seems to render it proper, that, during the existence of the present
+government, an article should be mentioned which concerns me personally.
+Uncertain, however, how far Congress may have decided to do business
+when so near the close of their administration; less capable than those
+on the spot of foreseeing the character of the new government; and not
+fully confiding in my own judgment, where it is so liable to be seduced
+by feeling, I take the liberty of asking your friendly counsel, and that
+of my friend Mr. Madison, and of referring the matter to your judgments
+and discretion.
+
+Mr. Barclay when in Europe was authorized to settle all the European
+accounts of the United States: he settled those of Dr. Franklin and Mr.
+Adams, and it was intended between us, that he should settle mine.
+But as what may be done at any time is often put off to the last, this
+settlement had been made to give way to others, and that of Beaumarchais
+being pressed on Mr. Barclay before his departure for Morocco, and
+having long retarded his departure, it was agreed that my affair should
+await his return from that mission: you know the circumstances which
+prevented his return to Paris after that mission was finished. My
+account is therefore unsettled, but I have no anxiety on any article of
+it, except one, that is, the outfit. This consists of, 1. clothes; 2.
+carriage and horses; 3. household furniture. When Congress made their
+first appointments of ministers to be resident in Europe, I have
+understood (for I was not then in Congress) that they allowed them all
+their expenses, and a fixed sum over and above for their time. Among
+their expenses, was necessarily understood their outfit. Afterwards
+they thought proper to give them fixed salaries of eleven thousand
+one hundred and eleven dollars and one ninth a year; and again, by
+a resolution of May the 6th and 8th, 1784, the 'salaries' of their
+ministers at foreign courts were reduced to nine thousand dollars,
+to take place on the 1st of August ensuing. On the 7th of May I
+was appointed, in addition to Mr. Adams and Dr. Franklin, for the
+negotiation of treaties of commerce; but this appointment being
+temporary, for two years only, and not as of a resident minister, the
+article of outfit did not come into question. I asked an advance of six
+months' salary, that I might be in cash to meet the first expenses; which
+was ordered. The year following, I was appointed to succeed Dr. Franklin
+at this court. This was the first appointment of a minister resident,
+since the original ones, under which all expenses were to be paid. So
+much of the ancient regulation, as respected annual expenses, had been
+altered to a sum certain; so much of it as respected first expenses,
+or outfit, remained unaltered; and I might therefore expect, that the
+actual expenses for outfit were to be paid. When I prepared my account
+for settlement with Mr. Barclay, I began a detail of the articles of
+clothes, carriage, horses, and household furniture. I found that they
+were numerous, minute, and incapable, from their nature, of being
+vouched; and often entered in my memorandum-book under a general head
+only, so that I could not specify them. I found they would exceed a
+year's salary. Supposing, therefore, that, mine being the first case,
+Congress would make a precedent of it, and prefer a sum fixed for the
+outfit, as well as the salary, I have charged it in my account at a
+year's salary; presuming there can be no question that an outfit is a
+reasonable charge. It is the usage here (and I suppose at all courts),
+that a minister resident, shall establish his house in the first
+instant. If this is to be done out of his salary, he will be a
+twelvemonth at least without a copper to live on. It is the universal
+practice, therefore, of all nations, to allow the outfit as a separate
+article from the salary. I have inquired here into the usual amount of
+it. I find that, sometimes, the sovereign pays the actual cost. This is
+particularly the case of the Sardinian ambassador now coming here, who
+is to provide a service of plate, and every article of furniture, and
+other matters of first expense, to be paid for by his court. In other
+instances, they give a service of plate, and a fixed sum for all other
+articles, which fixed sum is in no case lower than a year's salary.
+
+I desire no service of plate, having no ambition for splendor. My
+furniture, carriage, and apparel are all plain, yet they have cost me
+more than a year's salary. I suppose that in every country, and in every
+condition of life, a year's expense would be found a moderate measure
+for the furniture of a man's house. It is not more certain to me, that
+the sun will rise to-morrow, than that our government must allow the
+outfit, on their future appointment of foreign ministers; and it would
+be hard on me, so to stand between the discontinuance of a former rule,
+and institution of a future one, as to have the benefit of neither. I
+know, I have so long known the character of our federal head, in its
+present form, that I have the most unlimited confidence in the justice
+of its decisions. I think I am so far known to many of the present
+Congress, as that I may be cleared of all views of making money out of
+any public employment, or of desiring any thing beyond actual and decent
+expenses, proportioned to the station in which they have been pleased to
+place me, and to the respect they would wish to see attached to it. It
+would seem right, that they should decide the claims of those who
+have acted under their administration, and their pretermission of any
+article, might amount to a disallowance of it in the opinion of the new
+government. It would be painful to me to meet that government with a
+claim under this kind of cloud, and to pass it in review before their
+several Houses of legislation, and boards of administration, to whom I
+shall be unknown; and being for money actually expended, it would be
+too inconvenient to me to relinquish it in silence. I anxiously ask it,
+therefore, to be decided on by Congress before they go out of office,
+if it be not out of the line of proceeding they may have chalked out for
+themselves. If it be against their inclination to determine it, would
+it be agreeable to them to refer it to the new government, by some
+resolution, which should show they have not meant to disallow it, by
+passing it over? Not knowing the circumstances under which Congress may
+exist and act at the moment you shall receive this, I am unable to judge
+what should be done on this subject. It is therefore that I ask the aid
+of your friendship and that of Mr. Madison, that you will do for me
+in this regard, what you think it is right should be done, and what it
+would be right for me to do, were I on the spot, or were I apprized of
+all existing circumstances. Indeed, were you two to think my claim
+an improper one, I would wish it to be suppressed, as I have so much
+confidence in your judgment, that I should suspect my own in any case
+where it varied from yours, and more especially, in one where it
+is liable to be warped by feeling. Give me leave, then, to ask your
+consultation with Mr. Madison on this subject; and to assure you that
+whatever you are so good as to do herein, will be perfectly approved,
+and considered as a great obligation conferred on him, who has the honor
+to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and attachment, Dear
+Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXL.*--TO JAMES MADISON, May 28, 1788
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, May 28, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+The enclosed letter for Mr. Jay, being of a private nature. I have
+thought it better to put it under your cover, lest it might be opened
+by some of his clerks, in the case of his absence. But I enclose a press
+copy of it for yourself, as you will perceive the subject of it referred
+to you, as well as to him. I ask your aid in it so far as you think
+right, and to have done what you think right. If you will now be so good
+as to cast your eye over the copy enclosed, what follows the present
+sentence, will be some details, supplementary to that only, necessary
+for your information, but not proper for me to state to Mr. Jay.
+
+      [*  It will be seen that a few words of this letter are in
+          cipher. It is published, however, as written, because
+          enough of it is literal to interest the reader, to whom
+          also a specimen of the cipher, used by the Author, may
+          not be unacceptable.]
+
+378.227.1247. though appointed a minister resident at the court of 514.
+he never was 663. in that character. He was continually passing from
+1042. to 514. and 514. to 1042., so that he had no occasion to establish
+a household at either. Accordingly, he staid principally in furnished
+lodgings. Of all our ministers, he had the least occasion for an
+outfit, and I suppose spent almost nothing on that article. He was of
+a disposition, too, to restrain himself within any limits of expense
+whatever, and it suited his recluse turn, which is, to avoid society.
+Should he judge of what others should do, by what he did, it would be
+an improper criterion. He was in Europe as a voyageur only, and it was
+while the salary was five hundred guineas more than at present.
+
+145.1267.1046.7. he came over, when, instead of outfit and salary, all
+expenses were paid. Of rigorous honesty, and careless of appearances, he
+lived for a considerable time as an economical private individual. After
+he was fixed at 812.141. and the salary at a sum certain, he continued
+his economical style, till, out of the difference between his expenses
+and his salary, he could purchase furniture for his house. This was the
+easier, as the salary was at two thousand five hundred guineas then.
+He was obliged, too, to be passing between 1042. and 812.141. so as to
+avoid any regular current of expenses. When he established himself, his
+pecuniary affairs were under the direction of 964.814.7.101.994., one
+of the most estimable characters on earth, and the most attentive and
+honorable economists. Neither had a wish to lay up a copper, but both
+wished to make both ends meet. I suspected, however, from an expression
+dropped in conversation, that they were not able to do this, and that
+a deficit in their accounts appeared in their winding up. If this
+conjecture be true, it is a proof that the salary, so far from admitting
+savings, is unequal to a very plain style of life; for such was theirs.
+I presume Congress will be asked to allow it, and it is evident to me,
+from what I saw while in 1093. that it ought to be done, as they did
+not expend a shilling which should have been avoided. Would it be more
+eligible to set the example of making good a deficit, or to give him
+an outfit, which will cover it? The impossibility of living on the sum
+allowed, respectably, was the true cause of his insisting on his recall.
+821.267.1292. He came over while all expenses were paid. He rented a
+house with standing furniture, such as tables, chairs, presses, &c., and
+bought all other necessaries. The latter were charged in his account;
+the former was included in the article of house-rent, and paid during
+the whole time of his stay here; and as the established rate of hire
+for furniture is from thirty to forty per cent, per annum, the standing
+furniture must have been paid for three times over, during the eight
+years he staid here. His salary was two thousand five hundred guineas.
+When Congress reduced it to less than two thousand, he refused to accede
+to it, asked his recall, and insisted that whenever they chose to alter
+the conditions on which he came out, if he did not approve of it, they
+ought to replace him in America on the old conditions. He lived plain,
+but as decently as his salary would allow. He saved nothing, but avoided
+debt. He knew he could not do this on the reduced salary, and therefore
+asked his recall with decision.
+
+To 935.145. succeeded. He had established a certain style of living. The
+same was expected from 1214. and there were five hundred guineas a
+year less to do it on. It has been aimed at, however, as far as was
+practicable. This rendered it constantly necessary to step neither to
+the right nor to the left, to incur any expense which could possibly be
+avoided, and it called for an almost womanly attention to the details
+of the household, equally perplexing, disgusting, and inconsistent with
+business. You will be sensible, that, in this situation, no savings
+could be made for reimbursing the half year's salary, ordered to be
+advanced under the former commission, and more than as much again,
+which was unavoidably so applied, without order, for the purchase of the
+outfit. The reason of the thing, the usage of all nations, the usage of
+our own, by paying all expenses of preceding ministers, which gave them
+the outfit, as far as their circumstances appeared to them to render it
+necessary, have made me take for granted all along, that it would not
+be refused to me: nor should I have mentioned it now, but that the
+administration is passing into other hands, and more complicated forms.
+It would be disagreeable to me to be presented to them, in the first
+instance, as a suitor. Men come into business at first with visionary
+principles. It is practice alone, which can correct and conform them
+to the actual current of affairs. In the mean time, those to whom their
+errors were first applied, have been their victims. The government may
+take up the project of appointing foreign ministers without outfits,
+and they may ruin two or three individuals, before they find that that
+article is just as indispensable as the salary. They must then fall into
+the current of general usage, which has become general, only because
+experience has established its necessity. Upon the whole, be so good as
+to reflect on it, and to do, not what your friendship to me, but your
+opinion of what is right, shall dictate.
+
+Accept, in all cases, assurances of the sincere esteem and respect with
+which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLI.--TO PETER CARU, May 23, 1788
+
+
+TO PETER CARU.
+
+Paris, May 23, 1788.
+
+Dear Peter,
+
+The preceding letter [* For the letter referred to, see ante, LXXIV.]
+was written at its date, and I supposed you in possession of it, when
+your letters of December the 10th, 1787, and March the 18th, 1788, told
+me otherwise. Still I supposed it on its way to you, when a few days
+ago, having occasion to look among some papers in the drawer, where
+my letters are usually put away, till an opportunity of sending them
+occurs, I found that this letter had slipped among them, so that it
+had never been forwarded. I am sorry for it, on account of the remarks
+relative to the Spanish language only. Apply to that with all the
+assiduity you can. That language and the English covering nearly the
+whole face of America, they should be well known to every inhabitant,
+who means to look beyond the limits of his farm. I like well the
+distribution of your time, mentioned in your letter of March the 18th;
+and the counsels of Mr. Wythe, so kindly extended to you, leave it
+necessary for me to add nothing of that kind. Be assiduous in learning,
+take much exercise for your health, and practise much virtue. Health,
+learning, and virtue, will insure your happiness; they will give you
+a quiet conscience, private esteem, and public honor. Beyond these, we
+want nothing but physical necessaries, and they are easily obtained.
+My daughters are well, and join me in love to yourself, your mother,
+brothers, and sisters.
+
+I am, with very sincere esteem, Dear Peter, your affectionate
+
+friend,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLII.--TO THE COMTE DE BERNSTORFF, June 19, 1788
+
+
+TO THE COMTE DE BERNSTORFF.
+
+Paris, June 19, 1788.
+
+I had the honor of addressing your Excellency, by Admiral Paul Jones,
+on the 21st of January, on the subject of the prizes taken under his
+command during the late war, and sent into Bergen. I communicated at the
+same time a copy of the powers which the Congress of the United States
+of America had been pleased to confide to me therein, having previously
+shown the original to the Baron de Blome, Envoy Extraordinary of his
+Majesty, the King of Denmark, at this court; and I furnished, at the
+same time, to Admiral Paul Jones, such authority as I was empowered
+to delegate, for the arrangement of this affair. That officer has
+transmitted me a copy of your Excellency's letter to him of the 4th of
+April, wherein you are pleased to observe, that the want of full powers
+on his part was an invincible obstacle to the definitive discussion of
+this claim with him, and to express your dispositions to institute a
+settlement at this place. Always assured of the justice and honor of
+the court of Denmark, and encouraged by the particular readiness of your
+Excellency to settle and remove this difficulty from between the two
+nations, I take the liberty of recalling your attention to it. The place
+of negotiation proposed by your Excellency, meets no objection from us,
+and it removes, at the same time, that which the want of full powers in
+Admiral Paul Jones had produced in your mind. These full powers Congress
+have been pleased to honor me with. The arrangement taken between the
+person to be charged with your full powers and myself, will be final
+and conclusive. You are pleased to express a willingness to treat at
+the same time on the subjects of amity and commerce. The powers formerly
+communicated on our part, were given to Mr. Adams, Doctor Franklin, and
+myself, for a limited term only. That term has expired, and the other
+two gentlemen returned to America; so that no person is commissioned at
+this moment to renew those conferences. I may safely, however, assure
+your Excellency, that the same friendly dispositions still continue, and
+the same desire of facilitating and encouraging a commerce between the
+two nations, which produced the former appointment. But our nation is,
+at this time, proposing a change in the organization of its government.
+For this change to be agreed to by all the members of the Union, the new
+administration chosen and brought into activity, their domestic matters
+arranged, which will require their first attention, their foreign system
+afterwards decided on and carried into full execution, will require very
+considerable length of time. To place under the same delay the private
+claims which I have the honor to present to your Excellency, would be
+hard on the persons interested: because these claims have no connection
+with the system of commercial connection, which may be established
+between the two nations, nor with the particular form of our
+administration. The justice due to them is complete, and the present
+administration as competent to final settlement as any future one will
+be, should a future change take place. These individuals have already
+lingered nine years in expectation of their hard and perilous earnings.
+Time lessens their numbers continually, disperses their representatives,
+weakens the evidence of their right, and renders more and more
+impracticable his Majesty's dispositions to repair the private injury,
+to which public circumstances constrained him. These considerations, the
+just and honorable intentions of your Excellency, and the assurances you
+give us in your letter, that no delay is wished on your part, give me
+strong hopes that we may speedily obtain that final arrangement, which
+express instructions render it my duty to urge. I have the honor,
+therefore, of agreeing with your Excellency, that the settlement of this
+matter, formerly begun at Paris, shall be continued there; and to
+ask that you will be pleased to give powers and instructions for this
+purpose to such persons as you shall think proper, and in such full form
+as may prevent those delays, to which the distance between Copenhagen
+and Paris might otherwise expose us.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most profound respect,
+your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLIII.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, June 20, 1788
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+Paris, June 20, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+Having had the honor of mentioning to your Excellency the wish of
+Congress, that certain changes should be made in the articles for a
+consular convention, which had been sent to them, I have now that,
+conformably to the desire you expressed, of giving a general idea of the
+alterations to be proposed.
+
+The fourth article gives to the consuls the immunities of the law of
+nations. It has been understood, however, that the laws of France do not
+admit of this; and that it might be desirable to expunge this article.
+In this we are ready to concur, as in every other case, where an article
+might call for changes in the established laws, either inconvenient or
+disagreeable.
+
+After establishing in favor of consuls, the general immunities of the
+law of nations, one consequence of which would have been, that they
+could not have been called upon to give testimony in courts of justice,
+the fifth article requires, that after the observance of certain
+formalities, which imply very high respect, they shall make a
+declaration; but _in their own houses_ [_chez eux_] as may be pretended,
+if not justly inferred, from the expressions in the article. But our
+laws require, indispensably, a personal examination of witnesses in the
+presence of the parties, of their counsel, the jury, and judges, each of
+whom has a right to ask of them all questions pertinent to the fact.
+The first and highest officers of our government are obliged to appear
+personally to the order of a court, to give evidence. The court takes
+care that they are treated with respect. It is proposed, therefore,
+to omit this article for these particular reasons, as well as for the
+general one, that the fourth being expunged, this, which was but an
+exception to that, falls of course.
+
+The seventh, eighth, tenth, and fourteenth articles extend their
+pre-eminences far beyond those, which the laws of nations would have
+given. These articles require that the declarations made in the presence
+of consuls, and certified by them, shall be received in evidence in all
+courts whatever: and, in some instances, give to their certificates a
+credibility which excludes all other testimony. The cases are rare, in
+which our laws admit written evidence of facts; and such evidence, when
+admitted, must have been given in the presence of both parties, and must
+contain the answers to all the pertinent questions, which they may have
+desired to ask of the witness: and to no evidence, of whatever nature,
+written or oral, do our laws give so high credit, as to exclude all
+counter-proof. These principles are of such ancient foundation in our
+system of jurisprudence, and are so much valued and venerated by our
+citizens, that perhaps it would be impossible to execute articles, which
+should contravene them, nor is it imagined that these stipulations can
+be so interesting to this country, as to balance the inconvenience and
+hazard of such an innovation with us. Perhaps it might be found, that
+the laws of both countries require a modification of this article; as
+it is inconceivable that the certificate of an American consul in
+France could be permitted by one of its courts to establish a fact, the
+falsehood of which should be notorious to the court itself.
+
+The eighth article gives to the consuls of either nation a jurisdiction,
+in certain cases, over foreigners of any other. On a dispute arising in
+France, between an American and a Spaniard or an Englishman, it would
+not be fair to abandon the Spaniard or Englishman to an American consul.
+On the contrary, the territorial judge, as neutral, would seem to be the
+most impartial. Probably, therefore, it will be thought convenient for
+both parties, to correct this stipulation.
+
+A dispute arising between two subjects of France, the one being in
+France and the other in the United States, the regular tribunals of
+France would seem entitled to a preference of jurisdiction. Yet the
+twelfth article gives it to their consul in America; and to the consul
+of the United States in France, in a like case between their citizens.
+
+The power given by the tenth article, of arresting and sending back a
+vessel, its captain, and crew, is a very great one indeed, and, in
+our opinion, more safely lodged with the territorial judge. We would
+ourselves trust the tribunals of France to decide, when there is just
+cause for so high-handed an act of authority over the persons and
+property of so many of our citizens, to all of whom these tribunals will
+stand in a neutral and impartial relation, rather than any single person
+whom we may appoint as consul, who will seldom be learned in the laws,
+and often susceptible of influence from private interest and personal
+pique. With us, applications for the arrest of vessels, and of their
+masters, are made to the admiralty courts. These are composed of the
+most learned and virtuous characters in the several States, and the
+maritime law, common to all nations, is the rule of their proceedings.
+The exercise of foreign jurisdiction, within the pale of their own
+laws, in a very high case, and wherein those laws have made honorable
+provisions, would be a phenomenon never yet seen in our country, and
+which would be seen with great jealousy and uneasiness. On the contrary,
+to leave this power with the territorial judge will inspire confidence
+and friendship, and be really, at the same time, more secure against
+abuse. The power of arresting deserted seamen seems necessary for the
+purposes of navigation and commerce, and will be more attentively and
+effectually exercised by the consul, than by the territorial judge.
+To this part of the tenth article, therefore, as well as to that which
+requires the territorial judge to assist the consul in the exercise of
+this function, we can accede. But the extension of the like power to
+passengers, seems not necessary for the purposes either of navigation
+or commerce. It does not come, therefore, within the functions of the
+consul, whose institution is for those two objects only, nor within the
+powers of a commissioner, authorized to treat and conclude a convention,
+solely for regulating the powers, privileges, and duties of consuls.
+The arrest and detention of passengers, moreover, would often be in
+contradiction to our bills of rights, which, being fundamental, cannot
+be obstructed in their operation by any law or convention whatever.
+
+Consular institutions being entirely new with us, Congress think it wise
+to make their first convention probationary, and not perpetual. They
+propose, therefore, a clause for limiting its duration to a certain term
+of years. If after the experience of a few years, it should be found to
+answer the purposes intended by it, both parties will have sufficient
+inducements to renew it, either in its present form, or with such
+alterations and amendments, as time, experience, and other circumstances
+may indicate.
+
+The convention, as expressed in the French language, will fully answer
+our purposes in France, because it will there be understood. But it will
+not equally answer the purposes of France in America, because it will
+not there be understood. In very few of the courts, wherein it may be
+presented, will there be found a single judge or advocate, capable of
+translating it at all, much less of giving to all its terms, legal
+and technical, their exact equivalent in the laws and language of
+that country. Should any translation which Congress would undertake to
+publish, for the use of our courts, be conceived on any occasion not to
+render fully the idea of the French original, it might be imputed as an
+indirect attempt to abridge or extend the terms of a contract, at the
+will of one party only. At no place are there better helps than here,
+for establishing an English text equivalent to the French, in all its
+phrases; no persons can be supposed to know what is meant by these
+phrases, better than those who form them; and no time more proper to
+ascertain their meaning in both languages than that at which they are
+formed. I have, therefore, the honor to propose, that the convention
+shall be faithfully expressed in English as well as in French, in two
+columns, side by side, that these columns be declared each of them to be
+text, and to be equally original and authentic in all courts of justice.
+
+This, Sir, is a general sketch of the alterations, which our laws and
+our manner of thinking render necessary in this convention, before the
+faith of our country is engaged for its execution. Some of its articles,
+in their present form, could not be executed at all, and others would
+produce embarrassments and ill humor, to which it would not be prudent
+for our government to commit itself. Inexact execution on the one part,
+would naturally beget dissatisfaction and complaints on the other; and
+an instrument intended to strengthen our connection, might thus become
+the means of loosening it. Fewer articles, better observed, will better
+promote our common interests. As to ourselves, we do not find the
+institution of consuls very necessary. Its history commences in times of
+barbarism, and might well have ended with them. During these, they were,
+perhaps, useful, and may still be so in countries not yet emerged from
+that condition. But all civilized nations at this day understand so
+well the advantages of commerce, that they provide protection and
+encouragement for merchant strangers and vessels coming among them.
+So extensive, too, have commercial connections now become, that every
+mercantile house has correspondents in almost every port. They address
+their vessels to these correspondents, who are found to take better care
+of their interests, and to obtain more effectually the protection of the
+laws of the country for them, than the consul of their nation can. He is
+generally a foreigner, unpossessed of the little details of knowledge
+of greatest use to them. He makes national questions of all the
+difficulties which arise; the correspondent prevents them. We carry on
+commerce with good success in all parts of the world; yet we have not
+a consul in a single port, nor a complaint for the want of one, except
+from the persons who wish to be consuls themselves. Though these
+considerations may not be strong enough to establish the absolute
+inutility of consuls, they may make us less anxious to extend their
+privileges and jurisdictions, so as to render them objects of jealousy
+and irritation, in the places of their residence. That this government
+thinks them useful, is sufficient reason for us to give them all the
+functions and facilities which our circumstances will admit. Instead,
+therefore, of declining every article which will be useless to us, we
+accede to every one which will not be inconvenient. Had this nation been
+alone concerned, our desire to gratify them might have tempted us to
+press still harder on the laws and opinions of our country. But your
+Excellency knows, that we stand engaged in treaties with some nations,
+which will give them occasion to claim whatever privileges we yield to
+any other. This renders circumspection more necessary. Permit me to add
+one other observation. The English allow to foreign consuls scarcely any
+functions within their ports. This proceeds, in a great measure, from
+the character of their laws, which eye, with peculiar jealousy, every
+exemption from their control. Ours are the same in their general
+character, and rendered still more unpliant, by our having thirteen
+parliaments to relax, instead of one. Upon the whole, I hope your
+Excellency will see the causes of the delay which this convention has
+met with, in the difficulties it presents, and our desire to surmount
+them: and will be sensible that the alterations proposed, are dictated
+to us by the necessity of our circumstances, and by a caution, which
+cannot be disapproved, to commit ourselves to no engagements which we
+foresee we might not be able o fulfil.
+
+These alterations, with some other smaller ones, which may be offered
+on the sole principle of joint convenience, shall be the subject of more
+particular explanation, whenever your Excellency shall honor me with
+a conference thereon. I shall then, also, point out the verbal changes
+which appear to me necessary, to accommodate the instrument to the
+views before expressed. In the mean time, I have the honor to be, with
+sentiments of the most perfect respect and esteem, your Excellency's
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLIV.--TO DOCTOR GORDON, July 16, 1788
+
+TO DOCTOR GORDON.
+
+Paris, July 16, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+In your favor of the 8th instant, you mentioned that you had written to
+me in February last. This letter never came to hand. That of April
+the 24th came here during my absence on a journey through Holland and
+Germany; and my having been obliged to devote the first moments after my
+return to some very pressing matters, must be my apology for not having
+been able to write to you till now. As soon as I knew that it would be
+agreeable to you to have such a disposal of your work for translation,
+as I had made for Dr. Ramsay, I applied to the same bookseller with
+propositions on your behalf. He told me, that he had lost so much by
+that work, that he could hardly think of undertaking another, and, at
+any rate, not without first seeing and examining it. As he was the only
+bookseller I could induce to give any thing on the former occasion,
+I went to no other with my proposal, meaning to ask you to send me
+immediately as much of the work as is printed. This you can do by
+the Diligence, which comes three times a week from London to Paris.
+Furnished with this, I will renew my proposition, and do the best for
+you I can; though I fear that the ill success of the translation of
+Dr. Ramsay's work, and of another work on the subject of America, will
+permit less to be done for you than I had hoped. I think Dr. Ramsay
+failed from the inelegance of the translation, and the translator's
+having departed entirely from the Doctor's instructions. I will be
+obliged to you, to set me down as subscriber for half a dozen copies,
+and to ask Mr. Trumbull (No. 2, North street, Rathbone Place) to pay
+you the whole subscription price for me, which he will do on showing him
+this letter. These copies can be sent by the Diligence. I have not yet
+received the pictures Mr. Trumbull was to send me, nor consequently that
+of M. de la Fayette. I will take care of it when it arrives. His title
+is simply, Le Marquis de la Fayette.
+
+You ask, in your letter of April the 24th, details of my sufferings by
+Colonel Tarleton. I did not suffer by him. On the contrary, he behaved
+very genteelly with me. On his approach to Charlottesville, which is
+within three miles of my house at Monticello, he despatched a troop of
+his horse, under Captain McLeod, with the double object of taking me
+prisoner, with the two Speakers of the Senate and Delegates, who then
+lodged with me, and of remaining there in _vidette_, my house commanding
+a view often or twelve miles round about. He gave strict orders to
+Captain McLeod to suffer nothing to be injured. The troop failed in
+one of their objects, as we had notice of their coming, so that the
+two Speakers had gone off about two hours before their arrival at
+Monticello, and myself, with my family, about five minutes. But Captain
+McLeod preserved every thing with sacred care, during about eighteen
+hours that he remained there. Colonel Tarleton was just so long at
+Charlottesville, being hurried from thence by the news of the rising of
+the militia, and by a sudden fall of rain which threatened to swell the
+river and intercept his return. In general he did little injury to the
+inhabitants on that short and hasty excursion, which was of about sixty
+miles from their main army, then in Spotsylvania, and ours in Orange. It
+was early in June, 1781. Lord Cornwallis then proceeded to the Point of
+Fork, and encamped his army from thence all along the main James River,
+to a seat of mine called Elk-hill, opposite to Elk Island, and a little
+below the mouth of the Byrd Creek. (You will see all these places
+exactly laid down in the map annexed to my Notes on Virginia, printed by
+Stockdale.) He remained in this position ten days, his own head-quarters
+being in my house, at that place. I had time to remove most of the
+effects out of the house. He destroyed all my growing crops of corn and
+tobacco; he burned all my barns, containing the same articles of the
+last year, having first taken what corn he wanted; he used, as was to be
+expected, all my stock of cattle, sheep, and hogs, for the sustenance
+of his army, and carried off all the horses capable of service; of those
+too young for service he cut the throats; and he burned all the fences
+on the plantation so as to leave it an absolute waste. He carried off
+also about thirty slaves. Had this been to give them freedom, he would
+have done right: but it was to consign them to inevitable death from
+the small-pox and putrid fever, then raging in his camp. This I knew
+afterwards to be the fate of twenty-seven of them. I never had news of
+the remaining three, but presume they shared the same fate. When I say
+that Lord Cornwallis did all this, I do not mean that he carried about
+the torch in his own hands, but that it was all done under his eye; the
+situation of the house in which he was, commanding a view of every part
+of the plantation, so that he must have seen every fire. I relate these
+things on my own knowledge, in a great degree, as I was on the ground
+soon after he left it. He treated the rest of the neighborhood somewhat
+in the same style, but not with that spirit of total extermination
+with which he seemed to rage over my possessions. Wherever he went, the
+dwelling-houses were plundered of every thing which could be carried
+off. Lord Cornwallis's character in England would forbid the belief that
+he shared in the plunder; but that his table was served with the
+plate thus pillaged from private houses, can be proved by many hundred
+eye-witnesses. From an estimate I made at that time, on the best
+information I could collect, I supposed the State of Virginia lost under
+Lord Cornwallis's hands, that year, about thirty thousand slaves; and
+that of these, about twenty-seven thousand died of the small-pox and
+camp-fever, and the rest were partly sent to the West Indies, and
+exchanged for rum, sugar, coffee, and fruit, and partly sent to New
+York, from whence they went, at the peace, either to Nova Scotia or
+England. From this last place, I believe they have been lately sent to
+Africa. History will never relate the horrors committed by the British
+army, in the southern States of America. They raged in Virginia six
+months only, from the middle of April to the middle of October, 1781,
+when they were all taken prisoners; and I give you a faithful specimen
+of their transactions for ten days of that time, and on one spot only.
+_Ex pede Herculem_. I suppose their whole devastations during those six
+months, amounted to about three millions sterling. The copiousness of
+this subject has only left me space to assure you of the sentiments of
+esteem and respect, with which I am, Sir, your most obedient, humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLV.--TO JAMES MADISON, July 19, 1788
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON, _of William and Mary College_.
+
+Paris, July 19, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last letter to you was of the 13th of August last. As you seem
+willing to accept of the crumbs of science on which we are subsisting
+here, it is with pleasure I continue to hand them on to you, in
+proportion as they are dealt out. Herschel's volcano in the moon you
+have doubtless heard of, and placed among the other vagaries of a head,
+which seems not organized for sound induction. The wildness of the
+theories hitherto proposed by him, on his own discoveries, seems to
+authorize us to consider his merit as that of a good optician only. You
+know also, that Doctor Ingenhouse had discovered, as he supposed from
+experiment, that vegetation might be promoted by occasioning streams of
+the electrical fluid to pass through a plant, and that other physicians
+had received and confirmed this theory. He now, however, retracts it,
+and finds by more decisive experiments, that the electrical fluid can
+neither forward nor retard vegetation. Uncorrected still of the rage of
+drawing general conclusions from partial and equivocal observations, he
+hazards the opinion that light promotes vegetation. I have heretofore
+supposed from observation, that light affects the color of living
+bodies, whether vegetable or animal; but that either the one or the
+other receives nutriment from that fluid, must be permitted to be
+doubted of, till better confirmed by observation. It is always better to
+have no ideas, than false ones; to believe nothing, than to believe what
+is wrong. In my mind, theories are more easily demolished than rebuilt.
+
+An Abbe here, has shaken, if not destroyed, the theory of De Dominis,
+Descartes and Newton, for explaining the phenomenon of the rainbow.
+According to that theory, you know, a cone of rays issuing from the sun,
+and falling on a cloud in the opposite part of the heavens, is reflected
+back in the form of a smaller cone, the apex of which is the eye of the
+observer: so that the eye of the observer must be in the axis of both
+cones, and equally distant from every part of the bow. But he observes,
+that he has repeatedly seen bows, the one end of which has been very
+near to him, and the other at a very great distance. I have often
+seen the same thing myself. I recollect well to have seen the end of a
+rainbow between myself and a house, or between myself and a bank, not
+twenty yards distant; and this repeatedly. But I never saw, what he
+says he has seen, different rainbows at the same time, intersecting
+each other. I never saw coexistent bows, which were not concentric
+also. Again, according to the theory, if the sun is in the horizon, the
+horizon intercepts the lower half of the bow, if above the horizon, that
+intercepts more than the half, in proportion. So that generally the bow
+is less than a semicircle, and never more. He says he has seen it more
+than a semicircle. I have often seen the leg of the bow below my level.
+My situation at Monticello admits this, because there is a mountain
+there in the opposite direction of the afternoon's sun, the valley
+between which and Monticello is five hundred feet deep. I have seen a
+leg of a rainbow plunge down on the river running through the valley.
+But I do not recollect to have remarked at any time, that the bow was
+more than half a circle. It appears to me, that these facts demolish the
+Newtonian hypothesis, but they do not support that erected in its stead
+by the Abbe. He supposes a cloud between the sun and observer, and that
+through some opening in that cloud, the rays pass, and form an iris on
+the opposite part of the heavens, just as a ray passing through a hole
+in the shutter of a darkened room, and falling on a prism there, forms
+the prismatic colors on the opposite wall. According to this, we might
+see bows of more than the half circle, as often as of less. A thousand
+other objections occur to this hypothesis, which need not be suggested
+to you. The result is, that we are wiser than we were, by having an
+error the less in our catalogue; but the blank occasioned by it, must
+remain for some happier hypothesist to fill up.
+
+The dispute about the conversion and reconversion of water and air, is
+still stoutly kept up. The contradictory experiments of chemists, leave
+us at liberty to conclude what we please. My conclusion is, that art has
+not yet invented sufficient aids, to enable such subtle bodies to make a
+well defined impression on organs as blunt as ours: that it is laudable
+to encourage investigation, but to hold back conclusion. Speaking one
+day with Monsieur de Buffon on the present ardor of chemical inquiry, he
+affected to consider chemistry but as cookery, and to place the toils
+of the laboratory on a footing with those of the kitchen. I think it,
+on the contrary, among the most useful of sciences, and big with future
+discoveries for the utility and safety of the human race. It is yet,
+indeed, a mere embryon. Its principles are contested; experiments seem
+contradictory; their subjects are so minute as to escape our senses; and
+their result too fallacious to satisfy the mind. It is probably an
+age too soon, to propose the establishment of a system. The attempt,
+therefore, of Lavoisier to reform the chemical nomenclature, is
+premature. One single experiment may destroy the whole filiation of
+his terms, and his string of sulfates, sulfiles, and sulfures may have
+served no other end, than to have retarded the progress of the science,
+by a jargon, from the confusion of which, time will be requisite to
+extricate us. Accordingly, it is not likely to be admitted generally.
+
+You are acquainted with the properties of the composition of nitre,
+salt of tartar, and sulphur, called _pulvis fulminans_. Of this, the
+explosion is produced by heat alone. Monsieur Bertholet, by dissolving
+silver in the nitrous acid, precipitating it with lime-water, and drying
+the precipitate on ammoniac, has discovered a powder, which fulminates
+most powerfully, on coming into contact with any substance whatever.
+Once made, it cannot be touched. It cannot be put into a bottle, but
+must remain in the capsula, where dried. The property of the spathic
+acid, to corrode flinty substances, has been lately applied by a Mr.
+Puymaurin, to engrave on glass, as artists engrave on copper, with
+aquafortis.
+
+M. de la Place has discovered, that the secular acceleration and
+retardation of the moon's motion, is occasioned by the action of the
+sun, in proportion as his excentricity changes, or, in other words,
+as the orbit of the earth increases or diminishes. So that this
+irregularity is now perfectly calculable.
+
+Having seen announced in a gazette, that some person had found, in a
+library of Sicily, an Arabic translation of Livy, which was thought to
+be complete, I got the _charge des affaires_ of Naples here, to write to
+Naples to inquire into the fact. He obtained in answer, that an Arabic
+translation was found, and that it would restore to us seventeen of the
+books lost, to wit, from the sixtieth to the seventy-seventh, inclusive:
+that it was in possession of an Abbe Vella, who, as soon as he shall
+have finished a work he has on hand, will give us an Italian, and
+perhaps a Latin translation of this Livy. There are persons, however,
+who doubt the truth of this discovery, founding their doubts on some
+personal circumstances relating to the person who says he has this
+translation. I find, nevertheless, that the _charge des affaires_
+believes in the discovery, which makes me hope it may be true.
+
+A countryman of ours, a Mr. Ledyard of Connecticut, set out from hence
+some time ago for St. Petersburg, to go thence to Kamtschatka, thence
+to cross over to the western coast of America, and penetrate through
+the continent, to the other side of it. He had got within a few days'
+journey of Kamtschatka, when he was arrested by order of the Empress
+of Russia, sent back, and turned adrift in Poland. He went to London;
+engaged under the auspices of a private society, formed there for
+pushing discoveries into Africa; passed by this place, which he left
+a few days ago for Marseilles, where he will embark for Alexandria and
+Grand Cairo; thence explore the Nile to its source; cross the head of
+the Niger, and descend that to its mouth. He promises me, if he escapes
+through his journey, he will go to Kentucky, and endeavor to penetrate
+westwardly to the South Sea.
+
+The death of M. de Buffon you have heard long ago. I do not know whether
+we shall have anything posthumous of his. As to political news, this
+country is making its way to a good constitution. The only danger is,
+they may press so fast as to produce an appeal to arms, which might have
+an unfavorable issue for them. As yet the appeal is not made. Perhaps
+the war, which seems to be spreading from nation to nation, may reach
+them this would insure the calling of the States General, and this, as
+is supposed, the establishment of a constitution.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of sincere esteem and respect,
+Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLVI.--TO E. RUTLEDGE, July 18, 1788
+
+
+TO E. RUTLEDGE.
+
+Paris, July 18, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Messrs. Berard were to have given me particular accounts of the proceeds
+of the shipments of rice made to them. But they have failed. I fear,
+from what they mention, that the price has been less advantageous than
+usual; which is unlucky, as it falls the first essay. If on the whole,
+however, you get as much as you would have done by a sale on the spot,
+it should encourage other adventures, because the price at Havre or
+Rouen is commonly higher, and because I think you may, by trials, find
+out the way to avail yourselves of the Paris retail price. The Carolina
+rice, sold at Paris, is separated into three kinds; 1. the whole grains;
+2. the broken grains; 3. the small stuff; and sell at ten, eight, and
+six livres the French pound, retail. The whole grains, which constitute
+the first quality, are picked out by hand. I would not recommend this
+operation to be done with you, because labor is dearer there than here.
+But I mention these prices, to show, that after making a reasonable
+deduction for sorting, and leaving a reasonable profit to the retailer,
+there should still remain a great wholesale price. I shall wish to know
+from you, how much your cargo of rice shipped to Berard netts you, and
+how much it would have _netted_ in hard money, if you had sold it at
+home.
+
+You promise, in your letter of October the 23rd, 1787, to give me in
+your next, at large, the conjectures of your philosopher on the descent
+of the Creek Indians from the Carthaginians, supposed to have been
+separated from Hanno's fleet, during his periplus. I shall be very glad
+to receive them, and see nothing impossible in his conjecture. I am glad
+he means to appeal to similarity of language, which I consider as the
+strongest kind of proof it is possible to adduce. I have somewhere read,
+that the language of the ancient Carthaginians is still spoken by their
+descendants, inhabiting the mountainous interior parts of Barbary, to
+which they were obliged to retire by the conquering Arabs. If so, a
+vocabulary of their tongue can still be got, and if your friend will get
+one of the Creek languages, the comparison will decide. He probably may
+have made progress in this business: but if he wishes any inquiries to
+be made on this side the Atlantic, I offer him my services cheerfully;
+my wish being, like his to ascertain the history of the American
+aborigines.
+
+I congratulate you on the accesion of your State to the new federal
+constitution. This is the last I have yet heard of, but I expect daily
+to hear that my own has followed the good example, and suppose it to be
+already established. Our government wanted bracing. Still we must take
+care not to run from one extreme to another; not to brace too high. I
+own, I join those in opinion, who think a bill of rights necessary. I
+apprehend too, that the total abandonment of the principle of rotation
+in the offices of President and Senator, will end in abuse. But my
+confidence is, that there will, for a long time, be virtue and good
+sense enough in our countrymen, to correct abuses. We can surely boast
+of having set the world a beautiful example of a government reformed by
+reason alone, without bloodshed. But the world is too far oppressed to
+profit by the example. On this side of the Atlantic, the blood of the
+people has become an inheritance, and those who fatten on it, will
+not relinquish it easily. The struggle in this country is, as yet,
+of doubtful issue. It is, in fact, between the monarchy and the
+parliaments. The nation is no otherwise concerned, but as both parties
+may be induced to let go some of its abuses, to court the public favor.
+The danger is, that the people, deceived by a false cry of liberty, may
+be led to take side with one party, and thus give the other a pretext
+for crushing them still more. If they can avoid the appeal to arms, the
+nation will be sure to gain much by this controversy. But if that appeal
+is made, it will depend entirely on the disposition of the army, whether
+it issue in liberty or despotism. Those dispositions are not as yet
+known. In the mean time, there is great probability that the war kindled
+in the east, will spread from nation to nation, and, in the long run,
+become general.
+
+*****
+
+I am, with the most sincere esteem and attachment, my dear; Sir, your
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLVII.--TO MR. BELLINI, July 25,1788
+
+
+TO MR. BELLINI.
+
+Paris, July 25,1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Though I have written to you seldom, you are often the object of
+my thoughts, and always of my affection. The truth is, that the
+circumstances with which I am surrounded, offer little worth detailing
+to you. You are too wise to feel an interest in the squabbles, in
+which the pride, the dissipations, and the tyranny of kings, keep this
+hemisphere constantly embroiled. Science, indeed, finds some aliment
+here, and you are one of her sons. But this I have pretty regularly
+communicated to Mr. Madison, with whom, I am sure, you participate of
+it. It is with sincere pleasure I congratulate you on the good fortune
+of our friend Mazzei, who is appointed here, to correspond with the King
+of Poland. The particular character given him is not well defined, but
+the salary is, which is more important. It is eight thousand livres a
+year, which will enable him to live comfortably, while his duties will
+find him that occupation, without which he cannot exist. Whilst this
+appointment places him at his ease, it affords a hope of permanence
+also. It suspends, if not entirely prevents, the visit he had intended
+to his native country, and the return to his adoptive one, which the
+death of his wife had rendered possible. This last event has given him
+three quarters of the globe elbow-room, which he had ceded to her, on
+condition she would leave him quiet in the fourth. Their partition of
+the next world will be more difficult, if it be divided only into two
+parts, according to the protestant faith. Having seen by a letter you
+wrote him, that you were in want of a pair of spectacles, I undertook
+to procure you some, which I packed in a box of books addressed to Mr.
+Wythe, and of which I beg your acceptance. This box lay forgotten at
+Havre the whole of the last winter, but was at length shipped, and I
+trust has come to hand. I packed with the spectacles three or four pair
+of glasses, adapted to the different periods of life, distinguished from
+each other by numbers, and easily changed. You see I am looking forward
+in hope of a long life for you; and that it may be long enough to carry
+you through the whole succession of glasses, is my sincere prayer.
+Present me respectfully to Mrs. Bellini, assure her of my affectionate
+remembrance of her, and my wishes for her health and happiness; and
+accept yourself very sincere professions of the esteem and attachment
+with which I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLVIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, July 31, 1788
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, July 31, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last letters to you were of the 3rd and the 25th of May. Yours from
+Orange, of April the 22nd, came to hand on the 10th instant.
+
+My letter to Mr. Jay containing all the public news that is well
+authenticated, I will not repeat it here, but add some details in the
+smaller way, which you may be glad to know. The disgrace of the Marquis
+de la Fayette, which, at any other period of their history, would have
+had the worst consequences for him, will, on the contrary, mark him
+favorably to the nation, at present. During the present administration,
+he can expect nothing; but perhaps it may serve him with their
+successors, whenever a change shall take place. No change of the
+Principal will probably take place, before the meeting of the States
+General; though a change is to be wished, for his operations do not
+answer the expectations formed of him. These had been calculated, on his
+brilliancy in society. He is very feebly aided too. Montmorin is weak,
+though a most worthy character. He is indolent and inattentive too,
+in the extreme. Luzerne is considerably inferior in abilities to his
+brother, whom you know. He is a good man too, but so much out of his
+element, that he has the air of one _huskanoyed_. The _Garde des Sceaux_
+is considered as the Principal's bull-dog, braving danger like the
+animal. His talents do not pass mediocrity. The Archbishop's brother,
+and the new minister Villedeuil, and Lambert, have no will of their
+own. They cannot raise money for the peace establishment the next
+year, without the States General; much less if there be war; and their
+administration will probably end with the States General.
+
+Littlepage, who was here as a secret agent for the King of Poland,
+rather overreached himself. He wanted more money. The King furnished it,
+more than once. Still he wanted more, and thought to obtain a high bid,
+by saying he was called for in America, and asking leave to go there.
+Contrary to his expectation, he received leave; but he went to Warsaw
+instead of America, and from thence, to join the * * * * I do not know
+
+     [* Several paragraphs of this letter are in cipher, A few
+     words here could not be deciphered.]
+
+these facts certainly, but collect them, by putting several things
+together. The King then sent an ancient secretary here, in whom he had
+much confidence, to look out for a correspondent, a mere letter-writer
+for him. A happy hazard threw Mazzei in his way. He recommended him,
+and he is appointed. He has no diplomatic character whatever, but is to
+receive eight thousand livres a year, as an intelligencer. I hope
+this employment may have some permanence. The danger is, that he will
+over-act his part.
+
+The Marquis de la Luzerne had been for many years married to his
+brother's wife's sister, secretly. She was ugly and deformed, but
+sensible, amiable, and rather rich. When he was ambassador to London,
+with ten thousand guineas a year, the marriage was avowed, and he
+relinquished his cross of Malta, from which he derived a handsome
+revenue for life, and which was very open to advancement. Not long ago,
+she died. His real affection for her, which was great and unfeigned, and
+perhaps the loss of his order, for so short-lived a satisfaction, has
+thrown him almost into a state of despondency. He is now here.
+
+I send you a book of Dupont's, on the subject of the commercial treaty
+with England. Though its general matter may not be interesting, yet
+you will pick up, in various parts of it, such excellent principles and
+observations, as will richly repay the trouble of reading it. I send
+you, also, two little pamphlets of the Marquis de Condorcet, wherein is
+the most judicious statement I have seen, of the great questions
+which agitate this nation at present. The new regulations present a
+preponderance of good over their evil; but they suppose that the
+King can model the constitution at will, or, in other words, that his
+government is a pure despotism. The question then arising is, whether a
+pure despotism in a single head, or one which is divided among a king,
+nobles, priesthood, and numerous magistracy, is the least bad. I should
+be puzzled to decide: but I hope they will have neither, and that they
+are advancing to a limited, moderate government, in which the people
+will have a good share.
+
+I sincerely rejoice at the acceptance of our new constitution by
+nine States. It is a good canvass, on which some strokes only want
+retouching. What these are, I think are sufficiently manifested by the
+general voice from north to south, which calls for a bill of rights.
+It seems pretty generally understood, that this should go to juries,
+_habeas corpus_, standing armies, printing, religion, and monopolies.
+I conceive there may be difficulty in finding general modifications of
+these, suited to the habits of all the States. But if such cannot be
+found, then it is better to establish trials by jury, the right of
+_habeas corpus_, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion, in all
+cases, and to abolish standing armies in time of peace, and monopolies
+in all cases, than not to do it in any. The few cases wherein these
+things may do evil, cannot be weighed against the multitude, wherein the
+want of them will do evil. In disputes between a foreigner and a native,
+a trial by jury may be improper. But if this exception cannot be agreed
+to, the remedy will be to model the jury, by giving the _medietas
+linguae_, in civil as well as criminal cases. Why suspend the _habeas
+corpus_ in insurrections and rebellions? The parties who may be
+arrested, may be charged instantly with a well-defined crime: of course,
+the judge will remand them. If the public safety requires, that the
+government should have a man imprisoned on less probable testimony in
+those than in other emergencies, let him be taken and tried, retaken and
+retried, while the necessity continues, only giving him redress against
+the government, for damages. Examine the history of England. See how
+few of the cases of the suspension of the _habeas corpus_ law have been
+worthy of that suspension. They have been either real treason, wherein
+the parties might as well have been charged at once, or sham plots,
+where it was shameful they should ever have been suspected. Yet for the
+few cases, wherein the suspension of the _habeas corpus_ has done real
+good, that operation is now become habitual, and the minds of the nation
+almost prepared to live under its constant suspension. A declaration,
+that the federal government will never restrain the presses from
+printing any thing they please, will not take away the liability of the
+printers for false facts printed. The declaration, that religious faith
+shall be unpunished, does not give impunity to criminal acts, dictated
+by religious error. The saying--there shall be no monopolies, lessens
+the incitements to ingenuity, which is spurred on by the hope of a
+monopoly for a limited time, as of fourteen years; but the benefit of
+even limited monopolies is too doubtful, to be opposed to that of their
+general suppression. If no check can be found to keep the number of
+standing troops within safe bounds, while they are tolerated as far as
+necessary, abandon them altogether, discipline well the militia,
+and guard the magazines with them. More than magazine guards will be
+useless, if few, and dangerous, if many. No European nation can ever
+send against us such a regular army as we need fear, and it is hard, if
+our militia are not equal to those of Canada or Florida. My idea then,
+is, that though proper exceptions to these general rules are desirable,
+and probably practicable, yet if the exceptions cannot be agreed on,
+the establishment of the rules, in all cases, will do ill in very few.
+I hope, therefore, a bill of rights will be formed, to guard the people
+against the federal government, as they are already guarded against
+their State governments, in most instances. The abandoning the principle
+of necessary rotation in the Senate, has, I see, been disapproved by
+many: in the case of the President, by none. I readily, therefore,
+suppose my opinion wrong, when opposed by the majority, as in the former
+instance, and the totality, as in the latter. In this, however, I should
+have done it with more complete satisfaction, had we all judged from the
+same position.
+
+Solicitations, which cannot be directly refused, oblige me to trouble
+you often with letters, recommending and introducing to you persons who
+go from hence to America. I will beg the favor of you to distinguish
+the letters wherein I appeal to recommendations from other persons, from
+those which I write on my own knowledge. In the former, it is never my
+intention to compromit myself or you. In both instances, I must beg you
+to ascribe the trouble I give you, to circumstances which do not leave
+me at liberty to decline it.
+
+I am, with very sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXLIX.--TO JOHN JAY, August 3, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, August 3, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+My last letters to you were of the 4th and 23d of May, with a Postscript
+of the 27th. Since that, I have been honored with yours of April the
+24th, May the 16th, and June the 9th.
+
+The most remarkable internal occurrences since my last are these. The
+_Noblesse_ of Bretagne, who had received with so much warmth the late
+innovations in the government, assembled, and drew up a memorial to the
+King, and chose twelve members of their body to come and present it.
+Among these was the Marquis de la Rouerie (Colonel Armand). The King,
+considering the _Noblesse_ as having no legal right to assemble,
+declined receiving the memorial. The deputies, to give greater weight to
+it, called a meeting of the landed proprietors of Bretagne, resident at
+Paris, and proposed to them to add their signatures--They did so, to the
+number of about sixty, of whom the Marquis de la Fayette was one. The
+twelve deputies, for having called this meeting, were immediately
+sent to the Bastile where they now are, and the Parisian signers were
+deprived of such favors as they held of the court. There were only four
+of them, however, who held any thing of that kind. The Marquis de la
+Fayette was one of these. They had given him a military command, to
+be exercised in the south of France, during the months of August and
+September of the present year. This they took from him; so that he is
+disgraced, in the ancient language of the court, but in truth, honorably
+marked in the eyes of the nation. The ministers are so sensible of
+this, that they have had, separately, private conferences with him, to
+endeavor, through him, to keep things quiet. From the character of the
+province of Bretagne, it was much apprehended, for some days, that the
+imprisonment of their deputies would have produced an insurrection.
+But it took another turn. The _Cours intermediaire_ of the province,
+acknowledged to be a legal body, deputed eighteen members of their body
+to the King. To these he gave an audience, and the answer, of which I
+send you a copy. This is hard enough. Yet I am in hopes the appeal to
+the sword will be avoided, and great modifications in the government be
+obtained without bloodshed. As yet none has been spilt, according to
+the best evidence I have been able to obtain, notwithstanding what the
+foreign newspapers have said to the contrary. The convocation of the
+States General has now become inevitable. Whenever the time shall be
+announced certainly, it will keep the nation quiet till they meet.
+According to present probabilities, this must be in the course of the
+next summer; but to what movements their meeting and measures may give
+occasion, cannot be foreseen. Should a foreign war take place, still
+they must assemble the States General, because they cannot, but by
+their aid, obtain money to carry it on. Monsieur de Malesherbes will, I
+believe, retire from the King's Council. He has been much opposed to
+the late acts of authority. The Baron de Breteuil has resigned his
+secretaryship of the domestic department; certainly not for the same
+reasons, as he is known to have been of opinion, that the King had
+compromitted too much of his authority. The real reason has probably
+been, an impatience of acting under a principal minister. His successor
+is M. de Villedeuil, lately Comptroller General.
+
+The ambassadors of Tippoo Saib have arrived here. If their mission has
+any other object than that of pomp and ceremony, it is not yet made
+known. Though this court has not avowed that they are in possession of
+Trincomale, yet the report is believed, and that possession was taken by
+General Conway, in consequence of orders given in the moment that they
+thought a war certain. The dispute with the States General of the United
+Netherlands, on account of the insult to M. de St. Priest, does not tend
+as yet towards a settlement. He has obtained leave to go to the waters,
+and perhaps from thence he may come to Paris, to await events. Sweden
+has commenced hostilities against Russia, by the taking a little
+fortress by land. This having been their intention, it is wonderful,
+that when their fleet lately met three Russian ships of one hundred guns
+each, they saluted instead of taking them. The Empress has declared war
+against them in her turn. It is well understood, that Sweden is set
+on by England, and paid by the Turks. The prospect of Russia has much
+brightened by some late successes. Their fleet of galleys and gun-boats,
+twenty-seven in number, having been attacked by fifty-seven Turkish
+vessels of the same kind, commanded by the Captain Pacha, these were
+repulsed, with the loss of three vessels. In the action, which was on
+the 18th of June, Admiral Paul Jones commanded the right wing of the
+Russians, and the Prince of Nassau the left. On the 26th of the same
+month, the Turkish principal fleet, that is to say, their ships of the
+line, frigates, &c, having got themselves near the swash, at the
+mouth of the Borysthenes, the Prince of Nassau took advantage of their
+position, attacked them while so engaged in the mud that they could not
+manoeuvre, burnt six, among which were the admiral's and vice-admiral's,
+took two, and made between three and four thousand prisoners. The first
+reports gave this success to Admiral Paul Jones; but it is now rendered
+rather probable that he was not there, as he commands the vessels of war
+which are said not to have been there. It is supposed, that his presence
+in the affair of the 18th was accidental. But if this success has been
+so complete as it is represented, the Black Sea must be tolerably open
+to the Russians: in which case, we may expect, from what we know of that
+officer, that he will improve to the greatest advantage the situation of
+things on that sea. The Captain Pacha's standard was taken in the last
+action, and himself obliged to make his escape in a small vessel. Prince
+Potemkin immediately got under march for Oczakow, to take advantage of
+the consternation into which that place was thrown.
+
+The Spanish squadron, after cruising off the Western Isles and Cape St.
+Vincent, has returned into port.
+
+A dispute has arisen between the Papal See and the King of Naples, which
+may, in its progress, enable us to estimate what degree of influence
+that See retains at the present day. The kingdom of Naples, at an early
+period of its history, became feudatory to the See of Rome, and in
+acknowledgment thereof, has annually paid a hackney to the Pope in
+Rome, to which place it has always been sent by a splendid embassy. The
+hackney has been refused by the King this year, and the Pope, giving
+him three months to return to obedience, threatens, if he does not, to
+proceed seriously against him.
+
+About three weeks ago a person called on me, and informed me, that Silas
+Deane had taken him in for a sum of one hundred and twenty guineas, and
+that being unable to obtain any other satisfaction, he had laid hands on
+his account book and letter book, and had brought them off to Paris,
+to offer them first to the United States, if they would repay him his
+money, and if not, that he should return to London, and offer them
+to the British minister. I desired him to leave them with me four and
+twenty hours, that I might judge whether they were worth our notice. He
+did so. They were two volumes. One contained all his accounts with the
+United States, from his first coming to Europe to January the 10th,
+1781. Presuming that the treasury board was in possession of this
+account till his arrival in Philadelphia, August, 1778, and that he had
+never given in the subsequent part, I had that subsequent part copied
+from the book, and now enclose it, as it may on some occasion or other,
+perhaps, be useful in the treasury office. The other volume contained
+all his correspondences from March the 30th to August the 23d, 1777. I
+had a list of the letters taken by their dates and addresses, which will
+enable you to form a general idea of the collection. On perusal of many
+of them, I thought it desirable that they should not come to the hands
+of the British minister, and from an expression dropped by the possessor
+of them, I believe he would have fallen to fifty or sixty guineas. I did
+not think them important enough, however, to justify my purchasing
+them without authority; though, with authority, I should have done it.
+Indeed, I would have given that sum to cut out a single sentence, which
+contained evidence of a fact, not proper to be committed to the hands
+of enemies. I told him I would state his proposition to you, and await
+orders. I gave him back the books, and he returned to London without
+making any promise, that he would await the event of the orders you
+might think proper to give.
+
+News of the accession of nine States to the new form of federal
+government has been received here about a week. I have the honor to
+congratulate you sincerely on this event. Of its effect at home, you
+are in the best situation to judge. On this side the Atlantic, it
+is considered as a very wise reformation. In consequence of this,
+speculations are already begun here, to purchase up our domestic
+liquidated debt. Indeed, I suspect that orders may have been previously
+lodged in America to do this, as soon as the new constitution was
+accepted effectually. If it is thought that this debt should be retained
+at home, there is not a moment to lose; and I know of no means of
+retaining it, but those I suggested to the treasury board, in my letter
+to them of March the 29th. The transfer of these debts to Europe will
+excessively embarrass, and perhaps totally prevent the borrowing any
+money in Europe, till these shall be paid off. This is a momentous
+object, and, in my opinion, should receive instantaneous attention.
+
+The gazettes of France, to the departure of my letter, will accompany
+it, and those of Leyden to the 22nd of July, at which time their
+distribution in this country was prohibited. How long the prohibition
+may continue, I cannot tell. As far as I can judge, it is the only paper
+in Europe worth reading. Since the suppression of the packet-boats, I
+have never been able to find a safe conveyance for a letter to you, till
+the present by Mrs. Barclay. Whenever a confidential person shall be
+going from hence to London, I shall send my letters for you to the
+care of Mr. Trumbull, who will look out for safe conveyances. This will
+render the epochs of my writing very irregular. There is a proposition
+under consideration, for establishing packet-boats on a more economical
+plan, from Havre to Boston; but its success is uncertain, and still
+more, its duration.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CL.--TO COLONEL MONROE, August 9, 1788
+
+
+TO COLONEL MONROE.
+
+Paris, August 9, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Since my last to you, I have to thank your for your favors of July the
+27th, 1787, and April the 10th, 1788, and the details they contained;
+and in return, will give you now the leading circumstances of this
+continent.
+
+*****
+
+This nation is at present under great internal agitation. The authority
+of the crown on one part, and that of the parliaments on the other, are
+fairly at issue. Good men take part with neither, but have raised an
+opposition, the object of which is to obtain a fixed and temperate
+constitution. There was a moment when this opposition ran so high, as to
+endanger an appeal to arms, in which case, perhaps, it would have been
+crushed. The moderation of government has avoided this, and they are
+yielding daily one right after another to the nation. They have given
+them Provincial Assemblies, which will be very perfect representations
+of the nation, and stand somewhat in the place of our State Assemblies;
+they have reformed the criminal law; acknowledged the King cannot lay a
+new tax, without the consent of the States General; and they will call
+the States General the next year. The object of this body, when met,
+will be a bill of rights, a civil list, a national assembly meeting at
+certain epochs, and some other matters of that kind. So that I think
+it probable this country will, within two or three years, be in the
+enjoyment of a tolerably free constitution, and that without its having
+cost them a drop of blood; for none has yet been spilt, though the
+English papers have set the whole nation to cutting throats.
+
+Be assured of those sentiments of esteem and attachment, with which I
+am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLI.--TO MONSIEUR DE CREVE-COEUR, August 9, 1788
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR DE CREVE-COEUR.
+
+Paris, August 9, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+While our second revolution is just brought to a happy end with you,
+yours here is but cleverly under way. For some days I was really
+melancholy with the apprehension, that arms would be appealed to, and
+the opposition crushed in its first efforts. But things seem now to wear
+a better aspect. While the opposition keeps at its highest wholesome
+point, government, unwilling to draw the sword, is not forced to do it.
+The contest here is exactly what it was in Holland: a contest between
+the monarchical and aristocratical parts of the government for a
+monopoly of despotism over the people. The aristocracy in Holland,
+seeing that their common prey was likely to escape out of their
+clutches, chose rather to retain its former portion, and therefore
+coalesced with the single head. The people remained victims. Here,
+I think, it will take a happier turn. The parliamentary part of the
+aristocracy is alone firmly united. The _Noblesse_ and Clergy, but
+especially the former, are divided partly between the parliamentary and
+the despotic party, and partly united with the real patriots, who
+are endeavoring to gain for the nation what they can, both from the
+parliamentary and the single despotism. I think I am not mistaken in
+believing, that the King and some of his ministers are well affected to
+this band; and surely, that they will make great cessions to the
+people, rather than small ones to the parliament. They are, accordingly,
+yielding daily to the national reclamations, and will probably end in
+according a well-tempered constitution. They promise the States General
+for the next year, and I have good information that an Arret will appear
+the day after to-morrow, announcing them for May, 1789. How they will be
+composed, and what they will do, cannot be foreseen. Their convocation,
+however, will tranquillize the public mind, in a great degree, till
+their meeting. There are, however, two intervening difficulties. 1.
+Justice cannot till then continue completely suspended, as it now is.
+The parliament will not resume their functions, but in their entire
+body. The _bailliages_ are afraid to accept of them. What will be done?
+2. There are well-founded fears of a bankruptcy before the month of May.
+In the mean time, the war is spreading from nation to nation. Sweden
+has commenced hostilities against Russia; Denmark is showing its teeth
+against Sweden; Prussia against Denmark; and England too deeply engaged
+in playing the back game, to avoid coming forward, and dragging this
+country and Spain in with her. But even war will not prevent the
+assembly of the States General, because it cannot be carried on without
+them. War, however, is not the most favorable moment for divesting the
+monarchy of power. On the contrary, it is the moment when the energy of
+a single hand shows itself in the most seducing form.
+
+A very considerable portion of this country has been desolated by a
+hail. I considered the newspaper accounts of hailstones of ten pounds
+weight as exaggerations. But in a conversation with the Duke de la
+Rochefoucault the other day, he assured me, that though he could not
+say he had seen such himself, yet he considered the fact as perfectly
+established. Great contributions, public and private, are making for the
+sufferers. But they will be like the drop of water from the finger of
+Lazarus. There is no remedy for the present evil, nor way to prevent
+future ones, but to bring the people to such a state of ease, as not to
+be ruined by the loss of a single crop. This hail may be considered as
+the _coup de grace_ to an expiring victim. In the arts there is nothing
+new discovered since you left us, which is worth communicating. Mr.
+Paine's iron bridge was exhibited here with great approbation. An
+idea has been encouraged of executing it in three arches at the King's
+garden. But it will probably not be done.
+
+I am, with sentiments of perfect esteem and attachment, Dear Sir, your
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLII.--TO JOHN JAY, August 10, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, August 10, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have waited till the last moment of Mrs. Barclay's departure, to write
+you the occurrences since my letter of the 3rd instant. We have received
+the Swedish account of an engagement between their fleet and the
+Russian, on the Baltic, wherein they say they took one, and burned
+another Russian vessel, with the loss of one on their side, and that the
+victory remained with them. They say, at the same time, that their fleet
+returned into port, and the Russians kept the sea; we must, therefore,
+suspend our opinion till we get the Russian version of this engagement.
+The Swedish manifesto was handed about to-day at Versailles, by the
+Swedish ambassador, in manuscript. The King complains that Russia has
+been ever endeavoring to sow divisions in his kingdom, in order to
+re-establish the ancient constitution; that he has long borne it,
+through a love of peace, but finds it no longer bearable: that still,
+however, he will make peace on these conditions; 1. That the Empress
+punishes her minister for the note he gave in to the court of Stockholm;
+2. that she restore Crimea to the Turks; and 3. that she repay to him
+all the expenses of his armament. The Russian force, in vessels of war
+on the Black Sea, are five frigates, and three ships of the line; but
+those of the line are shut up in port, and cannot come out till Oczakow
+shall be taken. This fleet is commanded by Paul Jones, with the rank of
+rear-admiral. The Prince of Nassau commands the galleys and gun-boats.
+It is now ascertained, that the States General will assemble the next
+year, and probably in the month of May. Tippoo Saib's ambassadors had
+their reception to-day at Versailles with unusual pomp. The presence was
+so numerous, that little could be caught of what they said to the king,
+and he answered to them: from what little I could hear, nothing more
+passed than mutual assurances of good will. The name of the Marechal
+de Richelieu is sufficiently remarkable in history, to justify
+my mentioning his death, which happened two days ago; he was aged
+ninety-two years.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLIII.--TO JOHN JAY, August 11, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, August 11, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+In my letter of the last night, written in the moment of Mrs. Barclay's
+departure, I had the honor of mentioning to you, that it was now pretty
+certain that the States General would be assembled in the next year,
+and probably in the month of May. This morning an _Arret_ is published,
+announcing that their meeting is fixed on the first day of May next, of
+which I enclose you a copy by post, in hopes it will get to Bordeaux in
+time for Mrs. Barclay. This _Arret_ ought to have a great effect towards
+tranquillizing the nation. There are still, however, two circumstances
+which must continue to perplex the administration. The first is, the
+want of money, occasioned not only by the difficulty of filling up the
+loan of the next year, but by the withholding the ordinary supplies of
+taxes, which is said to have taken place in some instances: this
+gives apprehension of a bankruptcy under some form or other, and has
+occasioned the stocks to fall, in the most alarming manner. The second
+circumstance is, that justice, both civil and criminal, continues
+suspended. The parliament will not resume their functions, but with
+their whole body, and the greater part of the _bailliages_ declined
+acting; the present _Arret_ announces a perseverance in this plan. I
+have information from Algiers, of the 5th of June, that the plague is
+raging there, with great violence; that one of our captives was dead of
+it, and another ill, so that we have there, in all, now, only fifteen or
+sixteen; that the captives are more exposed to its ravages, than
+others; that the great redemptions by the Spaniards, Portuguese, and
+Neapolitans, and the havoc made by the plague, had now left not more
+than four hundred slaves in Algiers; so that their redemption was become
+not only exorbitant, but almost inadmissible; that common sailors were
+held at four hundred pounds sterling, and that our fifteen or sixteen
+could probably not be redeemed for less than from twenty-five to thirty
+thousand dollars. An Algerine cruiser, having twenty-eight captives of
+Genoa aboard, was lately chased ashore, by two Neapolitan vessels: the
+crew and captives got safe ashore, and the latter, of course, recovered
+their freedom. The Algerine crew was well treated, and would be sent
+back by the French. But the government of Algiers demands of France,
+sixty thousand sequins, or twenty-seven thousand pounds sterling, for
+the captives escaped; that is, nearly one thousand pounds each. The
+greater part of the regency were for an immediate declaration of war
+against France; but the Dey urged the heavy war the Turks were at
+present engaged in; that it would be better not to draw another power
+on them, at present; that they would decline renewing the treaty of
+one hundred years, which expired two years ago, so as to be free to act
+hereafter; but, for the present, they ought to accept payment for the
+captives, as a satisfaction. They accordingly declared to the French
+consul, that they would put him, and all his countrymen there, into
+irons, unless the sixty thousand sequins were paid: the consul told
+them, his instructions were, positively, that they should not be paid.
+In this situation stood matters between that pettifogging nest of
+robbers and this great kingdom, which will finish, probably, by
+crouching under them, and paying the sixty thousand sequins. From the
+personal characters of the present administration, I should have hoped,
+under any other situation than the present, they might have ventured to
+quit the beaten track of politics hitherto pursued, in which the honor
+of their nation has been calculated at nought, and to join in a league
+for keeping up a perpetual cruise against these pirates, which, though a
+slow operation, would be a sure one for destroying all their vessels and
+seamen, and turning the rest of them to agriculture. But a desire of not
+bringing upon themselves another difficulty, will probably induce the
+ministers to do as their predecessors have done.
+
+August 12. The enclosed paper of this morning gives some particulars
+of the action between the Russians and Swedes, the manifesto of the
+Empress, and the declaration of the court of Versailles, as to the
+affair of Trincomale.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of perfect esteem and respect,
+Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLIV.--TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, August 12, 1788
+
+
+TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, August 12, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Since my last to you, I have been honored with yours of the 18th and
+29th of May, and 5th of June. My latest American intelligence is of the
+24th of June, when nine certainly, and probably ten States, had accepted
+the new constitution, and there was no doubt of the eleventh (North
+Carolina), because there was no opposition there. In New York, two
+thirds of the State were against it, and certainly if they had been
+called to the decision, in any other stage of the business, they
+would have rejected it; but before they put it to the vote, they would
+certainly have heard that eleven States had joined in it, and they
+would find it safer to go with those eleven, than put themselves into
+opposition, with Rhode Island only. Though I am much pleased with this
+successful issue of the new constitution, yet I am more so, to find that
+one of its principal defects (the want of a declaration of rights) will
+pretty certainly be remedied. I suppose this, because I see that
+both people and conventions, in almost every State, have concurred in
+demanding it. Another defect, the perpetual re-eligibility of the
+same President, will probably not be cured, during the life of General
+Washington. His merit has blinded our countrymen to the danger of making
+so important an officer re-eligible. I presume there will not be a vote
+against him, in the United States. It is more doubtful, who will be
+Vice-President. The age of Dr. Franklin, and the doubt whether he would
+accept it, are the only circumstances that admit a question, but that he
+would be the man. After these two characters of first magnitude, there
+are so many which present themselves equally, on the second line, that
+we cannot see which of them will be singled out. John Adams, Hancock,
+Jay, Madison, Rutledge, will be all voted for. Congress has acceded to
+the prayer of Kentucky to become an independent member of the Union. A
+committee was occupied in settling the plan of receiving them, and their
+government is to commence on the 1st day of January next.
+
+You are, I dare say, pleased, as I am, with the promotion of our
+countryman, Paul Jones. He commanded the right wing, in the first
+engagement between the Russian and Turkish galleys; his absence from
+the second, proves his superiority over the Captain Pacha, as he did not
+choose to bring his ships into the shoals in which the Pacha ventured,
+and lost those entrusted to him. I consider this officer as the
+principal hope of our future efforts on the ocean. You will have heard
+of the action between the Swedes and Russians, on the Baltic; as yet,
+we have only the Swedish version of it. I apprehend this war must catch
+from nation to nation, till it becomes general.
+
+With respect to the internal affairs of this country, I hope they will
+be finally well arranged, and without having cost a drop of blood.
+Looking on as a by-stander, no otherwise interested, than as
+entertaining a sincere love for the nation in general, and a wish to see
+their happiness promoted, keeping myself clear of the particular
+views and passions of individuals, I applaud extremely the patriotic
+proceedings of the present ministry. Provincial Assemblies established,
+the States General called, the right of taxing the nation without their
+consent abandoned, _corvees_ abolished, torture abolished, the
+criminal code reformed, are facts which will do eternal honor to their
+administration, in history. But were I their historian, I should not
+equally applaud their total abandonment of their foreign affairs. A
+bolder front in the beginning, would have prevented the first loss, and
+consequently, all the others. Holland, Prussia, Turkey, and Sweden, lost
+without the acquisition of a single new ally, are painful reflections
+for the friends of France. They may, indeed, have in their places the
+two empires, and perhaps Denmark; in which case, physically speaking,
+they will stand on as good ground as before, but not on as good moral
+ground. Perhaps, seeing more of the internal working of the machine,
+they saw, more than we do, the physical impossibility of having money
+to carry on a war. Their justification must depend on this, and their
+atonement, on the internal good they are doing to their country; this
+makes me completely their friend.
+
+I am, with great esteem and attachment, Dear Sir, you friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLV.--TO M. CATHALAN, August 13,1788
+
+
+TO M. CATHALAN.
+
+Paris, August 13,1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two favors, of June, and
+July the 11th, and to thank you for the political intelligence they
+contained, which is always interesting to me. I will ask a continuance
+of them, and especially that you inform me, from time to time, of the
+movements in the ports of Marseilles and Toulon, which may seem to
+indicate peace or war. These are the most certain presages possible; and
+being conveyed to me from all the ports, they will always enable me to
+judge of the intentions or expectations of the ministry, and to notify
+you of the result of the intelligence from all the ports, that you may
+communicate it to the American commerce.
+
+I have the pleasure to inform you, that the new constitution proposed to
+the United States, has been established by the votes of nine States.
+It is happy for us to get this operation over before the war kindled in
+Europe could affect us, as by rendering us more respectable, we shall be
+more probably permitted, by all parties, to remain neutral.
+
+I take the liberty of putting under your cover a letter for Mr. Bernard,
+containing some seeds, and another to Giuseppe Chiappe, our consul
+at Mogadore. I thank you for your settlement of the price of the
+_Observations Meteorologiques_, and I have repaid the sixty livres to
+Sir John Lambert, in your name. When the nursery man, whom you have been
+so good as to employ to prepare the olives and olive plants, to be sent
+to Charleston, shall be executing that commission, I shall be glad if
+he will, at the same time, prepare a few plants only, of the following
+kinds. Figs, the best kind for drying, and the best kind for eating
+fresh, raisins, the best kind for drying, prugnolles, cork trees,
+pistaches, capers. I desire only a few plants of each of these, that
+they may not take too much of the place of the olives, which is our
+great object, and the sole one we have at heart. If you will be so good
+as to give the nursery man this order immediately, it will save you the
+necessity of recurring to my letter, when the season comes.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great and sincere esteem, Sir, your most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLVI.--TO JOHN JAY, August 20,1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, August 20,1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+I had the honor to write to you on the 3rd, 10th, and 11th instant, with
+a postscript of the 12th; all of which went by Mrs. Barclay. Since that
+date, we have received an account of a third victory obtained by the
+Russians over the Turks, on the Black Sea, in which the Prince of
+Nassau, with his galleys, destroyed two frigates, three smaller vessels,
+and six galleys. The Turkish power on that sea is represented, by their
+enemies, as now annihilated. There is reason to believe, however, that
+this is not literally true, and that aided by the supplies furnished by
+the English, they are making extraordinary efforts to re-establish
+their marine. The Russian minister here has shown the official report of
+Admiral Greigh, on the combat of July the 17th, in which he claims the
+victory, and urges in proof of it, that he kept the field of battle.
+This report is said to have been written on it. As this paper, together
+with the report of the Swedish admiral, is printed in the Leyden gazette
+of the 15th instant, I enclose it to you. The court of Denmark has
+declared, it will furnish Russia the aid stipulated in their treaty: and
+it is not doubted they will go beyond this, and become principals in the
+war. The next probable moves are, that the King of Prussia will succor
+Sweden; and Poland, Russia, by land: and a possible consequence is, that
+England may send a squadron into the Baltic, to restore equilibrium in
+that sea. In my letter of the 11th, I observed to you, that this country
+would have two difficulties to struggle with, till the meeting of their
+States General, and that one of these was the want of money: this has,
+in fact, overborne all their resources, and the day before yesterday,
+they published an _Arret_, suspending all reimbursements of capital, and
+reducing the payments of the principal mass of demands for interest,
+to twelve sous in the livre; the remaining eight sous to be paid with
+certificates. I enclose you a newspaper with the _Arret_. In this paper
+you will see the exchange of yesterday, and I have inserted that of
+the day before, to show you the fall. The consternation is, as yet, too
+great to let us judge of the issue. It will probably ripen the public
+mind to the necessity of a change in their constitution, and to the
+substituting the collected wisdom of the whole, in place of a single
+will, by which they have been hitherto governed. It is a remarkable
+proof of the total incompetency of a single head to govern a nation
+well, when, with a revenue of six hundred millions, they are led to a
+declared bankruptcy, and to stop the wheels of government, even in its
+most essential movements, for want of money.
+
+I send the present letter by a private conveyance to a sea-port, in
+hopes a conveyance may be found by some merchant vessel.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLVII.--TO MR. CUTTING, August 23, 1788
+
+
+TO MR. CUTTING.
+
+Paris, August 23, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have duly received your favors of the 3rd, 8th, 14th, and 15th
+instant, and have now the honor of enclosing you a letter of
+introduction to Doctor Ramsay.
+
+I think a certainty that England and France must enter into the war, was
+a great inducement to the ministry here to suspend the portion of public
+payments, which they have lately suspended. By this operation, they
+secure two hundred and three millions of livres, or eight millions and a
+half of guineas, in the course of this and the ensuing year, which
+will be sufficient for the campaign of the first year: for what is to,
+follow, the States General must provide. The interesting question now
+is, how the States General shall be composed? There are three opinions.
+1. To place the three estates, Clergy, _Noblesse_, and Commons, in three
+different Houses. The Clergy would, probably, like this, and some of
+the Nobility; but it has no partisans out of those orders. 2. To put the
+Clergy and _Noblesse_ into one House, and the Commons into another. The
+_Noblesse_ will be generally for this. 3. To put the three orders
+into one House, and make the Commons the majority of that House. This
+re-unites the greatest number of partisans, and I suspect it is well
+patronized in the ministry, who, I am persuaded, are proceeding
+_bona fide_, to improve the constitution of their country. As to the
+opposition which the English expect from the personal character of the
+King, it proves they do not know what his personal character is. He is
+the honestest man in his kingdom, and the most regular and economical.
+He has no foible which will enlist him against the good of his people;
+and whatever constitution will promote this, he will befriend. But he
+will not befriend it obstinately: he has given repeated proofs of a
+readiness to sacrifice his opinion to the wish of the nation. I believe
+he will consider the opinion of the States General, as the best evidence
+of what will please and profit the nation, and will conform to it. All
+the characters at court may not be of this disposition, and from thence
+may, possibly, arise representations, capable of leading the King
+astray; but upon a full view of all circumstances, I have sanguine
+hopes, that such a constitution will be established here, as will
+regenerate the energy of the nation, cover its friends, and make its
+enemies tremble. I am, with very great esteem, Dear Sir, your friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, September 3, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, September 3, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+By Mrs. Barclay I had the honor of sending you letters of the 3rd, 10th,
+and 11th of August; since which, I wrote you of the 20th of the same
+month, by a casual conveyance, as is the present.
+
+In my letter of the 20th, I informed you of the act of public bankruptcy
+which had taken place here. The effect of this would have been a forced
+loan of about one hundred and eighty millions of livres, in the course
+of the present and ensuing year. But it did not yield a sufficient
+immediate relief. The treasury became literally moneyless, and all
+purposes depending on this mover came to a stand. The Archbishop was
+hereupon removed, with Monsieur Lambert, the Comptroller General; and
+Mr. Necker was called in, as Director General of the finance. To soften
+the Archbishop's dismission, a cardinal's hat is asked for him from
+Rome, and his nephew promised the succession to the Archbishopric of
+Sens. The public joy, on this change of administration, was very great
+indeed. The people of Paris were amusing themselves with trying and
+burning the Archbishop in effigy, and rejoicing on the appointment
+of Mr. Necker. The commanding officer of the city-guards undertook
+to forbid this, and not being obeyed, he charged the mob with fixed
+bayonets, killed two or three, and wounded many: this stopped their
+rejoicings for that day; but enraged at being thus obstructed in
+amusements wherein they had committed no disorder whatever, they
+collected in great numbers the next day, attacked the guards in various
+places, burnt ten or twelve guard-houses, killed two or three of the
+guards, and had about six or eight of their own number killed. The
+city was hereupon put under martial law, and after a while, the tumult
+subsided, and peace was restored. The public stocks rose ten per cent,
+on the day of Mr. Necker's appointment: he was immediately offered
+considerable sums of money, and has been able so far to wave the benefit
+of the act of bankruptcy, as to pay in cash all demands, except the
+_remboursements des capitaux_. For these, and for a sure supply of
+other wants, he will depend on the States General, and will hasten their
+meetings, as is thought. No other change has yet taken place in the
+administration. The minister of war, however, must certainly follow his
+brother, and some think, and all wish, that Monsieur de Lamoignon, the
+_Garde des Sceaux_, may go out also. The administration of justice is
+still suspended. The whole kingdom seems tranquil at this moment.
+
+Abroad, no event worth noting has taken place since my last. The court
+of Denmark has not declared it will do any thing more, than furnish the
+stipulated aid to Russia. The King of Prussia has as yet made no move,
+which may decide whether he will engage in the war, nor has England sent
+any squadron into the Baltic. As the season for action is considerably
+passed over, it is become more doubtful, whether any other power will
+enter the lists till the next campaign; this will give time for stopping
+the further progress of the war, if they really wish to stop it. Two
+camps of twenty-five thousand men each are forming in this country on
+its northern limits. The Prince of Conde has the command of one, and the
+Duke de Broglio of the other.
+
+I trouble you with the enclosed letter from a Henry Watson, claiming
+prize monies, as having served under Admiral Paul Jones, which I suppose
+should go to the treasury, or war-office.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble; servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson,
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLIX.--TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY, Sep. 6, 1788
+
+
+TO THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY.
+
+Paris, September 6, 1788.
+
+Gentlemen,
+
+Your favor of July the 3rd came to hand some days ago, and that of July
+the 22nd in the afternoon of yesterday. Knowing that a Mr. Vannet was to
+leave Paris this morning to go to Virginia in a vessel bound from Havre
+to Potomac, I have engaged him to receive the papers which are the
+subject of those letters, to take care of them from thence to Havre,
+and on the voyage; and when he shall have arrived in Potomac, instead
+of going directly to Richmond, as he intended, he will proceed with them
+himself to New York. I shall pay here all expenses to their delivery at
+the ship's side in America, freight included: unless, perhaps, he may
+find it necessary to put another covering over them, if he should not
+be able to get them into the cabin; in this case, you will have to
+reimburse him for that. I engage to him that you shall pay him their
+transportation from the ship's side to New York, and his own reasonable
+expenses from the place of his landing to New York, and back to the
+place of landing. As he takes that journey for this object only, it
+would be reasonable that you give him some gratuity for his time and
+trouble, and I suppose it would be accepted by him; but I have made no
+agreement for this. The papers are contained in a large box and a trunk.
+They were sent here by Mr. Ast, during my absence in Holland. When they
+arrived at the gates of Paris, the officers of the customs opened the
+trunk, to see whether it contained dutiable articles; but finding only
+books and papers, they concluded the contents of the box to be of the
+same nature, and did not open that. You receive it, therefore, as it
+came from the hands of Mr. Ast. A small trunk, which came as a third
+package from Mr. Ast, and which has never been opened, I have put into
+the great trunk, without displacing, or ever having touched a single
+paper, except as far as was necessary to make room for that. I shall
+have the whole corded and plumbed by the Custom-house here, not only to
+prevent their being opened at the Custom-houses on the road, and at the
+port of exportation, but to prove to you, whether they shall have been
+opened by any body else after going out of my hands. If the stamped
+leads are entire, and the cords uncut, when you receive them, you will
+be sure they have not been opened; they will be wrapt in oil-cloth here
+to guard them against the damps of the sea; and, as I mentioned
+before, Mr. Vannet will put them under another covering, if he finds it
+necessary, at Havre.
+
+At the same time with your last letter, I received from the office of
+Foreign Affairs the ratification by Congress of the loan of 1788, for
+another million of guilders. As the necessity of this loan resulted
+from the estimate made by Mr. Adams and myself, which estimate was laid
+before Congress, I suppose their ratification of the loan implies that
+of the estimate. One article of this was for the redemption of our
+captives at Algiers. Though your letter says nothing on this subject,
+I am in hopes you have sent orders to the commissioners of the loans
+at Amsterdam to furnish, as soon as they shall have it, what may be
+necessary for this pressing call. So also for the foreign officers. If
+the ratification of the loan has been made by Congress, with a view
+to fulfil the objects of the estimate, a general order from you to the
+commissioners of the loans at Amsterdam, to pay the monies from time to
+time, according to that estimate, or to such other as you shall furnish
+them with, might save the trouble of particular orders on every single
+occasion, and the disappointments arising from the delay or miscarriage
+of such orders: but it is for you to decide on this.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect respect,
+Gentlemen, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLX.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN,
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+Paris, September 11, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+In the course of the last war, the house of Schweighaeuser and Dobree of
+Nantes, and Puchilberg of L'Orient, presented to Dr. Franklin a demand
+against the United States of America. He, being acquainted with the
+circumstances of the demand, and knowing it to be unfounded, refused
+to pay it. They thereupon procured seizure, by judiciary authority, of
+certain arms and other military stores which we had purchased in this
+country, and had deposited for embarkation at Nantes: and these
+stores have remained in that position ever since. Congress have lately
+instructed me to put an end to this matter. Unwilling to trouble your
+Excellency, whenever it can be avoided, I proposed to the parties to
+have the question decided by arbitrators, to be chosen by us jointly.
+They have refused it, as you will see by their answers to my letters,
+copies of both which I have the honor to enclose you. I presume it to
+be well settled in practice, that the property of one sovereign is not
+permitted to be seized within the dominions of another; and that this
+practice is founded not only in mutual respect, but in mutual utility.
+To what the contrary practice would lead, is evident in the present
+case, wherein military stores have been stopped, in the course of a war,
+in which our greatest difficulties proceeded from the want of military
+stores. In their letter, too, they make a merit of not having seized
+one of our ships of war, and certainly the principle which admits the
+seizure of arms, would admit that of a whole fleet, and would often
+furnish an enemy the easiest means of defeating an expedition. The
+parties obliging me, then, to have recourse to your Excellency on this
+occasion, I am under the necessity of asking an order from you for the
+immediate delivery of the stores and other property of the United States
+at Nantes, detained by the house of Schweighaeuser and Dobree, and that
+of Puchilberg, or by either of them, under a pretence of a judicial
+seizure.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect respect and
+esteem, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXI.--TO M. DE REYNEVAL, September 16, 1788
+
+
+TO M. DE REYNEVAL.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, September 16, 1788.
+
+I have the honor now to enclose you my observations on the alteration
+proposed in the consular convention. There remain only three articles of
+those heretofore in question between us, to which I am unable to
+agree; that is to say, the second, proposing still to retain personal
+immunities for the consuls, and others attached to their office; the
+eighth, proposing that the navigation code of each nation shall be
+established in the territories of the other; and the ninth, insisting
+that the ship's roll shall be conclusive evidence that a person belongs
+to the ship.
+
+There are several new matters introduced into the draught: some of these
+are agreed to; others cannot be admitted, as being contrary to the
+same principles which had obliged me to disagree to some of the former
+articles. The greatest part of the eleventh, and the whole of the
+twelfth new articles, are in this predicament. They propose, that no
+person shall be arrested on board a merchant vessel, for any cause, but
+in presence of the consul; that no such vessel shall be visited, but
+in his presence; and that when the officers of justice have reason to
+believe that a criminal has taken refuge on board a vessel of war, the
+captain's word shall be conclusive evidence that he is not there.
+
+To the objections which I had the honor of stating in my letter to his
+Excellency, the Count de Montmorin, I have now that of adding some other
+observations, of which I request your perusal. I enclose with them a
+draught, on the basis of the one you were pleased to give me, altered so
+as to reconcile it to the spirit of our laws.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXII.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA ROUERIE, September 16,1788
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA ROUERIE.
+
+Paris, September 16,1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+On receiving the first letters which you did me the honor to write to me
+on the arrears due to you from the United States, I informed you that
+I had nothing to do in the money department; that the subject of your
+letters belonged altogether to the treasury board, and to Mr. Grand,
+their banker here, to the former of whom I forwarded your letters. As
+I felt an anxiety, however, that the foreign officers should be paid, I
+took the liberty of pressing the treasury board, from time to time, to
+exert themselves for that effect; and I availed myself of an opportunity
+which occurred last spring, of setting on foot measures, which, with
+their approbation, might furnish the means of effecting this payment.
+So far my information to you went, and I added a supposition, that the
+treasury board would probably give orders on the subject, in the course
+of the month of July. But I made you no promise; it would have been
+strange if I had; nor does my office, nor any thing I have ever said
+or done, subject me to the demand of immediate payment, which you are
+pleased to make on me, nor call on me for any declaration or answer,
+positive or negative.
+
+Finding that my interference, which was friendly only, and avowed to be
+inofficial, has given occasion to your letter of yesterday, in a style
+which I did not expect, and to which I can have no motive for
+further exposing myself, I must take the liberty of desiring that the
+correspondence between us on this subject may cease. I presume that the
+certificate given you points out the person, here or elsewhere, to whom
+your applications are to be made, and that he will inform you when he
+receives orders on your subject.
+
+I am, Sir, your humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXIII.--TO WILLIAM SHORT, September 20, 1788
+
+
+TO WILLIAM SHORT.
+
+Paris, September 20, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+The evening of your departure, a letter came by the way of London and
+New York, addressed to you, and probably from Virginia. I think you
+wished your American letters to remain here; I shall therefore keep it.
+The passport now enclosed came the day after your departure; so also
+did a mass of American letters for me, as low down as August the 10th.
+I shall give you their substance. The convention of Virginia annexed
+to their ratification of the new constitution a copy of the State
+declaration of rights, not by way of condition, but to announce
+their attachment to them. They added also propositions for specific
+alterations of the constitution. Among these was one for rendering the
+President incapable of serving more than eight years, in any term of
+sixteen. New York has followed the example of Virginia, expressing the
+substance of her bill of rights (that is, Virginia's), and proposing
+amendments: these last differ much from those of Virginia; but they
+concur as to the President, only proposing that he shall be incapable
+of being elected more than twice. But I own I should like better than
+either of these, what Luther Martin tells us was repeatedly voted and
+adhered to by the federal convention, and only altered about twelve days
+before their rising, when some members had gone off; to wit, that he
+should be elected for seven years, and incapable for ever after. But New
+York has taken another step, which gives uneasiness; she has written a
+circular letter to all the legislatures, asking their concurrence in
+an immediate convention for making amendments. No news yet from North
+Carolina. Electors are to be chosen the first Wednesday in January;
+the President to be elected the first Wednesday in February; the new
+legislature to meet the third week in March:--the place is not yet
+decided on. Philadelphia was first proposed, and had six and a half
+votes; the half vote was Delaware, one of whose members wanted to take
+a vote on Wilmington; then Baltimore was proposed and carried, and
+afterwards rescinded: so that the matter stood open as ever on the 10th
+of August; but it was allowed the dispute lay only between New York and
+Philadelphia, and rather thought in favor of the last. The Rhode Island
+Delegates had retired from Congress. Dr. Franklin was dangerously ill
+of the gout and stone on the 21st of July. My letters of August the 10th
+not mentioning him, I hope he was recovered. Warville, &c. were arrived.
+Congress had referred the decision, as to the independence of Kentucky,
+to the new government. Brown ascribes this to the jealousy of the
+northern States, who want Vermont to be received at the same time,
+in order to preserve a balance of interests in Congress. He was just
+setting out for Kentucky, disgusted, yet disposed to persuade to an
+acquiescence, though doubting they would immediately separate from the
+Union. The principal obstacle to this, he thought, would be the Indian
+war.
+
+The following is a quotation from a letter from Virginia, dated July the
+12th. 'P------n, though much impaired in health, and in every respect in
+the decline of life, showed as much zeal to carry the new constitution,
+as if he had been a young man; perhaps more than he discovered in the
+commencement of the late revolution,in his opposition to Great Britain.
+W------e acted as chairman to the committee of the whole, and of course
+took but little part in the debate; but was for the adoption, relying
+on subsequent amendments. B------r said nothing, but was for it. The
+G------r exhibited a curious spectacle to view. Having refused to sign
+the paper, every body supposed him against it; but he afterwards had
+written a letter, and having taken a part, which might be called rather
+vehement than active, he was constantly laboring to show, that his
+present conduct was consistent with that letter, and that letter with
+his refusal to sign. M--d--n took the principal share in the debate for
+it; in which, together with the aid I have already mentioned, he was
+somewhat assisted by I--nn--s, Lee, M------l, C------n, and G. N------s.
+M--s--n, H------y, and Gr------n were the principal supporters of the
+opposition. The discussion, as might be expected, where the parties
+were so nearly on a balance, was conducted generally with great order,
+propriety, and respect of either party to the other.'
+
+The assembly of Virginia, hurried to their harvests, would not enter
+into a discussion of the district bill, but suspended it to the next
+session. E. Winston is appointed a judge, vice Gabriel Jones, resigned.
+R. Goode and Andrew Moore, Counsellors, vice B. Starke, dead, and Joseph
+Egglestone, resigned. It is said Wilson, of Philadelphia, is talked of
+to succeed Mr. A. in London. _Quaere?_
+
+The dispute about Virgil's tomb and the laurel, seems to be at length
+settled, by the testimony of two travellers, given separately, and
+without a communication with each other. These both say, that attempting
+to pluck off a branch of the laurel, it followed their hand, being, in
+fact, nothing more than a plant or bough recently cut, and stuck in the
+ground for the occasion. The Cicerone acknowledged the roguery, and said
+they practised it with almost every traveller, to get money. You will,
+of course, tug well at the laurel which shall be shown you, to see if
+this be the true solution.
+
+The President Dupaty is dead. Monsieur de Barentin, _premier president
+de la cour des aides_, is appointed _Garde des Sceaux_. The stocks are
+rather lower than when you left this. Present me in the most friendly
+terms to Messrs. Shippen and Rutledge. I rely on your communicating to
+them the news, and, therefore, on their pardoning me for not repeating
+it in separate letters to them. You can satisfy them how necessary this
+economy of my time and labor is. This goes to Geneva _poste restante_. I
+shall not write again till you tell me where to write to.
+
+Accept very sincere assurances of the affection, with which I am, Dear
+Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th; Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXIV.--TO JOHN JAY, September 24,1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, September 24,1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+Understanding that the vessel is not yet sailed from Havre, which is
+to carry my letters of the 3rd and 5th instant, I am in hopes you will
+receive the present with them. The Russian accounts of their victories
+on the Black Sea must have been greatly exaggerated. According to these,
+the Captain Pacha's fleet was annihilated; yet themselves have lately
+brought him on the stage again, with fifteen ships of the line, in order
+to obtain another victory over him. I believe the truth to be, that he
+has suffered some checks, of what magnitude it is impossible to say,
+where one side alone is heard, and that he is still master of that sea.
+He has relieved Oczakow, which still holds out; Choczim also is still
+untaken, and the Emperor's situation is apprehended to be bad. He spun
+his army into a long cord, to cover several hundred miles of frontier,
+which put it in the power of the Turks to attack with their whole force
+wherever they pleased. Laudon, now called to head the imperial army, is
+endeavoring to collect it; but in the mean time the campaign is drawing
+to a close, and has been worse than fruitless. The resistance of Russia
+to Sweden has been successful in every point by sea and land, This, with
+the interference of Denmark, and the discontent of the Swedish nation;
+at the breach of their constitution, by the King's undertaking an
+offensive war without the consent of the Senate, has obliged him to
+withdraw his attacks by land, and to express a willingness for peace;
+one third of his officers have refused to serve. England and Prussia
+have offered their mediation between Sweden and Russia, in such
+equivocal terms, as to leave themselves at liberty to say it was an
+offer, or was not, just as it shall suit them. Denmark is asking the
+counter-offer of mediation from this court. If England and Prussia make
+a peace effectually in the north (which it is absolutely in their power
+to do), it will be a proof they do not intend to enter into the war;
+if they do not impose a peace, I should suspect they mean to engage
+themselves; as one can hardly suppose they would let the war go on in
+its present form, wherein Sweden must be crushed between Russia and
+Denmark.
+
+The _Garde des Sceaux_, M. de Lamoignon, was dismissed the 14th instant,
+and M. de Barentin is appointed in his room. The deputies of Bretagne
+are released from the Bastile, and M. d'Epermesnil and M. Sabatier
+recalled from their confinement. The parliament is not yet reinstated;
+but it is confidently said it will be this week. The stocks continue
+low, and the treasury under a hard struggle to keep the government in
+motion. It is believed the meeting of the States General will be as
+early as January, perhaps December. I have received a duplicate of the
+ratification of the loan of 1788, by Congress, and a duplicate of a
+letter of July the 22nd, from the treasury board, on another subject,
+but none on that of the captives, or foreign officers. I suppose
+some cause of delay must have intervened between the ratification of
+Congress, and the consequent orders of the treasury board.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant;
+
+Th: Jefferson,
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXV.--TO M. DE REYNEVAL, October 1, 1788
+
+
+TO M. DE REYNEVAL.
+
+Paris, October 1, 1788
+
+Sir,
+
+I have now the honor of enclosing to you a copy of the letter of
+September the 16th, which I had that of writing to his Excellency
+the Count de Montmorin, with the papers therein referred to, and of
+soliciting the order I have asked for. The originals were sent at the
+date before mentioned. Notwithstanding the refusal of the houses of
+Schweighaeuser and Dobree, and of Puchilberg, to settle their claim
+against the United States by arbitration, as I proposed to them, the
+United States will still be ready to do them justice. But those houses
+must first retire from the only two propositions they have ever made;
+to wit, either a payment of their demand without discussion, or a
+discussion before the tribunals of the country. In the mean time, I
+shall hope an acknowledgment with respect to us, of the principle which
+holds as to other nations; that our public property here cannot be
+seized by the territorial judge. It is the more interesting to us, as
+we shall be more and longer exposed than other nations, to draw arms
+and military stores from Europe. Our preference of this country has
+occasioned us to draw them from hence alone, since the peace: and the
+friendship we have constantly experienced from the government, will, we
+doubt not, on this and every other occasion, insure to us the protection
+of what we purchase. I have the honor to be, Sir, your friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXVI.--TO MR. CUTTING, October 2, 1788
+
+TO MR. CUTTING.
+
+Paris, October 2, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of the 16th and
+23rd ultimo and to thank you for the intelligence they conveyed. That
+respecting the case of the interrogatories in Pennsylvania, ought
+to make noise. So evident a heresy in the common law ought not to be
+tolerated on the authority of two or three civilians, who happened,
+unfortunately, to make authority in the courts of England. I hold it
+essential, in America, to forbid that any English decision which has
+happened since the accession of Lord Mansfield to the bench, should ever
+be cited in a court: because, though there have come many good ones
+from him, yet there is so much sly poison instilled into a great part of
+them, that it is better to proscribe the whole. Can you inform me what
+has been done by England on the subject of our wheat and flour?
+The papers say it is prohibited, even in Hanover. How do their
+whale-fisheries turn out, this year? I hope a deep wound will be given
+them in that article soon, and such as will leave us in no danger from
+their competition.
+
+*****
+
+I am, with very great esteem, Dear Sir, your most obedient, humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXVII.--TO JOHN JAY, November 14, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, November 14, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+In my letter of December the 21st, 1787, I had the honor of
+acknowledging the receipts of your two favors of July the 27th, 1787,
+which had come to my hands December the 19th, and brought with them
+my full powers for treating on the subject of the consular convention.
+Being then much engaged in getting forward the _Arret_ which came out
+the 29th of December, and willing to leave some interval between
+that act, and the solicitation of a reconsideration of our consular
+convention, I had declined mentioning it, for some time, and was just
+about to bring it on the carpet, when it became necessary for me to go
+to Amsterdam. Immediately after my return, which was about the last
+of April, I introduced the subject to the Count de Montmorin, and have
+followed it unremittingly, from that time. The office of Marine, as well
+as that of Foreign Affairs, being to be consulted in all the stages of
+the negotiation, has protracted its conclusions till this time: it is
+at length signed this day, and I have now the honor to enclose the
+original, for the ratification of Congress. The principal changes
+effected are the following:
+
+The clauses of the Convention of 1784, clothing consuls with privileges
+of the law of nations, are struck out, and they are expressly subjected,
+in their persons and property, to the laws of the land.
+
+That giving the right of sanctuary to their houses, is reduced to a
+protection of their chancery room and its papers.
+
+Their coercive powers over passengers are taken away; and over those,
+whom they might have termed deserters of their nation, are restrained to
+deserted seamen only.
+
+The clause, allowing them to arrest and send back vessels, is struck
+out, and instead of it, they are allowed to exercise a police over the
+ships of their nation generally.
+
+So is that, which declared the indelibility of the character of subject,
+and the explanation and extension of the eleventh article of the treaty
+of amity.
+
+The innovations in the laws of evidence are done away: and the
+convention is limited to twelve years' duration. Convinced that the fewer
+examples, the better, of either persons or causes unamenable to the laws
+of the land, I could have wished, still more had been done; but more
+could not be done, with good humor. The extensions of authority given
+by the convention of 1784, were so homogeneous with the spirit of this
+government, that they were prized here. Monsieur de Reyneval has had the
+principal charge of arranging this instrument with me; and, in justice
+to him, I must say, I could not have desired more reasonable and
+friendly dispositions, than he demonstrated through the whole of it.
+
+I enclose herewith the several schemes successively proposed between us,
+together with the copies of the written observations given in with them,
+and which served as texts of discussion, in our personal conferences.
+They may serve as a commentary on any passage which may need it, either
+now or hereafter, and as a history how any particular passage comes to
+stand as it does. No. 1. is the convention of 1784. No. 2. is my first
+scheme. No. 3. theirs in answer to it. No. 4. my next, which brought us
+so near together, that, in a conference on that, we arranged it in the
+form in which it has been signed. I add No. 5. the copy of a translation
+which I have put into their hands, with a request, that if they find any
+passages in which the sense of the original is not faithfully rendered,
+they will point them out to me; otherwise, we may consider it as having
+their approbation. This, and the convention of 1784, (marked No. 1.) are
+placed side by side, so as to present to the eye, with less trouble, the
+changes made; and I enclose a number of printed copies of them, for the
+use of the members, who will have to decide on the ratification. It is
+desirable that the ratification should be sent here for exchange, as
+soon as possible.
+
+With respect to the consular appointments, it is a duty on me to add
+some observations, which my situation here has enabled me to make.
+I think it was in the spring of 1784, that Congress (harassed by
+multiplied applications from foreigners, of whom nothing was known but
+on their own information, or on that of others as unknown as themselves)
+came to a resolution, that the interest of America would not permit the
+naming any person not a citizen, to the office of consul, vice-consul,
+agent, or commissary. This was intended as a general answer to that
+swarm of foreign pretenders. It appears to me, that it will be best,
+still to preserve a part of this regulation. Native citizens, on several
+valuable accounts, are preferable to aliens, and to citizens alien-born.
+They possess our language, know our laws, customs, and commerce; have,
+generally, acquaintance in the United States; give better satisfaction;
+and are more to be relied on, in point of fidelity. Their disadvantages
+are, an imperfect acquaintance with the language of this country, and an
+ignorance of the organization of its judicial and executive powers,
+and consequent awkwardness, whenever application to either of these
+is necessary, as it frequently is. But it happens, that in some of
+the principal ports of France, there is not a single American (as in
+Marseilles, L'Orient, and Havre), in others but one (as in Nantes and
+Rouen), and in Bordeaux only, are there two or three. Fortunately for
+the present moment, most of these are worthy of appointments. But we
+should look forward to future times, when there may happen to be no
+native citizens in a port, but such as, being bankrupt, have taken
+asylum in France from their creditors, or young ephemeral adventurers
+in commerce, without substance or conduct, or other descriptions, which
+might disgrace the consular office, without protecting our commerce. To
+avail ourselves of our good native citizens, when we have one in a
+port, and when there are none, to have yet some person to attend to our
+affairs, it appears to me advisable to declare, by a standing law, that
+no person but a native citizen shall be capable of the office of consul,
+and that the consul's presence in his port should suspend, for the time,
+the functions of the vice-consul. This is the rule of 1784, restrained
+to the office of consul, and to native citizens. The establishing
+this, by a standing law, will guard against the effect of particular
+applications, and will shut the door against such applications, which
+will otherwise be numerous. This done, the office of vice-consul may
+be given to the best subject in the port, whether citizen or alien,
+and that of consul, be kept open for any native citizen of superior
+qualifications, who might come afterwards to establish himself in the
+port. The functions of the vice-consul would become dormant during the
+presence of his principal, come into activity again on his departure,
+and thus spare us and them the painful operation of revoking and
+reviving their commissions perpetually. Add to this, that during the
+presence of the consul, the vice-consul would not be merely useless, but
+would be a valuable counsellor to his principal, new in the office, the
+language, laws, and customs of the country. Every consul and vice-consul
+should be restrained in his jurisdiction, to the port for which he is
+named, and the territory nearer to that than to any other consular or
+vice-consular port, and no idea be permitted to arise, that the grade
+of consul gives a right to any authority whatever over a vice-consul, or
+draws on any dependence.
+
+It is now proper I should give some account of the state of our dispute
+with Schweighaeuser and Dobree. In the conversation I had with Dobree,
+at Nantes, he appeared to think so rationally on this subject, that I
+thought there would be no difficulty in accommodating it with him, and
+I wished rather to settle it by accommodation, than to apply to the
+minister. I afterwards had it intimated to him, through the medium
+of Mr. Carnes, that I had it in idea, to propose a reference to
+arbitrators. He expressed a cheerful concurrence in it. I thereupon made
+the proposition to him formally, by letter, mentioning particularly,
+that we would choose our arbitrators of some neutral nation, and, of
+preference, from among the Dutch refugees here. I was surprised to
+receive an answer from him, wherein, after expressing his own readiness
+to accede to this proposition, he added, that on consulting Mr.
+Puchilberg, he had declined it; nevertheless, he wished a fuller
+explanation from me, as to the subjects to be submitted to arbitration.
+I gave him that explanation, and he answered finally, that Mr.
+Puchilberg refused all accommodation, and insisted that the matter
+should be decided by the tribunals of the country. Accommodation being
+at an end, I wrote to Monsieur de Montmorin, and insisted on the usage
+of nations, which does not permit the effects of one sovereign, to
+be seized in the territories of another, and subjected to judiciary
+decision there. I am promised that the stores shall be delivered; but
+the necessary formalities will occasion some delay. The King being
+authorized to call all causes before himself, ours will be evoked from
+the tribunal where it is, and will be ended by an order to deliver
+up the stores arrested, leaving it to the justice of Congress, to do
+afterwards what is right, as to the demand of Schweighaeuser and Dobree.
+I wish I could receive instructions what to do with the stores, when
+delivered. The arms had certainly better be sent to America, as they are
+good, and yet will sell here for little or nothing. The gun-stocks
+and old iron had better be sold here; but what should be done with the
+anchors? Being thoroughly persuaded that Congress wish that substantial
+justice should be done to Schweighaeuser and Dobree, I shall, after the
+stores are secured, repeat my proposition of arbitration to them. If
+they then refuse it, I shall return all the papers to America, and
+consider my powers for settling this matter as at an end.
+
+I have received no answer yet from Denmark on the subject of the prizes;
+nor do I know whether to ascribe this silence to an intention to evade
+the demand, or to the multitude of affairs they have had on their hands
+lately. Patience seems to be prudence, in this case; to indispose them,
+would do no good, and might do harm. I shall write again soon, if no
+answer be received in the mean time.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+     [The following is the translation of the convention referred
+     to as No. 5. in the preceding letter.]
+
+_Convention between his Most Christian Majesty and the United States of
+America, for the purpose of defining and establishing the Functions and
+Privileges of their respective Consuls and Vice-Consuls_.
+
+His Majesty the Most Christian King, and the United States of America,
+having, by the twenty-ninth article of the treaty of amity and commerce
+concluded between them, mutually granted the liberty of having, in
+their respective States and ports, Consuls, Vice-Consuls, Agents, and
+Commissaries, and being willing, in consequence thereof, to define
+and establish, in a reciprocal and permanent manner, the functions
+and privileges of Consuls and Vice-Consuls, which they have judged it
+convenient to establish of preference, his M. C. Majesty has nominated
+the Sieur Count of Montmorin of St. Herent, Marechal of his Camps and
+Armies, Knight of his Orders and of the Golden Fleece, his Counsellor
+in all his Councils, Minister and Secretary of State, and of his
+Commandments and Finances, having the department of foreign affairs, and
+the United States have nominated Thomas Jefferson, citizen of the United
+States of America and their Minister Plenipotentiary near the King, who
+after having communicated to each other their respective full powers,
+have agreed on what follows:
+
+Article I. The Consuls and Vice-Consuls named by the M. C. K. and the
+United States, shall be bound to present their commissions according to
+the forms which shall be established respectively by the M. C. K. within
+his dominions, and by the Congress within the United States; there shall
+be delivered to them, without any charges, the _Exequatur_ necessary for
+the exercise of their functions; and on exhibiting the said _Exequatur_,
+the governors, commanders, heads of justice, bodies corporate,
+tribunals, and other officers having authority in the ports and places
+of their consulates, shall cause them to enjoy immediately, and without
+difficulty, the pre-eminences, authority, and privileges, reciprocally
+granted, without exacting from the said Consuls and Vice-Consuls any
+fee, under any pretext whatever.
+
+Article II. The Consuls and Vice-Consuls, and persons attached to their
+functions, that is to say, their chancellors and secretaries, shall
+enjoy a full and entire immunity for their chancery and the papers
+which shall be therein contained: they shall be exempt from aU, personal
+service, from soldiers' billets, militia, watch, guard, guardianship,
+trusteeship, as well as from all duties, taxes, impositions, and charges
+whatsoever, except on the estate real and personal of which they may
+be the proprietors or possessors, which shall be subject to the taxes
+imposed on the estates of all other individuals: and in all other
+instances they shall be subject to the laws of the land, as the natives
+are.
+
+Those of the said Consuls and Vice-Consuls who shall exercise commerce,
+shall be respectively subject to all taxes, charges, and impositions
+established on other merchants.
+
+They shall place over the outward door of their house the arms of their
+sovereign: but this mark of indication shall not give to the said house
+any privilege of asylum for any person or property whatsoever.
+
+Article III. The respective Consuls and Vice-Consuls may establish
+agents in the different ports and places of their departments, where
+necessity shall require. These agents maybe chosen among the merchants,
+either national or foreign, and furnished with a commission from one
+of the said Consuls; they shall confine themselves respectively to the
+rendering to their respective merchants, navigators, and vessels, all
+possible service, and to inform the nearest Consul of the wants of
+the said merchants, navigators, and vessels, without the said agents
+otherwise participating in the immunities, rights, and privileges
+attributed to Consuls and Vice-Consuls, and without power, under any
+pretext whatever, to exact from the said merchants any duty or emolument
+whatsoever.
+
+Article IV. The Consuls and Vice-Consuls respectively, may establish a
+chancery, where shall be deposited the consular determinations, acts,
+and proceedings, as also testaments, obligations, contracts, and other
+acts done by or between persons of their nation, and effects left by
+decedents, or saved from shipwreck.
+
+They may, consequently, appoint fit persons to act in the said chancery,
+qualify and swear them in, commit to them the custody of the seal, and
+authority to seal commissions, sentences, and other consular acts,
+and also to discharge the functions of notaries and registers of the
+consulate.
+
+Article V. The Consuls and Vice-Consuls respectively, shall have the
+exclusive right of receiving in their chancery, or on board their
+vessels, the declarations and all other the acts which the captains,
+masters, crews, passengers, and merchants of their nation may choose to
+make there, even their testaments and other disposals by last will: and
+the copies of the said acts, duly authenticated by the said Consuls or
+Vice-Consuls, under the seal of their consulate, shall receive faith
+in law, equally as their originals would, in all the tribunals of the
+dominions of the M. C. King and of the United States.
+
+They shall also have, and exclusively, in case of the absence of the
+testamentary executor, guardian, or lawful representative, the right
+to inventory, liquidate, and proceed to the sale of the personal estate
+left by subjects or citizens of their nation, who shall die within
+the extent of their consulate; they shall proceed therein with the
+assistance of two merchants of their said nation, or, for want of them,
+of any other at their choice, and shall cause to be deposited in their
+chancery, the effects and papers of the said estates; and no officer,
+military, judiciary, or of the police of the country, shall disturb them
+or interfere therein, in any manner whatsoever: but the said Consuls
+and Vice-Consuls shall not deliver up the said effects, nor the proceeds
+thereof, to the lawful representatives or to their order, till they
+shall have caused to be paid all debts which the deceased shall have
+contracted in the country; for which purpose the creditor shall have a
+right to attach the said effects in their hands, as they might in those
+of any other individual whatever, and proceed to obtain sale of them,
+till payment of what shall be lawfully due to them. When the debts
+shall not have been contracted by judgment, deed, or note, the signature
+whereof shall be known, payment shall not be ordered, but on the
+creditor's giving sufficient surety resident in the country, to refund
+the sums he shall have unduly received, principal, interest, and costs;
+which surety, nevertheless, shall stand duly discharged after the
+term of one year, in time of peace, and of two, in time of war, if the
+discharge cannot be formed before the end of this term, against the*
+representatives who shall present themselves.
+
+And in order that the representatives may not be unjustly kept out of
+the effects of the deceased, the Consuls and Vice-Consuls shall notify
+his death in some one of the gazettes published within their consulate,
+and that they shall retain the said effects in their hands four months,
+to answer all just demands which shall be presented; and they shall be
+bound, after this delay, to deliver to the persons succeeding thereto,
+what shall be more than sufficient for the demands which shall have been
+formed.
+
+Article VI. The Consuls and Vice-Consuls, respectively, shall receive
+the declarations, protests, and reports of all captains and masters of
+their respective nations, on account of average losses sustained at sea;
+and these captains and masters shall lodge in the chancery of the said
+Consuls and Vice-Consuls, the acts which they may have made in other
+ports, on account of the accidents which may have happened to them on
+their voyage. If a subject of the M. C. K. and a citizen of the United
+States, or a foreigner, are interested in the said cargo, the average
+shall be settled by the tribunals of the country, and not by the Consuls
+or Vice-Consuls; but when only the subjects or citizens of their own
+nation shall be interested, the respective Consuls or Vice-Consuls shall
+appoint skilful persons to settle the damages and average.
+
+Article VII. In cases where by tempest, or other accident, French ships
+or vessels shall be stranded on the coasts of the United States, and
+ships or vessels of the United States shall be stranded on the coasts of
+the dominions of the M. C. K.,the Consul or Vice-Consul nearest to the
+place of shipwreck shall do whatever he may judge proper, as well
+for the purpose of saving the said ship or vessel, its cargo and
+appurtenances, as for the storing and the security of the effects
+and merchandise saved. He may take an inventory of them, without the
+intermeddling of any officers of the military, of the customs, of
+justice, or of the police of the country, otherwise than to give to the
+Consuls, Vice-Consuls, captain, and crew of the vessels shipwrecked or
+stranded, all the succor and favor which they shall ask of them, either
+for the expedition and security of the saving and of the effects saved,
+as to prevent all disturbance.
+
+And in order to prevent all kind of dispute and discussion in the said
+cases of shipwreck, it is agreed that when there shall be no Consul or
+Vice-Consul to attend to the saving of the wreck, or that the residence
+of the said Consul or Vice-Consul (he not being at the place of the
+wreck) shall be more distant from the said place than that of the
+competent judge of the country, the latter shall immediately proceed
+therein, with all the despatch, certainty, and precautions, prescribed
+by the respective laws; but the said territorial judge shall retire, on
+the arrival of the Consul or Vice-Consul, and shall deliver over to
+him the report of his proceedings, the expenses of which the Consul and
+Vice-Consul shall cause to be reimbursed to him, as well as those of
+saving the wreck.
+
+The merchandise and effects saved, shall be deposited in the nearest
+Custom-house, or other place of safety, with the inventory thereof,
+which shall have been made by the Consul or Vice-Consul, or by the judge
+who shall have proceeded in their absence, that the said effects and
+merchandise may be afterwards delivered (after levying therefrom the
+costs), and without form of process, to the owners, who, being
+furnished with an order for their delivery, from the nearest Consul or
+Vice-Consul, shall reclaim them by themselves, or by their order, either
+for the purpose of re-exporting such merchandise, in which case, they
+shall-pay no kind of duty of exportation, or for that of selling them in
+the country, if they be not prohibited there; and in this last case, the
+said merchandise, if they be damaged, shall be allowed an abatement of
+entrance duties, proportioned to the damage they have sustained, which
+shall be ascertained by the affidavits taken at the time the vessel was
+wrecked or struck.
+
+Article VIII. The Consuls and Vice-Consuls shall exercise police over
+all the vessels of their respective nations, and shall have on board the
+said vessels, all power and jurisdiction in civil matters, in all the
+disputes which may there arise; they shall have an entire inspection
+over the said vessels, their crew, and the changes and substitutions
+there to be made. For which purpose they may go on board the said
+vessels whenever they may judge it necessary: well understood, that
+the functions hereby allowed shall be confined to the interior of the
+vessels, and that they shall not take place in any case, which shall
+have any interference with the police of the ports where the said
+vessels shall be.
+
+Article IX. The Consuls and Vice-Consuls may cause to be arrested the
+captains, officers, mariners, sailors, and all other persons, being part
+of the crews of the vessels of their respective nations, who shall
+have deserted from the said vessels, in order to send them back, and
+transport them out of the country. For which purpose, the said Consuls
+and Vice-Consuls shall address themselves to the courts, judges, and
+officers competent, and shall demand the said deserters in writing,
+proving by an exhibition of the registers of the vessel or ship's roll,
+that those men were part of the said crews: and on this demand, so
+proved (saving, however, where the contrary is proved), the delivery
+shall not be refused|; and there shall be given all aid and assistance
+to the said Consuls and Vice-Consuls, for the search, seizure, and
+arrest of the said deserters, who shall even be detained and kept in the
+prisons of the country, at their request and expense, until they shall
+have found an opportunity of sending them back. But if they be not sent
+back within three months, to be counted from the day of their arrest,
+they shall be set at liberty, and shall be no more arrested for the same
+cause.
+
+Article X. In cases where the respective subjects, or citizens, shall
+have committed any crime, or breach of the peace, they shall be amenable
+to the judges of the country.
+
+Article XI. When the said offenders shall be a part of the crew of a
+vessel of their nation, and shall have withdrawn themselves on board
+the said vessel, they may be there seized and arrested by order of the
+judges of the country: these shall give notice thereof to the Consul
+or Vice-Consul, who may repair on board, if he thinks proper: but this
+notification shall not, in any case, delay execution of the order in
+question. The persons arrested shall not afterwards be set at liberty,
+until the Consul or Vice-Consul shall have been notified thereof; and
+they shall be delivered to him, if he requires it, to be put again
+onboard of the vessel on which they were arrested, or of others of their
+nation, and to be sent out of the country.
+
+Article XII. All differences and suits between the subjects of the M. C.
+K. in the U. S., or between the citizens of the United States within the
+dominions of the M. C. K. and particularly all disputes relative to the
+wages and terms of engagement of the crews of the respective vessels,
+and all differences of whatever nature they be, which may arise between
+the privates of the said crews, or between any of them and their
+captains, or between the captains of different vessels of their nation,
+shall be determined by the respective Consuls and Vice-Consuls, either
+by a reference to arbitrators, or by a summary judgment, and without
+costs.
+
+No officer of the country, civil or military, shall interfere therein,
+or take any part whatever in the matter: and the appeals from the said
+consular sentences shall be carried before the tribunals of France or of
+the United States, to whom it may appertain to take cognizance thereof.
+
+Article XIII. The general utility of commerce, having caused to be
+established within the dominions of the M. C. K. particular tribunals
+and forms, for expediting the decision of commercial affairs, the
+merchants of the U. S. shall enjoy the benefit of these establishments;
+and the Congress of the U. S. will provide in the manner the most
+conformable to its laws, equivalent advantages in favor of the French
+merchants, for the prompt despatch and decision of affairs of the same
+nature.
+
+Article XIV. The subjects of the M. C. K. and citizens of the U. S.
+who shall prove by legal evidence, that they are of the said nations
+respectively, shall, in consequence, enjoy an exemption from all
+personal service in the place of their settlement.
+
+Article XV. If any other nation acquires, by virtue of any convention
+whatever, a treatment more favorable with respect to the consular
+pre-eminences, powers, authority, and privileges, the Consuls and
+Vice-Consuls of the M. C. K. or of the U. S., reciprocally, shall
+participate therein, agreeably to the terms stipulated by the second,
+third, and fourth articles of the treaty of amity and commerce,
+concluded between the M. C. K. and the U. S.
+
+Article XVI. The present convention shall be in full force during the
+term of twelve years, to be counted from the day of the exchange of
+ratifications, which shall be given in proper form, and exchanged on
+both sides, within the space of one year, or sooner, if possible.
+
+In faith whereof, we, Ministers Plenipotentiary, have signed the present
+convention, and have thereto set the seal of our arms.
+
+Done at Versailles, the 14th of November, one thousand seven hundred and
+eighty eight.
+
+L. C. De MONTMORIN. L. S.
+
+Signed.
+
+Th: Jefferson. L. S.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXVIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, November 18, 1788
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, November 18, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of the 31st of July; since which, I have received
+yours of July the 24th, August the 10th, and 23rd. The first part of
+this long silence in me was occasioned by a knowledge that you were
+absent from New York; the latter part, by a want of opportunity, which
+has been longer than usual. Mr. Shippen being just arrived here, and
+to set out to-morrow for London, I avail myself of that channel of
+conveyance. Mr. Carrington was so kind as to send me the second volume
+of the American Philosophical Transactions, the Federalist, and some
+other interesting pamphlets; and I am to thank you for another copy of
+the Federalist, and the report of the instructions to the ministers for
+negotiating peace. The latter unluckily omitted exactly the passage I
+wanted, which was what related to the navigation of the Mississippi.
+With respect to the Federalist, the three authors had been named to me.
+I read it with care, pleasure, and improvement, and was satisfied there
+was nothing in it by one of those hands, and not a great deal by a
+second. It does the highest honor to the third, as being, in my opinion,
+the best commentary on the principles of government, which ever was
+written. In some parts, it is discoverable that the author means only
+to say what may be best said in defence of opinions, in which he did not
+concur. But in general, it establishes firmly the plan of government.
+I confess, it has rectified me on several points. As to the bill of
+rights, however, I still think it should be added; and I am glad to see,
+that three States have at length considered the perpetual re-eligibility
+of the President, as an article which should be amended. I should
+deprecate with you, indeed, the meeting of a new convention. I hope
+they will adopt the mode of amendment by Congress and the Assemblies, in
+which case, I should not fear any dangerous innovation in the plan. But
+the minorities are too respectable, not to be entitled to some sacrifice
+of opinion in the majority; especially, when a great proportion of them
+would be contented with a bill of rights. Here, things internally, are
+going on well. The _Notables_ now in session, have, indeed, passed one
+vote, which augurs ill to the rights of the people; but if they do not
+obtain now so much as they have a right to, they will in the long
+run. The misfortune is, that they are not yet ripe for receiving the
+blessings to which they are entitled. I doubt, for instance, whether
+the body of the nation, if they could be consulted, would accept of
+a _habeas corpus_ law, if offered them by the King. If the _Etats
+Generaux_, when they assemble, do not aim at too much, they may begin
+a good constitution. There are three articles which they may easily
+obtain; 1. their own meeting, periodically; 2. the exclusive right of
+taxation; 3. the right of registering laws and proposing amendments to
+them, as exercised now by the parliaments. This last would be readily
+approved by the court, on account of their hostility against the
+parliaments, and would lead immediately to the origination of laws:
+the second has been already solemnly avowed by the King; and it is well
+understood, there would be no opposition to the first. If they push at
+much more, all may fail. I shall not enter further into public details,
+because my letter to Mr. Jay will give them. That contains a request of
+permission to return to America the next spring, for the summer only.
+The reasons therein urged, drawn from my private affairs, are very
+cogent. But there is another, more cogent on my mind, though of a nature
+not to be explained in a public letter. It is the necessity of attending
+my daughters, myself, to their own country, and depositing them safely
+in the hands of those, with whom I can safely leave them. I have
+deferred this request as long as circumstances would permit, and am in
+hopes it will meet with no difficulty. I have had too many proofs
+of your friendship, not to rely on your patronage of it, as, in all
+probability, nothing can suffer by a short absence. But the immediate
+permission is what I am anxious about; as by going in April and
+returning in October, I shall be sure of pleasant and short passages,
+out and in. I must intreat your attention, my friend, to this matter,
+and that the answers may be sent me through several channels.
+
+Mr. Liniozin, at Havre, sent you, by mistake, a package belonging to
+somebody else. I do not know what it contained, but he has written to
+you on the subject, and prayed me to do the same, he is likely to suffer
+if it be not returned.
+
+Supposing that the funding their foreign debt will be among the first
+operations of the new government, I send you two estimates; the one by
+myself, the other by a gentleman infinitely better acquainted with the
+subject, showing what fund will suffice to discharge the principal and
+interest, as it shall become due, aided by occasional loans, which the
+same fund will repay. I enclose them to you, because collating them
+together, and with your own ideas, you will be able to advise something
+better than either; but something must be done. This government will
+expect, I fancy, a very satisfactory provision for the payment of their
+debt, from the first session of the new Congress. Perhaps, in this
+matter, as well as the arrangement of your foreign affairs, I may be
+able, when on the spot with you, to give some information and suggest
+some hints, which may render my visit to my native country not
+altogether useless. I consider as no small advantage, the resuming the
+tone of mind of my constituents, which is lost by long absence, and can
+only be recovered by mixing with them; and shall, particularly, hope for
+much profit and pleasure, by contriving to pass as much time as possible
+with you. Should you have a trip to Virginia in contemplation, for that
+year, I hope you will time it so as that we may be there together. I
+will camp you at Monticello, where, if illy entertained otherwise, you
+shall not want books. In firm hope of a happy meeting with you in the
+spring, or early in summer, I conclude, with assurances of the sincere
+esteem and attachment, with which I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXIX.--TO A. DONALD, November 18,1788
+
+
+TO A. DONALD.
+
+Paris, November 18,1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Often solicited by persons on this side the water, to inquire for their
+friends in America, about whose fate they are uncertain, I can only hand
+on their requests to my friends in America. The enclosed letter from,
+the Chevalier de Sigougne desires some inquiry after his brother, whom
+he supposes to have settled at Todd's Bridge. As this is within your
+reach, I must refer the request to your humanity, and beg of you, if you
+can hear of him, you will be so good as to give me an account of him,
+returning me the enclosed letter at the same time.
+
+The campaign between the Turks and Russians has been tolerably
+equal. The Austrians have suffered through the whole of it. By the
+interposition of Prussia and England, peace is likely to be made between
+Russia, Denmark, and Sweden. This is a proof that England does not mean
+to engage in the war herself. This country will certainly engage herself
+in no manner, externally, before the meeting of her States General. This
+assembly has been so long disused, that the forms of its convocation
+occasion difficulty. The _Notables_ have been convened to prescribe
+them, and they are now in session. I am in hopes this will end in giving
+a good degree of liberty to this country. They enjoy, at present, the
+most perfect tranquillity within; their stocks, however, continue low,
+and money difficult to be got for current expenses. It is hoped,
+that Mr. Necker's talents and popularity, with the aid of a National
+Assembly, will extricate them from their difficulties. We have been
+daily expecting to hear of the death of the King of England: our last
+news is of the 11th, when he was thought in the utmost danger. This
+event might produce a great change in the situation of things: it
+is supposed Mr. Fox would come into place, and he has been generally
+understood to be disposed for war. Should the King survive, I think the
+continuance of peace more probable at present, than it has been for some
+time past. Be so good as to contrive the enclosed letter, by a very safe
+conveyance. Remember me in the most friendly terms to Dr. Currie, and
+be assured yourself of the esteem and attachment, with which I am. Dear
+Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXX.--TO JOHN JAY, November 19, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, November 19, 1788.
+
+Since my letter of September the 5th, wherein I acknowledged Mr.
+Remsen's favor of July the 25th, I have written those of September the
+24th, and of the 14th instant. This last will accompany the present,
+both going by the way of London, for want of a direct opportunity; but
+they go by a private hand.
+
+No late event worth notice has taken place between the Turks and
+Austrians. The former continue in the territories of the latter, with
+all the appearances of superiority. On the side of Russia, the war wears
+an equal face, except that the Turks are still masters of the Black sea.
+Oczakow is not yet taken. Denmark furnished to Russia its stipulated
+quota of troops with so much alacrity, and was making such other warlike
+preparations, that it was believed they meant to become principals
+in the war against Sweden. Russia and England hereupon interposed
+efficaciously. Their ministers appointed to meditate, gave notice to
+the court of Copenhagen, that they would declare war against them in the
+name of their two sovereigns, if they did not immediately withdraw their
+troops from the Swedish territories. The court of London has since
+said, that their minister (Elliott) went further in this than he
+was authorized. However, the Danish troops are retiring. Poland
+is augmenting its army from twenty to an hundred thousand men.
+Nevertheless, it seems as if England and Prussia meant in earnest to
+stop the war in that quarter, contented to leave the two empires in
+the hands of the Turks. France, desired by Sweden to join the courts
+of London and Berlin in their mediation between Sweden and Russia, has
+declined it. We may be assured, she will meddle in nothing external
+before the meeting of the States General. Her temporary annihilation
+in the political scale of Europe, leaves to England and Prussia
+the splendid roll, of giving the law without meeting the shadow of
+opposition. The internal tranquillity of this country is perfect: their
+stocks, however, continue low, and the difficulty of getting money to
+face current expenses very great. In the contest between the King and
+parliament, the latter, fearing the power of the former, passed the
+convoking the States General. The government found itself obliged
+by other difficulties, also, to recur to the same expedient. The
+parliament, after its recall, showed that it was now become apprehensive
+of the States General, and discovered a determination to cavil at their
+form, so as to have a right to deny their legality, if that body should
+undertake to abridge their powers. The court, hereupon, very adroitly
+determined to call the same _Notables_, who had been approved by the
+nation the last year, to decide on the form of convoking the _Etats
+Generaux_: thus withdrawing itself from the disputes which the
+parliament might excite, and committing them with the nation. The
+_Notables_ are now in session. The government had manifestly discovered
+a disposition that the _Tiers-Etat_, or Commons, should have as many
+representatives in the States General, as the Nobility and Clergy
+together: but five Bureaux of the _Notables_ have voted by very great
+majorities, that they should have only an equal number with each of the
+other orders singly. One bureau, by a majority of a single voice, had
+agreed to give the Commons the double number of representatives. This
+is the first symptom of a decided combination between the Nobility and
+Clergy, and will necessarily throw the people into the scale of the
+King. It is doubted, whether the States can be called so early as
+January, though the government, urged by the want of money, is for
+pressing the convocation. It is still more uncertain what the States
+will do when they meet: there are three objects which they may attain,
+probably without opposition from the court; 1. A periodical meeting
+of the States; 2. their exclusive right of taxation; 3. the right of
+en-registering laws and proposing amendments to them, as now exercised
+by the parliaments. This would lead, as it did in England, to the right
+of originating laws. The parliament would, by the last measure, be
+reduced to a mere judiciary body, and would probably oppose it. But
+against the King and nation their opposition could not succeed. If the
+States stop here, for the present moment, all will probably end well,
+and they may, in future sessions, obtain a suppression of _lettres de
+cachet_, a free press, a civil list, and other valuable mollifications
+of their government. But it is to be feared, that an impatience to
+rectify every thing at once, which prevails in some minds, may terrify
+the court, and lead them to appeal to force, and to depend on that
+alone.
+
+Before this can reach you, you will probably have heard of an _Arret_,
+passed the 28th of September, for prohibiting the introduction of
+foreign whale-oils, without exception. The English had glutted the
+markets of this country with their oils: it was proposed to exclude
+them, and an _Arret_ was drawn, with an exception for us: in the last
+stage of the _Arret_, the exception was struck out, without my having
+any warning, or even suspicion of this. I suspect this stroke came from
+the Count de la Luzerne, minister of marine; but I cannot affirm it
+positively. As soon as I was apprized of this, which was several days
+after it passed (because it was kept secret till published in their
+seaports), I wrote to the Count de Montmorin a letter, of which the
+enclosed is a copy, and had conferences on the subject, from time to
+time, with him and the other ministers. I found them prepossessed by the
+partial information of their Dunkirk fishermen; and therefore thought it
+necessary to give them a view of the whole subject in writing, which
+I did, in the piece, of which I enclose you a printed copy. I therein
+entered into more details, than the question between us seemed
+rigorously to require. I was led to them by other objects. The most
+important was to disgust Mr. Necker, as an economist, against their new
+fishery, by letting him foresee its expense. The particular manufactures
+suggested to them, were in consequence of repeated applications from
+the shippers of rice and tobacco: other details, which do not appear
+immediately pertinent, were occasioned by circumstances which had arisen
+in conversation, or an apparent necessity of giving information on the
+whole matter. At a conference, in the presence of M. Lambert, on the
+16th (where I was ably aided by the Marquis de la Fayette, as I have
+been through the whole business), it was agreed to except us from the
+prohibition. But they will require rigorous assurance, that the oils
+coming under our name are really of our fishery. They fear we shall
+cover the introduction of the English oils from Halifax. The _Arret_ for
+excepting us was communicated to me, but the formalities of proving the
+oils to be American were not yet inserted. I suppose they will require
+every vessel to bring a certificate from their Consul or Vice-Consul
+residing in the State from which it comes. More difficult proofs were
+sometimes talked of. I supposed I might surely affirm to them, that our
+government would do whatever it could to prevent this fraud, because it
+is as much our interest as theirs to keep the market for the French
+and American oils only. I am told Massachusetts has prohibited the
+introduction of foreign fish-oils into her ports. This law, if well
+executed, will be an effectual guard against fraud; and a similar one in
+the other States, interested in the fishery, would much encourage this
+government to continue her indulgence to us. Though the _Arret_, then,
+for the re-admission of our oils is not yet passed, I think I may assure
+you it will be so in a few days, and of course that this branch of
+commerce, after so threatening an appearance, will be on a better
+footing than ever, as enjoying, jointly with the French oil, a monopoly
+of their markets. The continuance of this will depend on the growth of
+their fishery. Whenever they become able to supply their own wants, it
+is very possible they may refuse to take our oils; but I do not believe
+it possible for them to raise their fishery to that, unless they can
+continue to draw off our fishermen from us. Their seventeen ships, this
+year, had one hundred and fifty of our sailors on board. I do not know
+what number the English have got into their service. You will readily
+perceive, that there are particulars in these printed observations,
+which it would not be proper to suffer to become public. They were
+printed, merely that a copy might be given to each minister, and care
+has been taken to let them go into no other hands.
+
+I must now trouble Congress with a petition on my own behalf. When
+I left my own house in October, 1783, it was to attend Congress as a
+member, and in expectation of returning in five or six months. In the
+month of May following, however, I was desired to come to Europe, as
+member of a commission, which was to continue two years only. I came
+off immediately, without going home to make any other arrangements in my
+affairs, thinking they would not suffer greatly before I should return
+to them. Before the close of the two years, Doctor Franklin retiring
+from his charge here, Congress were pleased to name me to it; so that I
+have been led on by events to an absence of five years, instead of five
+months. In the mean time, matters of great moment to others as well as
+myself, and which can be arranged by nobody but myself, will await no
+longer. Another motive, of still more powerful co-agency on my mind, is
+the necessity of carrying my family back to their friends and country.
+I must, therefore, ask of Congress a leave of short absence. Allowing
+three months on the sea, going and coming, and two months at my own
+house, which will suffice for my affairs, I need not be from Paris but
+between five and six months. I do not foresee any thing which can suffer
+during my absence. The consular convention is finished, except as to the
+exchange of ratification, which will be the affair of a day only. The
+difference with Schweighaeuser and Dobree, relative to our arms, will be
+finished. That of Denmark, if ever finished, will probably be long spun
+out. The ransom of the Algerine captives is the only matter likely to
+be on hand. That cannot be set on foot till the money is raised in
+Holland, and an order received for its application: probably these will
+take place, so that I may set it into motion, before my departure; if
+not, I can still leave it on such a footing, as to be put into motion
+the moment the money can be paid. And even when the leave of Congress
+shall be received, I will not make use of it, if there is any thing
+of consequence which may suffer; but would, postpone my departure till
+circumstances will admit it. But should these be as I expect they will,
+it will be vastly desirable to me to receive the permission immediately,
+so that I may go out as soon as the vernal equinox is over, and be sure
+of my return in good time and season in the fall. Mr. Short, who had had
+thoughts of returning to America, will postpone that return till I come
+back. His talents and character allow me to say, with confidence, that
+nothing will suffer in his hands. The friendly dispositions of Monsieur
+de Montmorin would induce him readily to communicate with Mr. Short in
+his present character; but should any of his applications be necessary
+to be laid before the Council, they might suffer difficulty: nor could
+he attend the diplomatic societies, which are the most certain sources
+of good intelligence. Would Congress think it expedient to remove the
+difficulties, by naming him secretary of legation, so that he would act
+of course as _charge des affaires_ during my absence? It would be just,
+that the difference between the salary of a secretary and a secretary of
+legation should cease, as soon as he should cease to be charged with the
+affairs of the United States; that is to say, on my return: and he would
+expect that. So that this difference for five or six months would be an
+affair of about one hundred and seventy guineas only, which would be not
+more than equal to the additional expense that would be brought on him
+necessarily by the change of character. I mention these particulars,
+that Congress may see the end as well as beginning of the proposition,
+and have only to add, 'their will be done.' Leave for me being obtained,
+I will ask it, Sir, of your friendship, to avail yourself of various
+occasions to the ports of France and England to convey me immediate
+notice of it, and relieve me as soon as possible from the anxiety of
+expectation, and the uncertainty in which I shall be. We have been in
+daily expectation of hearing of the death of the King of England. Our
+latest news are of the 11th. He had then been despaired of for three or
+four days; but as my letter is to pass through England, you will have
+later accounts of him than that can give you. I send you the newspapers
+to this date, and have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+P. S. The last crop of corn in France has been so short, that they
+apprehend want. Mr. Necker desires me to make known this scarcity to our
+merchants, in hopes they would send supplies. I promised him I would. If
+it could be done without naming him, it would be agreeable to him, and
+probably advantageous to the adventurers. T. J.
+
+
+[The annexed are the observations on the subject of admitting our
+whale-oil in the markets of France, referred to in the preceding
+letter.]
+
+Whale-oil enters, as a raw material, into several branches of
+manufacture, as of wool, leather, soap: it is used also in painting,
+architecture, and navigation. But its great consumption is in lighting
+houses and cities. For this last purpose, however, it has a powerful
+competitor in the vegetable oils. These do well in warm, still weather,
+but they fix with cold, they extinguish easily with the wind, their crop
+is precarious, depending on the seasons, and to yield the same light,
+a larger wick must be used, and greater quantity of oil consumed.
+Estimating all these articles of difference together, those employed in
+lighting cities find their account in giving about twenty-five per
+cent, more for whale than for vegetable oils. But higher than this the
+whale-oil, in its present form, cannot rise; because it then becomes
+more advantageous to the city lighters to use others. This competition,
+then, limits its price, higher than which no encouragement can raise it;
+and it becomes, as it were, a law of its nature. But, at this low price,
+the whale-fishery is the poorest business into which a merchant or
+sailor can enter. If the sailor, instead of wages, has a part of what is
+taken, he finds that this, one year with another, yields him less than
+he could have got as wages in any other business. It is attended, too,
+with great risk, singular hardships, and long absence from his family,
+if the voyage is made solely at the expense of the merchant, he finds
+that, one year with another, it does not reimburse him his expense. As
+for example; an English ship of three hundred tons and forty-two hands
+brings home, _communibus annis_, after four months' voyage, twenty-five
+tons of oil, worth four hundred and thirty-seven pounds ten shillings
+sterling. But the wages of the officers and seamen will be four hundred
+pounds; the outfit, then, and the merchants' profit, must be paid by the
+government: and it is accordingly on this idea, that the British bounty
+is calculated. From the poverty of this business, then, it has happened,
+that the nations who have taken it up have successively abandoned it.
+The Basques began it: but though the most economical and enterprising of
+the inhabitants of France, they could not continue it; and it is said,
+they never employed more than thirty ships a year. The Dutch and Hanse
+towns succeeded them. The latter gave it up long ago. The English
+carried it on, in competition with the Dutch, during the last and
+beginning of the present century: but it was too little profitable for
+them, in comparison with other branches of commerce open to them.
+
+In the mean time, the inhabitants of the barren island of Nantucket had
+taken up this fishery, invited to it by the whales presenting themselves
+on their own shore. To them, therefore, the English relinquished it,
+continuing to them, as British subjects, the importation of their oils
+into England, duty free, while foreigners were subject to a duty of
+eighteen pounds five shillings sterling a ton. The Dutch were enabled
+to continue it long, because, 1. They are so near the northern fishing
+grounds, that a vessel begins her fishing very soon after she is out
+of port. 2. They navigate with more economy than the other nations of
+Europe. 3. Their seamen are content with lower wages: and, 4. Their
+merchants, with a lower profit on their capital. Under all these
+favorable circumstances, however, this branch of business, after long
+languishing, is at length nearly extinct with them. It is said, they did
+not send above half a dozen ships in pursuit of the whale this present
+year. The _Nantuckois_, then, were the only people who exercised
+this fishery to any extent at the commencement of the late war. Their
+country, from its barrenness yielding no subsistence, they were obliged
+to seek it in the sea which surrounded them. Their economy was more
+rigorous than that of the Dutch. Their seamen, instead of wages, had a
+share in what was taken: this induced them to fish with fewer hands,
+so that each had a greater dividend in the profit; it made them more
+vigilant in seeking game, bolder in pursuing it, and parsimonious in all
+their expenses. London was their only market. When, therefore, by
+the late revolution, they became aliens in Great Britain, they became
+subject to the alien duty of eighteen pounds five shillings the ton of
+oil, which being more than equal to the price of the common whale-oil,
+they are obliged to abandon that fishery. So that this people, who,
+before the war, had employed upwards of three hundred vessels a year in
+the whale-fishery (while Great Britain had herself never employed one
+hundred), have now almost ceased to exercise it. But they still had the
+seamen, the most important material for this fishery; and they still
+retained the spirit for fishing: so that, at the re-establishment
+of peace, they were capable, in a very short time, of reviving their
+fishery in all its splendor. The British government saw that the moment
+was critical. They knew that their own share in that fishery was as
+nothing: that the great mass of fishermen was left with a nation now
+separated from them: that these fishermen, however, had lost their
+ancient market; had no other resource within their country to which they
+could turn and they hoped, therefore, they might, in the present moment
+of distress, be decoyed over to their establishments, and be added
+to the mass of their seamen. To effect this, they offered extravagant
+advantages to all persons who should exercise the whale-fishery from
+British establishments. But not counting with much confidence on a long
+connection with their remaining possessions on the continent of America,
+foreseeing that the _Nantuckois_ would settle in them, preferably, if
+put on an equal footing with those of Great Britain, and that thus they
+might have to purchase them a second time, they confined their high
+offers to settlers in Great Britain. The _Nantuckois_, left without
+resource by the loss of their market, began to think of removing to the
+British dominions; some to Nova Scotia, preferring smaller advantages in
+the neighborhood of their ancient country and friends; others to Great
+Britain, postponing country and friends to high premiums. A vessel was
+already arrived from Halifax to Nantucket, to take off some of those
+who proposed to remove; two families had gone on board, and others
+were going, when a letter was received there, which had been written
+by Monsieur le Marquis de la Fayette, to a gentleman in Boston, and
+transmitted by him to Nantucket. The purport of the letter was to
+dissuade their accepting the British proposals, and to assure them that
+their friends in France would endeavor to do something for them. This
+instantly suspended their design: not another went on board, and the
+vessel returned to Halifax with only the two families.
+
+In fact the French government had not been inattentive to the views
+of the British, nor insensible to the crisis. They saw the danger of
+permitting five or six thousand of the best seamen existing, to be
+transferred by a single stroke to the marine strength of their
+enemy, and to carry over with them an art which they possessed almost
+exclusively. The counterplan which they set on foot was to tempt the
+_Nantuckois_, by high offers, to come and settle in France. This was in
+the year 1785. The British, however, had in their favor, a sameness of
+language, religion, laws, habits, and kindred. Nine families only, of
+thirty-three persons in the whole, came to Dunkirk; so that this
+project was not likely to prevent their emigration to the English
+establishments, if nothing else had happened.
+
+France had effectually aided in detaching the United States of America
+from the force of Great Britain: but as yet they seemed to have indulged
+only a silent wish to detach them from her commerce. They had done
+nothing to induce that event. In the same year, 1785, while M. de
+Calonne was in treaty with the _Nantuckois_, an estimate of the commerce
+of the United States was submitted to the Count de Vergennes, and it
+was shown, that, of three millions of pounds sterling, to which their
+exports amounted, one third might be brought to France, and exchanged
+against her productions and manufactures, advantageously for both
+nations; provided the obstacles of prohibition, monopoly, and duty, were
+either done away, or moderated as far as circumstances would admit. A
+committee, which had been appointed to investigate a particular one of
+these objects, was thereupon instructed to extend its researches to
+the whole, and see what advantages and facilities the government could
+offer, for the encouragement of a general commerce with the United
+States. The committee was composed of persons well skilled in commerce;
+and after laboring assiduously for several months, they made their
+report: the result of which was given in the letter of his Majesty's
+Comptroller General, of the 22nd of October, 1786, wherein he stated the
+principles which should be established, for the future regulation of the
+commerce between France and the United States. It was become tolerably
+evident, at the date of this letter, that the terms offered to the
+_Nantuckois_ would not produce their emigration to Dunkirk; and that it
+would be safest, in every event, to offer some other alternative, which
+might prevent their acceptance of the British offers. The obvious one
+was, to open the ports of France to their oils, so that they might still
+exercise their fishery, remaining in their native country, and find a
+new market for its produce, instead of that which they had lost. The
+article of whale-oil was, accordingly, distinguished in the letter of
+M. de Calonne, by an immediate abatement of duty, and promise of further
+abatement, after the year 1790. This letter was instantly sent
+to America, and bid fair to produce there the effect intended, by
+determining the fishermen to carry on their trade from their own homes,
+with the advantage only of a free market in France, rather than remove
+to Great Britain, where a free market and great bounty were offered
+them. An _Arret_ was still to be prepared, to give legal sanction to the
+letter of M. de Calonne. Monsieur Lambert, with a patience and assiduity
+almost unexampled, went through all the investigations necessary to
+assure himself, that the conclusion of the committee had been just.
+Frequent conferences on this subject were held in his presence; the
+deputies of the chambers of commerce were heard, and the result was, the
+_Arret_ of December the 29th, 1787, confirming the abatements of duty,
+present and future, which the letter of October, 1786, had promised,
+and reserving to his Majesty, to grant still further favors to that
+production, if, on further information, he should find it for the
+interest of the two nations.
+
+The English had now begun to deluge the markets of France with their
+whale-oils; and they were enabled by the great premiums given by
+their government, to undersell the French fisherman, aided by feebler
+premiums, and the American, aided by his poverty alone. Nor is it
+certain, that these speculations were not made at the risk of the
+British government, to suppress the French and American fishermen in
+their only market. Some remedy seemed necessary. Perhaps it would not
+have been a bad one, to subject, by a general law, the merchandise of
+every nation and of every nature, to pay additional duties in the ports
+of France, exactly equal to the premiums and drawbacks given on the same
+merchandise by their own government. This might not only counteract the
+effect of premiums in the instance of whale-oils, but attack the whole
+British system of bounties and drawbacks, by the aid of which they
+make London the centre of commerce for the whole earth. A less general
+remedy, but an effectual one, was, to prohibit the oils of all European
+nations: the treaty with England requiring only, that she should be
+treated as well as the most favored European nation. But the remedy
+adopted was, to prohibit all oils, without exception.
+
+To know how this remedy will operate, we must consider the quantity of
+whale-oil which France consumes annually, the quantity she obtains from
+her own fishery; and, if she obtains less than she consumes, we are to
+consider what will follow the prohibition.
+
+The annual consumption of France, as stated by a person who has good
+opportunities of knowing it, is as follows.
+
+                                     lbs. pesant.    quinteaux.    tons.
+
+Paris, according to the registers of
+1786,.................................2,800,000        28,000      1750
+
+Twenty-seven other cities, lighted
+by M. Sangrain,........................ 800,000         8,000       500
+
+Rouen,..................................500,000         5,000       312
+Bordeaux,...............................600,000         6,000       375
+Lyons,..................................300,000         3,000       187
+Other cities, leather and light,......3,000,000        30,000      1875
+                                       ---------        ------     ----
+                                      8,000,000        80,000     5,000
+
+Other calculations, or say rather, conjectures, reduce the consumption
+to about half this. It is treating these conjectures with great respect,
+to place them on an equal footing with the estimate of the person before
+alluded to, and to suppose the truth half way between them. But we will
+do it, and call the present consumption of France only sixty thousand
+quintals, or three thousand seven hundred and fifty tons a year. This
+consumption is increasing fast, as the practice of lighting cities is
+becoming more general, and the superior advantages of lighting them with
+whale-oil are but now beginning to be known.
+
+What do the fisheries of France furnish? She has employed, this year,
+fifteen vessels in the southern, and two in the northern fishery,
+carrying forty-five hundred tons in the whole, or two hundred and
+sixty-five each, on an average. The English ships, led by Nantuckois as
+well as the French, have never averaged in the southern fishery, more
+than one fifth of their burthen, in the best year. The fifteen ships
+of France, according to this ground of calculation, and supposing the
+present to have been one of the best years, should have brought,
+one with another, one fifth of two hundred and sixty-five tons, or
+fifty-three tons each. But we are told, they have brought near the
+double of that, to wit, one hundred tons each, and fifteen hundred tons
+in the whole. Supposing the two northern vessels to have brought home
+the cargo which is common from the northern fishery, to wit, twenty-five
+tons each, the whole produce this year will then be fifteen hundred and
+fifty tons. This is five and a half months'provision, or two fifths of
+the annual consumption. To furnish for the whole year, would require
+forty ships of the same size, in years as fortunate as the present, and
+eighty-five, _communibus annis_; forty-four tons, or one sixth of the
+burthen, being as high an average as should be counted on, one year
+with another: and the number must be increased, with the increasing
+consumption. France, then, is evidently not yet in a condition to
+supply her own wants. It is said, indeed, she has a large stock on hand,
+unsold, occasioned by the English competition. Thirty-three thousand
+quintals, including this year's produce, are spoken of: this is between
+six and seven months'provision; and supposing by the time this is
+exhausted that the next year's supply comes in, that will enable her to
+go on five or six months longer; say a twelvemonth in the whole. But,
+at the end of the twelvemonth, what is to be done? The manufacturers
+depending on this article, cannot maintain their competition against
+those of other countries, if deprived of their equal means. When the
+alternative, then, shall be presented, of letting them drop, or opening
+the ports to foreign whale-oil, it is presumable the latter will be
+adopted, as the lesser evil. But it will be too late for America. Her
+fishery, annihilated during the late war, only began to raise its head,
+on the prospect of a market held out by this country. Crushed by the
+_Arret_ of September the 28th, in its first feeble effort to revive, it
+will rise no more. Expeditions, which require the expense of the outfit
+of vessels, and from nine to twelve months' navigation, as the southern
+fishery does, most frequented by the Americans, cannot be undertaken
+in sole reliance on a market, which is opened and shut from one day to
+another, with little or no warning. The English alone, then, will remain
+to furnish these supplies, and they must be received, even from them.
+We must accept bread from our enemies, if our friends cannot furnish
+it. This comes exactly to the point, to which that government has
+been looking. She fears no rival in the whale-fishery, but America: or
+rather, it is the whale-fishery of America, of which she is endeavoring
+to possess herself. It is for this object, she is making the present
+extraordinary efforts, by bounties and other encouragements: and her
+success, so far, is very flattering. Before the war, she had not one
+hundred vessels in the whale-trade, while America employed three hundred
+and nine. In 1786, Great Britain employed one hundred and fifty-one
+vessels; in 1787, two hundred and eighty-six; in 1788, three hundred
+and fourteen, nearly the ancient American number: while the latter has
+fallen to about eighty. They have just changed places then; England
+having gained, exactly what America has lost. France, by her ports and
+markets, holds the balance between the two contending parties, and gives
+the victory, by opening and shutting them, to which she pleases. We have
+still precious remains of seamen, educated in this fishery, and capable
+by their poverty, their boldness, and address, of recovering it from
+the English, in spite of their bounties. But this Arret endangers the
+transferring to Great Britain every man of them, who is not invincibly
+attached to his native soil. There is no other nation in present
+condition to maintain a competition with Great Britain in the
+whale-fishery. The expense, at which it is supported on her part, seems
+enormous. Two hundred and fifty-five vessels, of seventy-five thousand
+four hundred and thirty-six tons, employed by her, this year, in the
+northern fishery, at forty-two men each; and fifty-nine in the southern,
+at eighteen men each, make eleven thousand seven hundred and seventy-two
+men. These are known to have cost the government fifteen pounds each, or
+one hundred and seventy-six thousand five hundred and eighty pounds, in
+the whole, and that, to employ the principal part of them from three to
+four months only. The northern ships have brought home twenty, and the
+southern sixty tons of oil, on an average; making eighty-six hundred
+and forty tons. Every ton of oil, then, has cost the government twenty
+pounds in bounty. Still, if they can beat, us out of the field, and
+have it to themselves, they will think their money well employed. If
+France undertakes, solely, the competition against them, she must do
+it at equal expense. The trade is too poor to support itself. The
+eighty-five ships, necessary to supply even her present consumption,
+bountied, as the English are, will require a sacrifice of twelve hundred
+and eighty-five thousand two hundred livres a year, to maintain three
+thousand five hundred and seventy seamen, and that, a part of the year
+only; and if she will put it to twelve thousand men, in competition with
+England, she must sacrifice, as they do, four or five millions a year.
+The same number of men might, with the same bounty, be kept in as
+constant employ, carrying stone from Bayonne to Cherburg, or coal from
+Newcastle to Havre, in which navigations they would be always at
+hand, and become as good seamen. The English consider among their best
+sailors, those employed to carry coal from Newcastle to London. France
+cannot expect to raise her fishery, even to the supply of her own
+consumption, in one year, or in several years. Is it not better, then,
+by keeping her ports open to the United States, to enable them to aid in
+maintaining the field against the common adversary, till she shall be in
+condition to take it herself, and to supply her own wants? Otherwise her
+supplies must aliment that very force, which is keeping her under. On
+our part, we can never be dangerous competitors to France. The extent
+to which we can exercise this fishery, is limited to that of the barren
+island of Nantucket, and a few similar barren spots; its duration, to
+the pleasure of this government, as we have no other market. A material
+observation must be added here: sudden vicissitudes of opening and
+shutting ports, do little injury to merchants settled on the opposite
+coast, watching for the opening, like the return of a tide, and ready to
+enter with it. But they ruin the adventurer, whose distance requires six
+months' notice. Those who are now arriving from America, in consequence
+of the Arret of December the 29th, will consider it as the false light
+which has led them to their ruin. They will be apt to say, that they
+come to the ports of France by invitation of that _Arret_, that the
+subsequent one of September the 28th, which drives them from those
+ports, founds itself on a single principle, viz. 'that the prohibition
+of foreign oils is the most useful encouragement which can be given
+to that branch of industry.' They will say, that, if this be a true
+principle, it was as true on the 29th of December 1787, as on the 20th
+of September, 1788: it was then weighed against other motives, judged
+weaker and overruled, and it is hard it should be now revived, to ruin
+them.
+
+The refinery for whale-oil, lately established at Rouen, seems to be
+an object worthy of national attention. In order to judge of its
+importance, the different qualities of whale-oil must be noted. Three
+qualities are known in the American and English markets. 1st. That of
+the spermaceti whale. 2nd. Of the Greenland whale. 3rd. Of the Brazil
+whale. 1. The spermaceti whale found by the _Nantuckois_, in the
+neighborhood of the Western Islands, to which they had gone in pursuit
+of other whales, retired thence to the coast of Guinea, afterwards to
+that of Brazil, and begins now to be best found in the latitude of
+the Cape of Good Hope, and even of Cape Horn. He is an active, fierce
+animal, and requires vast address and boldness in the fisherman. The
+inhabitants of Brazil make little expeditions from their coast, and take
+some of these fish. But the Americans are the only distant people, who
+have been in the habit of seeking and attacking him, in numbers. The
+British, however, led by the _Nantuckois_, whom they have decoyed into
+their service, have begun this fishery. In 1785, they had eighteen ships
+in it; in 1787, thirty-eight; in 1788, fifty-four, or, as some say,
+sixty-four. I have calculated on the middle number, fifty-nine. Still
+they take but a very small proportion of their own demand; we furnish
+the rest. Theirs is the only market to which we carry that oil, because
+it is the only one where its properties are known. It is luminous,
+resists coagulation by cold, to the forty-first degree of Fahrenheit's
+thermometer, and fourth of Reaumur's, and yields no smell at all: it is
+used, therefore, within doors, to lighten shops, and even in the richest
+houses, for antichambers, stairs, galleries, &c. It sells at the London
+market for treble the price of common whale-oil. This enables the
+adventurer to pay the duty of eighteen pounds five shillings sterling
+the ton, and still to have a living profit. Besides the mass of oil
+produced from the whole body of the whale, his head yields three or
+four barrels of what is called head-matter, from which is made the solid
+spermaceti, used for medicine and candles. This sells by the pound at
+double the price of the oil. The disadvantage of this fishery is, that
+the sailors are from nine to twelve months absent on the voyage; of
+course, they are not at hand on any sudden emergency, and are even
+liable to be taken, before they know that war is begun. It must be
+added, on the subject of this whale, that he is rare and shy, soon
+abandoning the grounds where he is hunted. This fishery, less losing
+than the other, and often profitable, will occasion it to be so
+thronged, soon, as to bring it on a level with the other. It will then
+require the same expensive support, or to be abandoned.
+
+2. The Greenland whale-oil is next in quality. It resists coagulation
+by cold, to thirty-six degrees of Fahrenheit, and two of Reaumur, but it
+has a smell insupportable within doors, and is not luminous. It sells,
+therefore, in London, at about sixteen pounds the ton. This whale is
+clumsy and timid; he dives when struck, and comes up to breathe by the
+first cake of ice, where the fishermen need little address or courage
+to find and take him. This is the fishery mostly frequented by European
+nations; it is this fish which yields the fin in quantity, and the
+voyages last about three or four months.
+
+The third quality is that of the small Brazil whale. He was originally
+found on the coast of Nantucket, and first led that people to this
+pursuit: he retired, first to the Banks of Newfoundland, then to the
+Western Islands, and is now found within soundings on the coast of
+Brazil, during the months of December, January, February, and March. His
+oil chills at fifty-two degrees of Fahrenheit, and eight of Reaumur, is
+black and offensive; worth, therefore, but thirteen pounds the ton,
+in London. In warm summer nights, however, it burns better than the
+Greenland oil.
+
+To the qualities of the oils thus described, it is to be added, that an
+individual has discovered methods, 1. of converting a great part of
+the oils of the spermaceti-whale, into the solid substance called
+spermaceti, heretofore produced from his head alone; 2. of refining
+the Greenland whale-oil, so as to take from it all smell, and render it
+limpid and luminous as that of the spermaceti-whale; 3. of curdling
+the oil of the Brazil whale into tallow, resembling that of beef, and
+answering all its purposes. This person is engaged by the company, which
+has established the refinery at Rouen: their works will cost them half a
+million of livres; will be able to refine all the oil which can be used
+in the kingdom, and even to supply foreign markets. The effects of the
+refinery, then, would be, 1. to supplant the solid spermaceti of all
+other nations, by theirs, of equal quality and lower price; 2. to
+substitute, instead of spermaceti-oil, their black whale-oil refined,
+of equal quality and lower price; 3. to render the worthless oil of the
+Brazil, equal in value to tallow; and 4. by accommodating these oils to
+uses, to which they could never otherwise have been applied, they will
+extend the demand beyond its present narrow limits, to any supply which
+can be furnished, and thus give the most effectual encouragement and
+extension to the whale-fishery. But these works were calculated on the
+_Arret_ of December the 29th, which admitted here, freely and fully,
+the produce of the American fishery. If confined to that of the French
+fishery alone, the enterprise may fail, for want of matter to work on.
+
+After this review of the whale-fishery as a political institution, a few
+considerations shall be added on its produce, as a basis of commercial
+exchange between France and the United States. The discussions it has
+undergone, on former occasions, in this point of view, leaves little new
+to be now urged.
+
+The United States, not possessing mines of the precious metals, can
+purchase necessaries from other nations, so far only as their produce is
+received in exchange. Without enumerating our smaller articles, we have
+three of principal importance, proper for the French market; to wit,
+tobacco, whale-oil, and rice. The first and most important, is tobacco.
+This might furnish an exchange for eight millions of the productions of
+this country; but it is under a monopoly, and that not of a mercantile,
+but of a financiering company, whose interest is, to pay in money
+and not in merchandise, and who are so much governed by the spirit of
+simplifying their purchases and proceedings, that they find means to
+elude every endeavor on the part of government, to make them diffuse
+their purchases among the merchants in general. Little profit is
+derived from this, then, as an article of exchange for the produce and
+manufactures of France. Whale-oil might be next in importance; but
+that is now prohibited. American rice is not yet of great, but it is of
+growing consumption in France, and being the only article of the three
+which is free, it may become a principal basis of exchange. Time and
+trial may add a fourth, that is, timber. But some essays, rendered
+unsuccessful by unfortunate circumstances, place that, at present, under
+a discredit, which it will be found hereafter not to have merited. The
+English know its value, and were supplied with it, before the war. A
+spirit of hostility, since that event, led them to seek Russian rather
+than American supplies; a new spirit of hostility has driven them back
+from Russia, and they are now making contracts for American timber.
+But of the three articles before mentioned, proved by experience to be
+suitable for the French market, one is prohibited, one under monopoly,
+and one alone free, and that the smallest and of very limited
+consumption. The way to encourage purchasers, is, to multiply their
+means of payment. Whale-oil might be an important one. In one scale, are
+the interests of the millions who are lighted, shod, or clothed with the
+help of it, and the thousands of laborers and manufacturers, who would
+be employed in producing the articles which might be given in exchange
+for it, if received from America: in the other scale, are the
+interests of the adventurers in the whale-fishery each of whom, indeed,
+politically considered, may be of more importance to the State, than
+a simple laborer or manufacturer; but to make the estimate with the
+accuracy it merits, we should multiply the numbers in each scale into
+their individual importance, and see which preponderates.
+
+Both governments have seen with concern, that their commercial
+intercourse does not grow as rapidly as they would wish. The system
+of the United States is, to use neither prohibitions nor premiums.
+Commerce, there, regulates itself freely, and asks nothing better.
+Where a government finds itself under the necessity of undertaking that
+regulation, it would seem, that it should conduct it as an intelligent
+merchant would; that is to say, invite customers to purchase, by
+facilitating their means of payment, and by adapting goods to their
+taste. If this idea be just, government here has two operations to
+attend to, with respect to the commerce of the United States; 1. to
+do away, or to moderate, as much as possible, the prohibitions
+and monopolies of their materials for payment; 2. to encourage the
+institution of the principal manufactures, which the necessities, or the
+habits of their new customers call for. Under this latter head, a hint
+shall be suggested, which must find its apology in the motive from which
+it flows; that is, a desire of promoting mutual interests and close
+friendship. Six hundred thousand of the laboring poor of America,
+comprehending slaves under that denomination, are clothed in three
+of the simplest manufactures possible; to wit, oznaburgs, plains,
+and duffel blankets. The first is a linen; the two last, woollens. It
+happens, too, that they are used exactly by those who cultivate
+the tobacco and rice, and in a good degree by those employed in the
+whale-fishery. To these manufactures they are so habituated, that no
+substitute will be received. If the vessels which bring tobacco, rice,
+and whale-oil, do not find them in the ports of delivery, they must be
+sought where they can be found; that is, in England, at present. If they
+were made in France, they would be gladly taken in exchange there. The
+quantities annually used by this description of people, and their value,
+are as follows:
+
+     Oznaburgs 2,700,000 aunes, at sixteen sous the aune, worth
+          2,160,000
+
+     Plains    1,350,000 aunes, at two livres the aune,
+          2,700,000
+
+     Duffel Blankets 300,000 aunes, at seven and 4/5ths livres each
+          2,160,000
+         ----------
+          7,020,000
+
+It would be difficult to say, how much should be added, for the
+consumption of inhabitants of other descriptions; a great deal surely.
+But the present view shall be confined to the one description named.
+Seven millions of livres, are nine millions of days' work, of those who
+raise, spin, and weave the wool and flax; and, at three hundred working
+days to the year, would maintain thirty thousand people. To introduce
+these simple manufactures, suppose government to give five per cent, on
+the value of what should be exported of them, for ten years to come: if
+none should be exported, nothing would be to be paid: but on the other
+hand, if the manufactures, with this encouragement, should rise to
+the full demand, it will be a sacrifice of three hundred and fifty-one
+thousand livres a year, for ten years only, to produce a perpetual
+subsistence for more than thirty thousand people (for the demand will
+grow with our population); while she must expend perpetually one million
+two hundred and eighty-five thousand livres a year, to maintain the
+three thousand five hundred and seventy seamen, who would supply her
+with whale-oil. That is to say, for each seaman, as much as for thirty
+laborers and manufacturers.
+
+But to return to our subject, and to conclude.
+
+Whether, then, we consider the _Arret_ of September the 28th, in a
+political or a commercial light, it would seem, that the United States
+should be excepted from its operation. Still more so, when they invoke
+against it the amity subsisting between the two nations, the desire of
+binding them together by every possible interest and connection, the
+several acts in favor of this exception, the dignity of legislation,
+which admits not of changes backwards and forwards, the interests of
+commerce, which requires steady regulations, the assurances of the
+friendly motives which have led the King to pass these acts, and the
+hope, that no cause will arise, to change either his motives or his
+measures towards us.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXI.--TO JOHN JAY, November 29, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, November 29, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+In the hurry of making up my letter of the 19th instant, I omitted the
+enclosed printed paper, on the subject of whale-oil. That omission
+is now supplied by another conveyance, by the way of London. The
+explanatory _Arret_ is not yet come out. I still take for granted, it
+will pass, though there be an opposition to it in the Council. In the
+mean time, orders are given to receive our oils which may arrive. The
+apprehension of a want of corn has induced them to turn their eyes to
+foreign supplies; and to show their preference of receiving them from
+us, they have passed the enclosed _Arret_, giving a premium on wheat
+and flour from the United States, for a limited time. This, you will
+doubtless think proper to have translated and published. The _Notables_
+are still in session: the votes of the separate bureaux have not yet
+been reduced to a joint act, in an assembly of the whole. I see no
+reason to suppose they will change the separate votes relative to the
+representation of the _Tiers Etat_ in the States General. In the mean
+time, the stream of public indignation, heretofore directed against the
+court, sets strongly against the _Notables_. It is not yet decided when
+the States will meet: but certainly they cannot, till February or March.
+The Turks have retired across the Danube. This movement indicates their
+going into winter-quarters, and the severity of the weather must hasten
+it. The thermometer was yesterday at eight degrees of Fahrenheit, that
+is, twenty-four degrees below freezing; a degree of cold equal to that
+of the year 1740, which they count here among their coldest winters.
+This having continued many days, and being still likely to continue, and
+the wind from northeast, render it probable, that all enterprise must be
+suspended between the three great belligerent powers. Poland is
+likely to be thrown into great convulsions. The Empress of Russia has
+peremptorily demanded such aids from Poland, as might engage it in the
+war. The King of Prussia, on the other hand, threatens to march an army
+on their borders. The vote of the Polish confederacy for one hundred
+thousand men, was a coalition of the two parties, in that single act
+only. The party opposed to the King, have obtained a majority, and have
+voted that this army shall be independent of him. They are supported by
+Prussia, while the King depends on Russia. Authentic information from
+England leaves not a doubt, that the King is lunatic; and that, instead
+of the effect, is the cause of the illness, under which he has been so
+near dying. I mention this, because the English newspapers, speaking by
+guess on that as they do on all other subjects, might mislead you as to
+his true situation; or rather, might mislead others, who know less
+than you do, that a thing is not rendered the more probable, by being
+mentioned in those papers.
+
+I enclose those of Leyden to the present date, with the gazettes of
+France, and have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect
+esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson
+
+
+
+
+LETTER, CLXXII.--TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, December 4, 1788
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+Paris, December 4, 1788.
+
+Sir,
+
+Your favor of August the 31st came to hand yesterday; and a confidential
+conveyance offering, by the way of London, I avail myself of it, to
+acknowledge the receipt.
+
+I have seen, with infinite pleasure, our new constitution accepted by
+eleven States, not rejected by the twelfth; and that the thirteenth
+happens to be a state of the least importance. It is true, that the
+minorities in most of the accepting States have been very respectable;
+so much so, as to render it prudent, were it not otherwise reasonable,
+to make some sacrifice to them. I am in hopes, that the annexation of
+a bill of rights to the constitution will alone draw over so great
+a proportion of the minorities, as to leave little danger in the
+opposition of the residue; and that this annexation may be made by
+Congress and the Assemblies, without calling a convention, which
+might endanger the most valuable parts of the system. Calculation has
+convinced me, that circumstances may arise, and probably will arise,
+wherein all the resources of taxation will be necessary for the safety
+of the State. For though I am decidedly of opinion, we should take no
+part in European quarrels, but cultivate peace and commerce with all,
+yet who can avoid seeing the source of war in the tyranny of those
+nations, who deprive us of the natural right of trading with our
+neighbors? The produce of the United States will soon exceed the
+European demand: what is to be done with the surplus, when there shall
+be one? It will be employed, without question, to open, by force, a
+market for itself, with those placed on the same continent with us,
+and who wish nothing better. Other causes, too, are obvious, which
+may involve us in war; and war requires every resource of taxation and
+credit. The power of making war often prevents it, and in our case,
+would give efficacy to our desire of peace. If the new government wears
+the front which I hope it will, I see no impossibility in the availing
+ourselves of the wars of others, to open the other parts of America to
+our commerce, as the price of our neutrality.
+
+The campaign between the Turks and two Empires has been clearly in favor
+of the former. The Emperor is secretly trying to bring about a peace.
+The alliance between England, Prussia, and Holland, (and some suspect
+Sweden also) renders their mediation decisive, wherever it is proposed.
+They seemed to interpose it so magisterially between Denmark and Sweden,
+that the former submitted to its dictates, and there was all reason
+to believe, that the war in the northwestern parts of Europe would be,
+quieted. All of a sudden, a new flame bursts out in Poland. The King and
+his party are devoted to Russia. The opposition rely on the protection
+of Prussia. They have lately become the majority in the confederated
+diet, and have passed a vote for subjecting their army to a commission
+independent of the King, and propose a perpetual diet, in which case
+he will be a perpetual cipher. Russia declares against such a change
+in their constitution, and Prussia has put an army into readiness, for
+marching, at a moment's warning, on the frontier of Poland. These events
+are too recent, to see, as yet, what turn they will take, or what effect
+they will have on the peace of Europe. So is that also, of the lunacy
+of the King of England, which is a decided fact, notwithstanding all the
+stuff the English papers publish, about his fevers, his deliriums, &c.
+The truth is, that the lunacy declared itself almost at once, and with
+as few concomitant complaints, as usually attend the first developement
+of that disorder. I suppose a regency will be established, and if it
+consists of a plurality of members, it will, probably, be peaceable. In
+this event, it will much favor the present wishes of this country,
+which are so decidedly for peace, that they refused to enter into the
+mediation between Sweden and Russia, lest it should commit them. As soon
+as the convocation of the States General was announced, a tranquillity
+took place through the whole kingdom: happily, no open rupture had
+taken place, in any part of it. The parliament were re-instated in their
+functions, at the same time. This was all they desired; and they had
+called for the States General, only through fear that the crown could
+not otherwise be forced to re-instate them. Their end obtained, they
+began to foresee danger to themselves, in the States General. They began
+to lay the foundation for caviling at the legality of that body, if its
+measures should be hostile to them. The court, to clear itself of the
+dispute, convened the _Notables_, who had acted with general approbation
+on the former occasion, and referred to them the forms of calling and
+organizing the States General. These _Notables_ consist principally
+of Nobility and Clergy; the few of the _Tiers Etat_ among them, being
+either parliament men, or other privileged persons. The court wished,
+that, in the future States General, the members of the _Tiers Etat_
+should equal those of both the other orders, and that they should form
+but one House, all together, and vote by persons, not by orders. But the
+_Notables_, in the true spirit of Priests and Nobles, combining together
+against the people, have voted, by five bureaux out of six, that the
+people, or _Tiers Etat_, shall have no greater number of deputies, than
+each of the other orders separately, and that they shall vote by orders:
+so that two orders concurring in a vote, the third will be overruled;
+for it is not here as in England, where each of the three branches has
+a negative on the other two. If this project of theirs succeeds, a
+combination between the two Houses of Clergy and Nobles will render the
+representation of the _Tiers Etat_ merely nugatory. The bureaux are to
+assemble together, to consolidate their separate votes: but I see no
+reasonable hope of their changing this. Perhaps the King, knowing that
+he may count on the support of the nation, and attach it more closely to
+him, may take on himself to disregard the opinion of the _Notables_ in
+this instance, and may call an equal representation of the people, in
+which precedents will support him. In every event, I think the present
+disquiet will end well. The nation has been awaked by our Revolution;
+they feel their strength, they are enlightened, their lights are
+spreading, and they will not retrograde. The first States General may
+establish three important points, without opposition from the court; 1.
+their own periodical convocation; 2. their exclusive right of taxation
+(which has been confessed by the King); 3. the right of registering
+laws, and of previously proposing amendments to them, as the parliaments
+have, by usurpation, been in the habit of doing. The court will consent
+to this, from its hatred to the parliaments, and from the desire of
+having to do with one, rather than many legislatures. If the States are
+prudent, they will not aim at more than this at first, lest they should
+shock the dispositions of the court, and even alarm the public
+mind, which must be left to open itself, by degrees, to successive
+improvements. These will follow, from the nature of things: how far they
+can proceed, in the end, towards a thorough reformation of abuse, cannot
+be foreseen. In my opinion, a kind of influence, which none of their
+plans of reform take into account, will elude them all; I mean the
+influence of women in the government. The manners of the nation allow
+them to visit, alone, all persons in office, to solicit the affairs of
+the husband, family, or friends, and their solicitations bid defiance
+to laws and regulations. This obstacle may seem less to those, who, like
+our countrymen, are in the precious habit of considering right, as
+a barrier against all solicitation. Nor can such an one, without the
+evidence of his own eyes, believe in the desperate state to which things
+are reduced in this country, from the omnipotence of an influence,
+which, fortunately for the happiness of the sex itself, does not
+endeavor to extend itself, in our country, beyond the domestic line.
+
+Your communications to the Count de Moustier, whatever they may have
+been, cannot have done injury to my endeavors here, to open the West
+Indies to us. On this head, the ministers are invincibly mute, though I
+have often tried to draw them into the subject. I have therefore found
+it necessary to let it lie, till war, or other circumstances, may force
+it on. Whenever they are in war with England, they must open the islands
+to us, and perhaps, during that war, they may see some price which might
+make them agree to keep them always open. In the mean time, I have laid
+my shoulder to the opening the markets of this country to our produce,
+and rendering its transportation a nursery for our seamen. A maritime
+force is the only one, by which we can act on Europe. Our navigation law
+(if it be wise to have any) should be the reverse of that of England.
+Instead of confining importations to home-bottoms, or those of
+the producing nation, I think we should confine exportations to
+home-bottoms, or to those of nations having treaties with us. Our
+exportations are heavy, and would nourish a great force of our own,
+or be a tempting price to the nation to whom we should offer a
+participation of it, in exchange for free access to all their
+possessions. This is an object to which our government alone is
+adequate, in the gross; but I have ventured to pursue it here, so far as
+the consumption of our productions by this country extends. Thus, in
+our arrangements relative to tobacco, none can be received here, but
+in French or American bottoms. This is employment for near two thousand
+seamen, and puts nearly that number of British out of employ. By the
+_Arret_ of December, 1787, it was provided, that our whale-oils should
+not be received here, but in French or American bottoms; and by later
+regulations, all oils, but those of France and America, are excluded.
+This will put one hundred English whale vessels immediately out of
+employ, and one hundred and fifty ere long; and call so many of French
+and American into service. We have had six thousand seamen formerly
+in this business, the whole of whom we have been likely to lose.
+The consumption of rice is growing fast in this country, and that of
+Carolina gaining ground on every other kind. I am of opinion, the whole
+of the Carolina rice can be consumed here. Its transportation employs
+two thousand five hundred sailors, almost all of them English at
+present; the rice being deposited at Cowes, and brought from thence
+here. It would be dangerous to confine this transportation to French and
+American bottoms, the ensuing year, because they will be much engrossed
+by the transportation of wheat and flour hither, and the crop of rice
+might lie on hand for want of vessels; but I see no objections to the
+extension of our principle to this article also, beginning with the year
+1790. However, before there is a necessity of deciding on this, I hope
+to be able to consult our new government in person, as I have asked of
+Congress a leave of absence for six months, that is to say, from April
+to November next. It is necessary for me to pay a short visit to my
+native country, first, to reconduct my family thither, and place them
+in the hands of their friends, and secondly, to place my private affairs
+under certain arrangements. When I left my own house, I expected to be
+absent but five months, and I have been led by events to an absence
+of five years. I shall hope, therefore, for the pleasure of personal
+conferences with your Excellency, on the subject of this letter, and
+others interesting to our country; of getting my own ideas set to rights
+by a communication of yours, and of taking again the tone of sentiment
+of my own country, which we lose in some degree, after a certain
+absence. You know, doubtless, of the death of the Marquis de Chastellux.
+The Marquis de la Fayette is out of favor with the court, but high in
+favor with the nation. I once feared for his personal liberty, but I
+hope he is on safe ground at present.
+
+On the subject of the whale-fishery, I enclose you some observations I
+drew up for the ministry here, in order to obtain a correction of their
+_Arret_ of September last, whereby they had involved our oils with the
+English, in a general exclusion from their ports. They will accordingly
+correct this, so that our oils will participate with theirs, in the
+monopoly of their markets. There are several things incidentally
+introduced, which do not seem pertinent to the general question: they
+were rendered necessary by particular circumstances, the explanation
+of which would add to a letter already too long. I will trespass no
+further, than to assure you of the sentiments of sincere attachment
+and respect, with which I have the honor to be your Excellency's most
+obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+P. S. The observations enclosed, though printed, have been put into
+confidential hands only. T. J.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXIII.--TO JOHN ADAMS, December 5, 1788
+
+
+TO JOHN ADAMS.
+
+Paris, December 5, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I had the pleasure of writing to you on the 2nd of August, and of adding
+a Postscript of August the 6th.
+
+You recollect well the _Arret_ of December the 29th, 1787, in favor of
+our commerce, and which, among other things, gave free admission to our
+whale-oil, under a duty of about two louis a ton. In consequence of the
+English treaty, their oils flowed in, and over-stocked the market. The
+light duty they were liable to under the treaty, still lessened by false
+estimates and aided by the high premiums of the British government,
+enabled them to undersell the French and American oils. This produced an
+outcry of the Dunkirk fishery. It was proposed to exclude all European
+oils, which would not infringe the British treaty. I could not but
+encourage this idea, because it would give to the French and American
+fisheries a monopoly of the French market. The _Arret_ was so drawn
+up; but, in the very moment of passing it, they struck out the word
+European, so that our oils became involved. This, I believe, was the
+effect of a single person in the ministry. As soon as it was known to
+me, I wrote to Monsieur de Montmorin, and had conferences with him and
+the other ministers. I found it necessary to give them information on
+the subject of the whale-fishery, of which they knew little but from the
+partial information of their Dunkirk adventurers. I therefore wrote the
+observations (of which I enclose you a printed copy), had them printed
+to entice them to read them, and particularly developed the expense at
+which they are carrying on that fishery, and at which they must continue
+it, if they do continue it. This part was more particularly intended for
+Mr. Necker, who was quite a stranger to the subject, who has principles
+of economy, and will enter into calculations. Other subjects are
+incidentally introduced; though little connected with the main question,
+they had been called for by other circumstances. An immediate order was
+given for the present admission of our oils, till they could form
+an _Arret_; and, at a conference, the draught of an _Arret_ was
+communicated to me, which re-established that of December the 29th. They
+expressed fears, that, under cover of our name, the Nova Scotia oils
+would be introduced; and a blank was left in the draught for the means
+of preventing that. They have since proposed, that the certificate of
+their consul shall accompany the oils, to authorize their admission,
+and this is what they will probably adopt. It was observed, that if our
+States would prohibit all foreign oils from being imported into them, it
+would be a great safeguard, and an encouragement to them to continue the
+admission. Still there remains an expression in the _Arret_, that it is
+provisory only. However, we must be contented with it as it is; my
+hope being, that the legislature will be transferred to the National
+Assembly, in whose hands it will be more stable, and with whom it will
+be more difficult to obtain a repeal, should the ministry hereafter
+desire it. If they could succeed in drawing over as many of our
+Nantucket men as would supply their demands of oil, we might then fear
+an exclusion; but the present _Arret_, as soon as it shall be passed,
+will, I hope, place us in safety till that event, and that event may
+never happen. I have entered into all these details, that you may be
+enabled to quiet the alarm which must have been raised by the _Arret_
+of September the 28th, and assure the adventurers that they may pursue
+their enterprises as safely as if that had never been passed, and more
+profitably, because we participate now of a monopolized, instead of an
+open market. The enclosed observations, though printed, have only been
+given to the ministers, and one or two other confidential persons. You
+will see that they contain matter which should be kept from the English,
+and will therefore trust them to the perusal only of such persons as you
+can confide in. We are greatly indebted to the Marquis de la Fayette
+for his aid on this, as on every other occasion. He has paid the closest
+attention to it, and combated for us with the zeal of a native.
+
+The necessity of reconducting my family to America, and of placing my
+affairs there under permanent arrangements, has obliged me to ask of
+Congress a six months' absence, to wit, from April to November next.
+I hope, therefore, to have the pleasure of seeing you there, and
+particularly, that it will be at New York that I shall find you. Be so
+good as to present my sincere esteem to Mrs. Adams, and believe me
+to be, with very affectionate attachment, Dear Sir, your friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXIV.--TO MR. SHORT, December 8, 1788
+
+
+TO MR. SHORT.
+
+Paris, December 8, 1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of the 21st of November, addressed to Milan, _poste
+restante_, according to the desire expressed through Mrs. Paradise.
+I have lately received yours of the 19th of November, and sincerely
+felicitate you on your recovery. I wish you may have suffered this to be
+sufficiently established before you set out on your journey. The present
+letter will probably reach you amidst the classical enjoyments of
+Rome. I feel myself kindle at the reflection, to make that journey; but
+circumstances will oblige me to postpone it at least. We are here
+under a most extraordinary degree of cold. The thermometer has been ten
+degrees of Reaumur below freezing: this is eight degrees of Fahrenheit
+above zero, and was the degree of cold here in the year 1740. The long
+continuance of this severity, and the snow now on the ground, give
+physical prognostications of a hard winter. You will be in a privileged
+climate, and will have had an enviable escape from this. The _Notables_
+are not yet separated, nor is their treasonable vote against the people
+yet consolidated; but it will be. The parliament have taken up the
+subject, and passed a very laudable vote in opposition. They have made
+it the occasion of giving sketches of what should be a bill of rights.
+Perhaps this opposition of authority may give the court an option
+between the two. Stocks are rising slowly, but steadily. The loan of
+1784 is at thirteen loss; the _caisse d'escompte_, four thousand and
+seventy-five. The Count de Bryenne has retired, and M. de Puysegur
+succeeded to his place. Madame de Chambonois (sister of M. de Langear)
+is dead of the small-pox. Pio is likely to receive a good appointment in
+his own country, which will take him from us. Corn is likely to become
+extremely scarce in France, Spain, and England. This country has offered
+a premium of forty sous the quintal on flour of the United States,
+and thirty sous the quintal on our wheat, to be brought here between
+February and June.
+
+General Washington writes me, that industry and economy begin to take
+place of that idleness and extravagance which had succeeded the close
+of the war. The Potomac canal is in great forwardness. J. M. writes me
+word, that Mr. Jay and General Knox are talked of in the Middle States
+for Vice-Presidents, but he queries whether both will not prefer their
+present births. It seems agreed, that some emendations will be made to
+the new constitution. All are willing to add a bill of rights; but they
+fear the power of internal taxation will be abridged. The friends of
+the new government will oppose the method of amendment by a federal
+convention, which would subject the whole instrument to change, and they
+will support the other method, which admits Congress, by a vote of two
+thirds, to submit specific changes to the Assemblies, three fourths of
+whom must concur to establish them.
+
+The enclosed letter is from Pallegrino, one of the Italian laborers
+established in our neighborhood. I fancy it contains one for his father.
+I have supposed it would not be unpleasant to you to have the delivery
+of it, as it may give you a good opportunity of conferring with one of
+that class as much as you please. I obey at the same time my own wishes
+to oblige the writer. Mazzei is at this time ill, but not in danger. I
+am impatient to receive further letters from you, which may assure me of
+the solidity of your recovery, being, with great anxiety for your health
+and happiness, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+     [The annexed is here inserted in the Author's MS. To whom
+     addressed, does not appear.]
+
+The Minister Plenipotentiary for the United States of America finds
+himself under the necessity of declining to authenticate writings
+destined to be sent to the United States, for this main reason, that
+such authentication is not legal evidence there. After a reason so
+sufficient, it seems superfluous to add, that, were his authentication
+admissible in the courts of the United States, he could never give it to
+any seal or signature, which had not been put in his presence; that he
+could never certify a copy, unless both that and the original were in a
+hand-writing legible to him, and had been compared together by him,
+word by word: that so numerous are the writings presented, that their
+authentication alone would occupy the greater part of his time, and,
+withdrawing him from his proper duties, would change the nature of his
+office to that of a notary. He observes to those who do him the honor
+of addressing themselves to him on this subject, that the laws for the
+authentication of foreign writings are not the same through all the
+United States, some requiring an authentication under the seal of the
+_Prevote_ of a city, and others admitting that of a Notary: but that
+writings authenticated in both these manners, will, under the one or the
+other, be admitted in most, if not all of the United States. It would
+seem advisable, then, to furnish them with this double authentication.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXV.--TO DOCTOR GILMER, December 16, 1788
+
+
+TO DOCTOR GILMER.
+
+Paife, December 16, 1788.
+
+Dear Doctor,
+
+Your last letter of December the 23rd was unlucky, like the former one,
+in arriving while I was absent on a call of public business in Holland.
+I was discouraged from answering the law part of it on my return,
+because I foresaw such a length of time between the date of that and
+receipt of the answer, as would give it the air of a prescription after
+the death of the patient. I hope the whole affair is settled, and that
+you are established in good titles to all the lands. Still, however,
+being on the subject, I cannot help adding a word, in answer to the
+objection which you say is raised on the words 'the estate,' instead of
+'my estate.' It has long been confessed in the courts, that the
+first decision, that a devise of lands to a person without words
+of inheritance, should carry an estate for life only, was an absurd
+decision, founded on feudal principles, after feudal ideas had long been
+lost by the unlettered writers of their own wills: and it has often been
+said, that were the matter to begin again, it should be decided that
+such a devise should carry a fee simple, as every body is sensible
+testators intend, by these expressions. The courts, therefore,
+circumscribe the authority of this chain of decisions, all hanging on
+the first link, as much as possible; and they avail themselves of every
+possible circumstance which may render any new case unlike the old one,
+and authorize them to conform their judgments to common sense, and the
+will of the testator. Hence they decide, that in a devise of 'my estate
+at M.' to such a one, without words of inheritance, the word estate is
+descriptive of the duration of the interest bequeathed, as well as its
+locality. From the same desire of getting back into the paths of common
+sense, they would not suffer the particle 'the' instead of 'my', to make
+a difference. 'My estate at M.' means not only my lands at M., but my
+fee simple in them. 'The estate at M.' means not only 'the lands the
+testator holds at M., but the fee simple he has in them.' Another
+objection will be made, perhaps, viz. that the testator devises in
+the same clause his estate called Marrow-bone, his tract called
+Horse-pasture, and his tract called Poison-field; that it is probable he
+intended to give the same interest in all; and as it is confessed that
+the word tract conveys but an estate for life, we must conclude that the
+word estate was meant to convey the same. I should reverse the argument,
+and say, as it confessed the word estate, conveys an estate in fee
+simple, we must conclude the word tract was meant to convey the same;
+that this conclusion coincides with the wishes of the courts, as
+bringing them back to what is right and consentaneous to the intention
+of the testator, as furnishing them a circumstance to distinguish the
+case from the original one, and withdraw it from its authority; whereas,
+the contrary conclusion tends to lead them further from the meaning of
+testators, and to fix them in error.
+
+But I perceive that my wishes to see the weight of no objection where
+you are interested, are leading me to write an argument, where I had
+promised I would say only a word. I will, therefore, talk the subject
+over with you at Monticello, or Pen-park. I have asked of Congress a
+leave of five or six months' absence next year, that I may carry my
+daughters home, and assist in the arrangement of my affairs. I shall
+pass two of the months at Monticello, that is to say, either June and
+July, or July and August, according to the time I may sail, which I hope
+will be in April: and then go on to New York and Boston, from whence I
+shall embark again for Europe, so as to get here before the winter sets
+in. I look forward with great fondness to the moment, when I can again
+see my own country and my own neighbors, and endeavor to anticipate as
+little as possible the pain of another separation from them. I hope
+I shall find you all under the peaceable establishment of the new
+constitution, which, as far as I can judge from public papers, seems to
+have become necessary for the happiness of our country. I thank you for
+your kind inquiries about my wrist. I followed advice with it, till I
+saw, visibly, that the joint had never been replaced, and that it was
+absurd to expect that cataplasms and waters would reduce dislocated
+bones. From that moment I have done nothing. I have for ever lost the
+use of my hand, except that I can write: and a withered hand and swelled
+and crooked fingers, still remaining twenty-seven months after the
+accident, make me fear I do not yet know the worst of it. But this, too,
+we will talk over at Monticello, and endeavor that it be the only pain
+to which our attention may be recalled. Adieu, my dear friend. Kiss and
+bless every body for me, Mrs. Gilmer especially. Assure her and
+yourself of the sincere and constant attachment of, Dear Doctor, your
+affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXVI.--TO THOMAS PAINE, December 23,1788
+
+
+TO THOMAS PAINE.
+
+Paris, December 23,1788.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+It is true that I received very long ago your favors of September the
+9th and 15th, and that I have been in daily intention of answering them,
+fully and confidentially; but you know such a correspondence between
+you and me cannot pass through the post, nor even by the couriers
+of ambassadors. The French packet-boats being discontinued, I am now
+obliged to watch opportunities by Americans going to London, to write
+my letters to America. Hence it has happened, that these, the sole
+opportunities by which I can write to you without fear, have been lost,
+by the multitude of American letters I had to write. I now determine,
+without foreseeing any such conveyance, to begin my letter to you,
+so that when a conveyance occurs, I shall only have to add recent
+occurrences. Notwithstanding the interval of my answer which has taken
+place, I must beg a continuance of your correspondence; because I
+have great confidence in your communications, and since Mr. Adams's
+departure, I am in need of authentic information from that country.
+
+I will begin with the subject of your bridge, in which I feel myself
+interested; and it is with great pleasure that I learn, by your favor
+of the 16th, that the execution of the arch of experiment exceeds
+your expectations. In your former letter you mention, that, instead of
+arranging your tubes and bolts as ordinates to the cord of the arch, you
+had reverted to your first idea, of arranging them in the direction of
+radii. I am sure it will gain both in beauty and strength. It is true
+that the divergence of these radii recurs as a difficulty, in getting
+the rails on upon the bolts; but I thought this fully removed by the
+answer you first gave me, when I suggested that difficulty, to wit, that
+you should place the rails first, and drive the bolts through them,
+and not, as I had imagined, place the bolts first, and put the rails on
+them. I must doubt whether what you now suggest will be as good as
+your first idea; to wit, to have every rail split into two pieces
+longitudinally, so that there shall be but the halves of the holes in
+each, and then to clamp the two halves together. The solidity of this
+method cannot be equal to that of the solid rail, and it increases the
+suspicious parts of the whole machine, which, in a first experiment,
+ought to be rendered as few as possible. But of all this the practical
+iron men are much better judges than we theorists. You hesitate between
+the catenary and portion of a circle. I have lately received from Italy
+a treatise on the equilibrium of arches, by the Abbe Mascheroni. It
+appears to be a very scientifical work. I have not yet had time to
+engage in it; but I find that the conclusions of his demonstrations are,
+that every part of the catenary is in perfect equilibrium. It is a great
+point, then, in a new experiment, to adopt the sole arch, where the
+pressure will be equally borne by every point of it. If any one point is
+pushed with accumulated pressure, it will introduce a danger, foreign to
+the essential part of the plan. The difficulty you suggest, is, that the
+rails being all in catenaries, the tubes must be of different lengths,
+as these approach nearer or recede farther from each other, and
+therefore you recur to the portions of concentric circles, which are
+equidistant in all their parts. But I would rather propose, that you
+make your middle rail an exact catenary, and the interior and exterior
+rails parallels to that. It is true, they will not be exact catenaries,
+but they will depart very little from it; much less than portions of
+circles will. Nothing has been done here on the subject since you went
+away. There is an Abbe D'Arnal at Nismes, who had obtained an exclusive
+privilege for navigating the rivers of this country by the aid of the
+steam-engine. This interests Mr. Rumsey, who had hoped the same thing.
+D'Arnal's privilege was published in a paper of the 10th of November.
+Probably, therefore, his application for it was previous to the delivery
+of Mr. Rumsey's papers to the secretary of the Academy of Sciences,
+which was in the latter part of the month of August. However, D'Arnal is
+not a formidable competitor. He is not in circumstances to make any use
+himself of his privilege, and he has so illy succeeded with a steam-mill
+he erected at Nismes, that he is not likely to engage others to venture
+in his projects. To say another word of the catenarian arch, without
+caring about mathematical demonstrations, its nature proves it to be in
+equilibrio in every point. It is the arch formed by a string fixed at
+both ends, and swaying loose in all the intermediate points. Thus at
+liberty, they must finally take that position, wherein every one will
+be equally pressed; for if any one was more pressed than the neighboring
+point, it would give way, from the flexibility of the matter of the
+string.
+
+*****
+
+I am, with sentiments of sincere esteem and attachment, Dear Sir, your
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXVII.--TO JOHN JAY, January 11, 1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, January 11, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+My last letters were of the 14th, 19th, and 29th of November, by the way
+of London. The present will go the same way, through a private channel.
+
+All military operations in Europe seem to have been stopped, by the
+excessive severity of the weather. In this country, it is unparalleled
+in so early a part of the winter, and in duration, having continued
+since the middle of November, during which time it has been as low as
+nine degrees below nought, that is to say, forty degrees below freezing,
+by Fahrenheit's thermometer; and it has increased the difficulties of
+the administration here. They had, before, to struggle with the want of
+money, and want of bread for the people, and now, the want of fuel for
+them, and want of employment. The siege of Oczakow is still continued,
+the soldiers sheltering themselves in the Russian manner, in
+subterraneous barracks; and the Captain Pacha has retired with his
+fleet. The death of the King of Spain has contributed, with the insanity
+of the English King, to render problematical the form which the affairs
+of Europe will ultimately take. Some think a peace possible between the
+Turks and two Empires, with the cession of Crimea to the former, as less
+important to Russia than Poland, which she is in danger of losing. In
+this case, the two Empires might attack the King of Prussia, and the
+scene of war be only changed. He is certainly uneasy at the accident
+happened to his principal ally. There seems no doubt, but that the
+Prince of Wales will be sole regent; but it is also supposed, they
+will not give him the whole executive power, and particularly, that of
+declaring war without the consent of the parliament. Should his personal
+dispositions, therefore, and that of a new ministry, be the same which
+the King had, of co-operating with Prussia, yet the latter cannot count
+on their effect. Probably, the parliament will not consent to war, so
+that I think we may consider the two great powers of France and England
+as absolutely at rest for some time.
+
+As the character of the Prince of Wales is becoming interesting, I have
+endeavored to learn what it truly is. This is less difficult in his
+case, than in that of other persons of his rank, because he has taken no
+pains to hide himself from the world. The information I most rely on,
+is from a person here, with whom I am intimate, who divides his time
+between Paris and London, an Englishman by birth, of truth, sagacity,
+and science. He is of a circle, when in London, which has had good
+opportunities of knowing the Prince; but he has also, himself, had
+special occasions of verifying their information, by his own personal
+observation. He happened, when last in London, to be invited to a dinner
+of three persons. The Prince came by chance, and made the fourth. He
+ate half a leg of mutton; did not taste of small dishes, because small;
+drank Champagne and Burgundy as small beer during dinner, and Bordeaux
+after dinner, as the rest of the company. Upon the whole, he ate as much
+as the other three, and drank about two bottles of wine without seeming
+to feel it. My informant sat next him, and being till then unknown
+to the Prince, personally, (though not by character), and lately from
+France, the Prince confined his conversation almost entirely to him.
+Observing to the Prince that he spoke French without the least foreign
+accent, the Prince told him, that when very young, his father had put
+only French servants about him, and that it was to that circumstance he
+owed his pronunciation. He led him from this to give an account of his
+education, the total of which was the learning a little Latin. He has
+not a single element of Mathematics, of Natural or Moral Philosophy, or
+of any other science on earth, nor has the society he has kept been such
+as to supply the void of education. It has been that of the lowest, the
+most illiterate and profligate persons of the kingdom, without choice
+of rank or mind, and with whom the subjects of conversation are only
+horses, drinking-matches, bawdy houses, and in terms the most vulgar.
+The young nobility, who begin by associating with him, soon leave him,
+disgusted with the insupportable profligacy of his society; and Mr. Fox,
+who has been supposed his favorite, and not over nice in the choice
+of company, would never keep his company habitually. In fact, he never
+associated with a man of sense. He has not a single idea of justice,
+morality, religion, or of the rights of men, or any anxiety for the
+opinion of the world. He carries that indifference for fame so far, that
+he would probably not be hurt were he to lose his throne, provided he
+could be assured of having always meat, drink, horses, and women. In
+the article of women, nevertheless, he is become more correct, since his
+connection with Mrs. Fitzherbert, who is an honest and worthy woman:
+he is even less crapulous than he was. He had a fine person, but it
+is becoming coarse. He possesses good native common sense; is affable,
+polite, and very good humored. Saying to my informant on another
+occasion, 'your friend, such a one, dined with me yesterday, and I made
+him damned drunk;' he replied, 'I am sorry for it; I had heard that your
+royal highness had left off drinking;' the Prince laughed, tapped him on
+the shoulder very good-naturedly, without saying a word, or ever after
+showing any displeasure. The Duke of York, who was for some time
+cried up as the prodigy of the family, is as profligate, and of less
+understanding. To these particular traits, from a man of sense and
+truth, it would be superfluous to add the general terms of praise or
+blame, in which he is spoken of by other persons, in whose impartiality
+and penetration, I have less confidence. A sample is better than a
+description. For the peace of Europe, it is best that the King should
+give such gleamings of recovery, as would prevent the regent or his
+ministry from thinking themselves firm, and yet, that he should
+not recover. This country advances with a steady pace towards the
+establishment of a constitution, whereby the people will resume the
+great mass of those powers, so fatally lodged in the hands of the King.
+During the session of the _Notables_, and after their votes against the
+rights of the people, the Parliament of Paris took up the subject, and
+passed a vote in opposition to theirs, (which I send you.) This was not
+their genuine sentiment: it was a manoeuvre of the young members, who are
+truly well disposed, taking advantage of the accidental absence of many
+old members, and bringing others over by the clause, which, while it
+admits the negative of the States General in legislation, reserves still
+to the parliament the right of enregistering, that is to say, another
+negative. The _Notables_ persevered in their opinion. The Princes of the
+blood (Monsieur and the Duke d'Orleans excepted) presented and published
+a memoire, threatening a scission. The parliament were proposing to
+approve of that memoire (by way of rescinding their former vote), and
+were prevented from it by the threat of a young member, to impeach
+(_denoncer_) the memoire and the Princes who signed it. The vote of the
+_Notables_, therefore, remaining balanced by that of the parliament,
+the voice of the nation becoming loud and general for the rights of the
+_Tiers-Etat_, a strong probability that if they were not allowed one
+half the representation, they would send up their members with express
+instructions to agree to no tax and to no adoption of the public
+debts, and the court really wishing to give them a moiety of the
+representation, this was decided on ultimately. You are not to suppose
+that these dispositions of the court proceed from any love of the
+people, or justice towards their rights. Courts love the people always,
+as wolves do the sheep. The fact is this. The court wants money. From
+the _Tiers-Etat_ they cannot get it, because they are already squeezed
+to the last drop. The clergy and the nobles, by their privileges and
+their influence, have hitherto screened their property, in a great
+degree, from public contribution. That half of the orange, then, remains
+yet to be squeezed, and for this operation there is no agent powerful
+enough, but the people. They are, therefore, brought forward as the
+favorites of the court, and will be supported by them. The moment of
+crisis will be the meeting of the States; because their first act will
+be, to decide whether they shall vote by persons or by orders. The
+clergy will leave nothing unattempted to obtain the latter; for they see
+that the spirit of reformation will not confine itself to the political,
+but will extend to the ecclesiastical establishment also. With respect
+to the nobles, the younger members are generally for the people, and the
+middle aged are daily coming over to the same side: so that by the time
+the States meet, we may hope there will be a majority of that body,
+also, in favor of the people, and consequently for voting by persons,
+and not by orders.
+
+You will perceive, by the report of Mr. Necker (in the gazette of
+France), 1. a renewal of the renunciation of the power of imposing a new
+tax by the King, and a like renunciation of the power of continuing any
+old one; 2. an acknowledgment that the States are to appropriate the
+public monies, which will go to the binding the court to a civil list;
+3. a consent to the periodical meeting of the States; 4. to consider of
+the restrictions of which _lettres de cachet_ are susceptible; 5. the
+degree of liberty to be given to the press; 6. a bill of rights; and 7.
+there is a passage which looks towards the responsibility of ministers.
+Nothing is said of communicating to them a share in the legislation. The
+ministry, perhaps, may be unwilling to part with this, but it will be
+insisted on in the States. The letters of convocation will not appear
+till towards the latter end of the month: neither time nor place are yet
+declared, but Versailles is talked of, and we may well presume that some
+time in April will be fixed on. In the mean time, Mr. Necker gets money
+to keep the machine in motion. Their funds rose slowly, but steadily,
+till within these few days, when there was a small check. However,
+they stand very well, and will rise. The _caisse d'escompte_ lent the
+government twenty-five millions, two days ago. The navy of this country
+sustained a heavy loss lately, by the death of the Bailli de Suffrein.
+He was appointed Generalissimo of the Atlantic, when war was hourly
+expected with England, and is certainly the officer on whom the nation
+would have reposed its principal hopes, in such a case. We just now
+hear of the death of the Speaker of the House of Commons, before
+the nomination of a regent, which adds a new embarrassment to the
+re-establishment of government in England. Since writing mine of
+November the 29th, yours of the 23rd of September has come to hand. As
+the General of the Mathurins was to be employed in the final redemption
+of our captives, I thought that their previous support had better be
+put into his hands, and conducted by himself in such a way as not to
+counterwork his plan of redemption, whenever we can enable him to begin
+on it. I gave him full powers as to the amount and manner of subsisting
+them. He has undertaken it, informing me, at the same time, that it
+will be on a very low scale, to avoid suspicion of its coming from the
+public. He spoke of but three sous a day per man, as being sufficient
+for their physical necessaries, more than which, he thinks it not
+advisable to give. I have no definitive answer yet from our bankers,
+whether we may count on the whole million last agreed to be borrowed,
+but I have no doubt of it, from other information, though I have not
+their formal affirmative. The gazettes of Leyden and France to this
+date, accompany this. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the
+most perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXVIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, January 12, 1789
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, January 12, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of the 18th of November; since which, I have received
+yours of the 21st of September, and October the 8th, with the pamphlet
+on the Mohicon language, for which, receive my thanks. I endeavor to
+collect all the vocabularies I can of the American Indians, as of those
+of Asia, persuaded, that if they ever had a common parentage, it will
+appear in their languages.
+
+I was pleased to see the vote of Congress, of September the 16th, on the
+subject of the Mississippi, as I had before seen, with great uneasiness,
+the pursuit of other principles, which I could never reconcile to my
+own ideas of probity or wisdom, and from which, and my knowledge of the
+character of our western settlers, I saw that the loss of that country
+was a necessary consequence. I wish this return to true policy may be in
+time to prevent evil. There has been a little foundation for the reports
+and fears relative to the Marquis de la Fayette. He has, from the
+beginning, taken openly part with those who demand a constitution; and
+there was a moment that we apprehended the Bastile: but they ventured on
+nothing more, than to take from him a temporary service, on which he
+had been ordered; and this, more to save appearances for their own
+authority, than any thing else; for at the very time they pretended
+that they had put him into disgrace, they were constantly conferring and
+communicating with him. Since this, he has stood on safe ground, and is
+viewed as among the foremost of the patriots. Every body here is trying
+their hand at forming declarations of rights. As something of that kind
+is going on with you also, I send you two specimens from hence. The
+one is by our friend of whom I have just spoken. You will see that it
+contains the essential principles of ours, accommodated as much as
+could be, to the actual state of things here. The other is from a very
+sensible man, a pure theorist, of the sect called the _Economists_, of
+which Turgot was considered as the head. The former is adapted to the
+existing abuses, the latter goes to those possible, as well as to those
+existing.
+
+With respect to Doctor Spence, supposed to have been taken by the
+Algerines, I think the report extremely improbable. O'Bryan, one of our
+captives there, has constantly written to me, and given me information
+on every subject he thought interesting. He could not have failed to
+know if such a capture had been made, though before his time, nor to
+inform me of it. I am under perpetual anxiety for our captives there.
+The money, indeed, is not yet ready at Amsterdam; but when it shall
+be, there are no orders from the board of treasury to the bankers, to
+furnish what may be necessary for the redemption of the captives: and
+it is so long since Congress approved the loan, that the orders of the
+treasury for the application of the money would have come, if they
+had intended to send any. I wrote to them early on the subject, and
+pointedly. I mentioned it to Mr. Jay also, merely that he might suggest
+it to them. The payments to the foreign officers will await the same
+formality.
+
+I thank you for your attention to the case of Mrs. Burke. We have no
+news of Doctor Franklin since July last, when he was very ill. Though
+the silence of our letters on that subject is a proof that he is well,
+yet there is an anxiety here among his friends. We have lately had three
+books published, which are of great merit, in different lines. The
+one is in seven volumes, octavo, by an Abbe Barthelemy, wherein he has
+collected every subject of Grecian Literature, after a labor of thirty
+years. It is called 'Les Voyages d'Anacharsis.' I have taken a copy for
+you, because the whole impression was likely to be run off at once.
+The second is a work on government, by the Marquis de Condorcet, two
+volumes, octavo. I shall secure you a copy. The third are the works of
+the King of Prussia, in sixteen volumes, octavo. These were a little
+garbled at Berlin, before printed. The government lays its hands on
+all which come here, and change some leaves. There is a genuine
+edition published at Basle, where even the garblings of Berlin are
+re-established. I doubt the possibility of getting a copy, so vigilant
+is the government as to this work. I shall obtain you one, if it be
+possible. As I write all the public news to Mr. Jay, I will not repeat
+it to you. I have just received the Flora Caroliniana of Walter, a very
+learned and good work. I am, with very sincere esteem and respect, Dear
+Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXIX.--TO JOHN JAY, January 14, 1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, January 14, 1789.
+
+In my letter of the 11th, I have said nothing of the _Arret_ explanatory
+of that of September the 28th, on the subject of whale-oils, which
+my letter of November the 19th gave you reason to expect. Though this
+explanatory _Arret_ has been passed so long ago as the 7th of December,
+it has not been possible for me to obtain an authentic copy of it, till
+last night. I now enclose that to you, with a copy of a letter to me
+from Mr. Necker, on the subject. The reception of our oils in the mean
+time, is provided for by an intermediate order. You will observe, that
+in the _Arret_ it is said to be passed '_provisoirement,_' and that Mr.
+Necker expressly holds up to us in his letter, a repeal, whenever the
+national fishery supplies their wants. The _Arret_, however, is not
+limited in its duration, and we have several chances against its repeal.
+It may be questioned, whether Mr. Necker thinks the fishery worth the
+expense. It may be well questioned, whether, either with or without
+encouragement, the nation, whose navigation is the least economical of
+all in Europe, can ever succeed in the whale-fishery, which calls for
+the most rigorous economy. It is hoped that a share in the legislation
+will pass immediately into the hands of the States General, so as to
+be no longer in the power of the _commis_ of a bureau, or even of his
+minister, to smuggle a law through, unquestioned; and we may even hope
+that the national demand for this oil will increase faster than both
+their and our fisheries together will supply. But in spite of all these
+hopes, if the English should find means to cover their oils under our
+name, there will be great danger of a repeal. It is essential, then,
+that our government take effectual measures to prevent the English from
+obtaining genuine sea-papers, that they enable their consuls in the
+ports of France (as soon as they shall be named) to detect counterfeit
+papers, and that we convince this government that we use our best
+endeavors, with good faith, as it is clearly our interest to do; for the
+rivalship of the English is the only one we have to fear. It had already
+begun to render our oils invendible in the ports of France. You will
+observe that Mr. Necker renews the promise of taking off the ten sous
+pour livre, at the end of the next year.
+
+Oczakow is at length taken by assault. The assailants were fourteen
+thousand, and the garrison twelve thousand, of whom seven thousand were
+cut to pieces before they surrendered. The Russians lost three thousand
+men. This is the Russian version, of which it is safe to believe no
+part, but that Oczakow is taken. The Speaker of the English House of
+Commons, having died suddenly, they have chosen Mr. Grenville, a young
+man of twenty-seven years of age. This proves that. Mr. Pitt is firm
+with the present parliament.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXX.--TO MADAME NECKER, January 24, 1789
+
+
+TO MADAME NECKER.
+
+Paris, January 24, 1789.
+
+I have received, Madam, with a great deal of sensibility, the letter of
+the 22nd instant, with which you were pleased to honor me on the claims
+of Monsieur Klein against the United States; and immediately endeavored
+to inform myself of their foundation, by an examination of the journals
+of Congress. Congress consisting of many persons, can only speak by the
+organ of their records. If they have any engagements, they are to
+be found there. If not found there, they can never have existed. I
+proceeded to this examination, with all the partialities which were
+naturally inspired by the interest you are so good as to take in
+his behalf, the desire of doing what will be agreeable to you, and a
+disposition to obtain for him the justice which might be his due. I have
+extracted, literally, from those journals, every thing I find in them
+on his subject, and I take the liberty of enclosing you those extracts.
+From them, as well as from what I recollect of the ordinary train of
+business about the years 1778 and 1779, I presume the following to be
+very nearly the history of Monsieur Klein's case.
+
+Congress were generally desirous of adding to their army during the war.
+Among other methods attempted, it was usual for foreigners (multitudes
+of whom went to ask command), when they found there was no vacancy,
+to propose to raise troops themselves, on condition they should have
+commissions to command them. I suppose that Messrs. Klein, Fearer, and
+Kleinsmit (named in the resolution of Congress of 1778, and whom, from
+their names, I conjecture to be Germans) offered to enlist a body of men
+from among the German prisoners taken with General Burgoyne at Saratoga,
+on condition that Fearer and Kleinsmit should be captains over them, and
+Klein, lieutenant colonel. Three months seem to have been allowed them
+for raising their corps. However, at the end of ten months it seems they
+had engaged but twenty-four men, and that all of these, except five, had
+deserted. Congress, therefore, put an end to the project, June the 21st,
+1779, (and not in July, 1780, as Monsieur Klein says) by informing him
+they had no further use for his services, and giving him a year's pay
+and subsistence to bring him to Europe. He chose to stay there three and
+a half longer, as he says, to solicit what was due to him. Nothing could
+ever have been due to him, but pay and subsistence for the ten months
+he was trying to enlist men, and the donation of a year's pay and
+subsistence; and it is not probable he would wait three years and a half
+to receive these. I suppose he has staid, in hopes of finding some other
+opening for employment. If these articles of pay and subsistence have
+not been paid to him, he has the certificates of the paymaster and
+commissary to prove it; because it was an invariable rule, when demands
+could not be paid, to give the party a certificate, to establish the sum
+due to him. If he has not such a certificate, it is a proof he has
+been paid. If he has it, he can produce it, and in that case, I will
+undertake to represent his claim to our government, and will answer for
+their justice.
+
+It would be easy to correct several inaccuracies in the letter of
+Monsieur Klein, such as that Congress engaged to give him a regiment;
+that he paid the recruiting money out of his own pocket; that his
+soldiers had nothing but bread and water; that Congress had promised
+him they would pay his soldiers in specie, &c.; some of which are
+impossible, and others very improbable; but these would be details too
+lengthy, Madam, for you to be troubled with. Klein's object is to
+be received at the hospital of invalids. I presume he is not of the
+description of persons entitled to be received there, and that his
+American commission and American grievances are the only ground he has,
+whereon to raise a claim to reception. He has therefore tried to make
+the most of them. Few think there is any immorality in scandalizing
+governments or ministers; and M. Klein's distresses render this resource
+more innocent in him, than it is in most others.
+
+Your commands, Madam, to give what information I could, have drawn thus
+much from me. I would not wish to weaken the hopes he so justly rests
+on your, known goodness and benevolence. On the contrary, the weaker his
+claims elsewhere, the stronger they will plead in your bosom to procure
+him relief; and whatever may be done for him here, I repeat it, that if
+he has any just demand against the United States, and will furnish
+me with proofs of it, I will solicit it with zeal, and, I trust, with
+effect. To procure him justice will be one gratification, and a great
+additional one will be, that he has procured me the occasion of offering
+you my portion of the general tribute so justly due, for all the good
+you have done, and all you are perpetually endeavoring to do. Accept
+then, Madam, I pray you, this homage from one, whose motives are
+pure truth and justice, when he assures you of the sincerity of those
+sentiments of esteem and respect, with which he has the honor to be,
+Madam, your most obedient and most
+
+humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXI.--TO JOHN JAY, February 1, 1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, February 1, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+My last letters have been of the 11th, 14th, and 21st of January. The
+present conveyance being through the post to Havre, from whence a vessel
+is to sail for New York, I avail myself of it, principally to send
+you the newspapers. That of Leyden of the 24th, contains a note of the
+_Charge des Affaires_ of France, at Warsaw, which is interesting. It
+shows a concert between France and Russia; it is a prognostication that
+Russia will interfere in the affairs of Poland, and if she does, it is
+most probable that the King of Prussia must be drawn into the war. The
+revolution which has taken place in Geneva, is a remarkable and late
+event. With the loss of only two or three lives, and in the course of
+one week, riots, begun at first on account of a rise in the price of
+bread, were improved and pointed to a reformation of their
+constitution; and their ancient constitution has been almost completely
+re-established. Nor do I see any reason to doubt of the permanence
+of the re-establishment. The King of England has shown such marks of
+returning reason, that the regency bill was postponed in the House
+of Lords, on the 19th instant. It seems now probable, there may be no
+change of the ministry, perhaps no regent. We may be sure, however, that
+the present ministry make the most of those favorable symptoms. There
+has been a riot in Brittany, begun on account of the price of bread, but
+converted into a quarrel between the _Noblesse_ and _Tiers-Etat_. Some
+few lives were lost in it. All is quieted for the present moment. In
+Burgundy and Franche Compte, the opposition of the nobles to the views
+of government is very warm. Every where else, however, the revolution
+is going on quietly and steadily, and the public mind ripening so
+fast, that there is great reason to hope a good result from the States
+General. Their numbers (about twelve hundred) give room to fear, indeed,
+that they may be turbulent. Having never heard of Admiral Paul Jones
+since the action, in which he took a part before Oczakow, I began to be
+a little uneasy. But I have now received a letter from him, dated at
+St. Petersburg, the 31 st of January, where he had just arrived, at the
+desire of the Empress. He has hitherto commanded on the Black Sea. He
+does not know whether he shall be employed there, or where, the ensuing
+campaign. I have no other interesting intelligence, which would not
+lead me into details, improper for the present mode of conveyance. After
+observing, therefore, that the gazettes of France and Leyden, to the
+present date, accompany this, I shall only add assurance of the sincere
+esteem and respect, with which I have the honor to be, Dear Sir, your
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXII.--TO JOHN JAY, February 4, 1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, February 4, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+Your favor of November the 25th, by Gouverneur Morris, is duly received.
+I must beg you to take the trouble of deciphering yourself what follows,
+and to communicate it to nobody but the President, at least for the
+present.
+
+We had before understood, through different channels, that the conduct
+of the Count de Moustier was politically and morally offensive. It was
+delicate for me to speak on the subject to the Count de Montmorin.
+The invaluable mediation of our friend, the Marquis de la Fayette, was
+therefore resorted to, and the subject explained, though not pressed.
+Later intelligence showing the necessity of pressing it, it was
+yesterday resumed, and represented through the same medium to the Count
+de Montmorin, that recent information proved to us, that his minister's
+conduct had rendered him personally odious in America, and might even
+influence the dispositions of the two nations; that his recall was
+become a matter of mutual concern; that we had understood he was
+instructed to remind the new government of their debt to this country,
+and that he was in the purpose of doing it in very harsh terms; that
+this could not increase their desire of hastening payment, and might
+wound their affections: that, therefore, it was much to be desired that
+his discretion should not be trusted to, as to the form in which the
+demand should be made, but that the letter should be written here, and
+he instructed to add nothing but his signature: nor was his private
+conduct omitted. The Count de Montmorin was sensibly impressed. He very
+readily determined that the letter should be formed here, but said that
+the recall was a more difficult business: that as they had no particular
+fact to allege against the Count de Moustier, they could not recall him
+from that ministry, without giving him another, and there was no vacancy
+at present. However, he would hazard his first thoughts on the subject,
+saving the right of correcting them by further consideration. They
+were these: that there was a loose expression in one of de Moustier's
+letters, which might be construed into a petition for leave of absence;
+that he would give him permission to return to France; that it had been
+before decided, on the request of the Marquis de la Luzerne, that Otto
+should go to him to London; that they would send a person to America
+as _Charge des Affaires_ in place of Otto, and that if the President
+(General Washington) approved of him, he should be afterwards made
+minister. He had cast his eye on Colonel Ternant, and desired the
+Marquis to consult me, whether he would be agreeable. At first I
+hesitated, recollecting to have heard Ternant represented in America, as
+an hypochondriac, discontented man, and paused for a moment between him
+and Barthelemy, at London, of whom I have heard a great deal of good.
+However, I concluded it safer to take one whom we knew and who knew us.
+The Marquis was decidedly of this opinion. Ternant will see that his
+predecessor is recalled for unconciliatory deportment, and that he
+will owe his own promotion to the approbation of the President.
+He established a solid reputation in Europe, by his conduct when
+Generalissimo of one of the United Provinces, during their late
+disturbances; and it is generally thought, that if he had been put at
+the head of the principal province, instead of the Rhingrave de Salm,
+he would have saved that cause. Upon the whole, I believe you may expect
+that the Count de Moustier will have an immediate leave of absence,
+which will soon after become a recall in effect. I will try also to have
+the consuls admonished as to the line of conduct they should observe. I
+shall have the honor of writing you a general letter, within a few days.
+I have now that of assuring you of the sentiments of sincere esteem and
+respect, with which I am, Dear Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXIII.--TO WILLIAM SHORT, February 9,1789
+
+
+TO WILLIAM SHORT.
+
+Paris, February 9,1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I wrote you last on the 22nd of January, on which day I received yours
+of December the 31st, and since that, the other of January the 14th. We
+have now received news from America down to the middle of December.
+They had then had no cold weather. All things relative to our new
+constitution were going on well. Federal senators are; New Hampshire,
+President Langdon and Bartlett. Massachusetts, Strong and Dalton.
+Connecticut, Dr. Johnson and Ellsworth. New Jersey, Patterson and
+Ellmer. Pennsylvania, Robert Morris and M'Clay. Delaware, Reed and
+Bassett. Virginia, Richard Henry Lee and Grayson. Maryland, Charles
+Carroll, of Carrolton, and John Henry. All of these are federalists,
+except those of Virginia; so that a majority of federalists are secured
+in the Senate, and expected in the House of Representives. General
+Washington will be President, and probably Mr. Adams Vice-President. So
+that the constitution will be put under way by those who will give it a
+fair trial. It does not seem probable that the attempt of New York,
+to have another convention to make amendments, will succeed, though
+Virginia concurs in it. It is tolerably certain that Congress will
+propose amendments to the Assemblies, as even the friends of the
+constitution are willing to make amendments; some from a conviction they
+are necessary, others, from a spirit of conciliation. The addition of
+a bill of rights will, probably, be the most essential change. A vast
+majority of anti-federalists have got into the Assembly of Virginia,
+so that Mr. Henry is omnipotent there. Mr. Madison was left out as a
+senator by eight or nine votes; and Henry has so modeled the districts
+for representatives, as to tack Orange to counties where himself has
+great influence, that Madison may not be elected into the lower federal
+House, which was the place he had wished to serve in, and not the
+Senate. Henry pronounced a philippic against Madison in open
+Assembly, Madison being then at Philadelphia. Mifflin is President
+of Pennsylvania, and Peters, Speaker. Colonel Howard is Governor of
+Maryland. Beverly Randolph, Governor of Virginia; (this last is said
+by a passenger only, and he seems not very sure.) Colonel Humphreys is
+attacked in the papers for his French airs, for bad poetry, bad prose,
+vanity, &c. It is said his dress, in so gay a style, gives general
+disgust against him. I have received a letter from him. He seems fixed
+with General Washington. Mayo's bridge, at Richmond, was completed, and
+carried away in a few weeks. While up, it was so profitable that he
+had great offers for it. A turnpike is established at Alexandria, and
+succeeds. Rhode Island has again refused to call a convention. Spain has
+granted to Colonel Morgan, of New Jersey, a vast tract of land on the
+western side of the Mississippi, with the monopoly of the navigation
+of that river. He is inviting settlers, and they swarm to him. Even the
+settlement of Kentucky is likely to be much weakened by emigrations to
+Morgan's grant. Warville has returned, charmed with our country. He is
+going to carry his wife and children to settle there. Gouverneur
+Morris has just arrived here; deputed, as is supposed, to settle Robert
+Morris's affairs, which continue still deranged. Doctor Franklin was
+well when he left America, which was about the middle of December.
+
+*****
+
+I send Mr. Rutledge two letters by this post. Be so good as to present
+him my esteem, and to be assured yourself, of the sincere esteem
+and attachment with which I am and shall ever be? Dear Sir, your
+affectionate friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXIV.--TO M. DE VILLEDEUIL, February 10, 1789
+
+
+TO M. DE VILLEDEUIL.
+
+Paris, February 10, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+I take the liberty of troubling your Excellency with the following case,
+which I understand to be within your department. Mr. Jay, secretary for
+Foreign Affairs, to the United States of America, having occasion
+to send me despatches of great importance, and by a courier express,
+confided them to a Mr. Nesbitt, who offered himself in that character.
+He has delivered them safely: but, in the moment of delivering them,
+explained to me his situation, which is as follows. He was established
+in commerce at L'Orient, during the war. Losses by shipwreck, by
+capture, and by the conclusion of the peace at a moment when he did not
+expect it, reduced him to bankruptcy, and he returned to America, with
+the consent of his creditors, to make the most of his affairs there.
+He has been employed in this ever since, and now wishing to see his
+creditors, and to consult them on their mutual interests, he availed
+himself of Mr. Jay's demand for a courier, to come under the safe
+conduct of that character to Paris, where he flattered himself he might
+obtain that of your Excellency, for the purpose of seeing his creditors,
+settling, and arranging with them. He thinks a twelvemonth will be
+necessary for this. Understanding that it is not unusual to grant safe
+conducts in such cases, and persuaded it will be for the benefit of
+his creditors, I take the liberty of enclosing his memoir to your
+Excellency, and of soliciting your favorable attention to it, assured
+that it will not be denied him, if it be consistent with the established
+usage; and if inadmissible, praying that your Excellency will have the
+goodness to give me as early an answer as the other arduous occupations
+in which you are engaged, will admit, in order that he may know whether
+he may see his creditors, or must return without. I am encouraged to
+trouble your Excellency with this application, by the goodness with
+which you have been pleased to attend to our interests on former
+occasions, and by the desire of availing myself of every occasion of
+proffering to you the homage of those sentiments of attachment and
+respect, with which I have the honor to be your Excellency's most
+obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXV.--TO MR. CARNES, February 15,1789
+
+
+TO MR. CARNES.
+
+Paris, February 15,1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+I am now to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of January the 23rd,
+and February the 9th and 10th. Your departure for America so soon,
+puzzles me as to the finishing the affair of Schweighaeuser and Dobree,
+in which I could have reposed myself on you. It remains, that I ask
+you to recommend some person who may be perfectly relied on, in that
+business. In fact, it is probably the only one I shall have occasion to
+trouble them with before my own departure for America, which I expect
+to take place in May; and I fix my return to Paris, in December. While
+I ask your recommendation of a person to finish Dobree's business with
+fidelity, I must ask your secrecy on the subject of that very business,
+so as not to name it at all, even to the person you shall recommend.
+
+With respect to the distressed American who needs one hundred and forty
+livres to enable him to return to America, I have no authority to apply
+any public monies to that purpose, and the calls of that nature are
+so numerous, that I am obliged to refuse myself to them in my private
+capacity. As to Captain Newell's case, you are sensible, that being
+in the channel of the laws of the land, to ask a special order from
+government, would expose us, in reciprocity to like demands from them
+in America, to which our laws would never permit us to accede. Speaking
+conscientiously, we must say it is wrong in any government to interrupt
+the regular course of justice. A minister has no right to intermeddle
+in a private suit, but when the laws of the country have been palpably
+perverted to the prejudice of his countryman.
+
+When you shall be so kind as to recommend to me a correspondent in your
+port during your absence, I will ask the favor of you also to give me
+some idea of the time you expect to return.
+
+I have the honor, after wishing you pleasant and prosperous voyages, to
+assure you of the esteem and attachment, with which I am, Sir, your most
+obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXVI.--TO DR. BANCROFT, March 2, 1789
+
+
+TO DR. BANCROFT.
+
+Paris, March 2, 1789
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I have just received a letter of January the 31st from Admiral Paul
+Jones, at Petersburg, which charging me with the execution of some
+commissions, and these requiring money, he tells me you will answer my
+drafts, to the amount of four or five thousand livres, on his account.
+Be so good as to inform me whether you will pay such drafts.
+
+A Monsieur Foulloy, who has been connected with Deane, lately offered me
+for sale two volumes of Deane's letter books and account books, that he
+had taken instead of money, which Deane owed him. I have purchased them
+on public account. He tells me Deane has still six or eight volumes
+more, and being to return soon to London, he will try to get them
+also, in order to make us pay high for them. You are sensible of the
+impropriety of letting such books get into hands which might make
+an unfriendly use of them. You are sensible of the immorality of an
+ex-minister's selling his secrets for money and, consequently, that
+there can be no immorality in tempting him with money to part with them;
+so that they may be restored to that government to whom they properly
+belong. Your former acquaintance with Deane may, perhaps, put it in your
+power to render our country the service of recovering those books. It
+would not do to propose it to him as for Congress. What other way would
+best bring it about, you know best. I suppose his distresses and his
+crapulous habits will not render him difficult on this head. On the
+supposition that there are six or eight volumes, I think you might
+venture as far as fifty guineas, and proportionably for fewer. I will
+answer your draft to this amount and purpose, or you may retain it out
+of any monies you may propose to pay me for admiral Jones. There is no
+time to lose in this negotiation, as, should Foulloy arrive there
+before it is closed, he will spoil the bargain. If you should be able to
+recover these books, I would ask the favor of you to send them to me by
+the Diligence, that I may carry them back with me to America. I make no
+apology for giving you this trouble. It is for our common country, and
+common interest.
+
+I am, with sincere and great esteem and attachment, Dear Sir, your most
+obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXVII.--TO M. DE MALESHERBES, March 11, 1789
+
+
+TO M. DE MALESHERBES.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, March 11, 1789.
+
+Your zeal to promote the general good of mankind, by an interchange
+of useful things, and particularly in the line of agriculture, and the
+weight which your rank and station would give to your interposition,
+induce me to ask it, for the purpose of obtaining one of the species of
+rice which grows in Cochin-China on high lands, and which needs no
+other watering than the ordinary rains. The sun and soil of Carolina are
+sufficiently powerful to insure the success of this plant, and Monsieur
+de Poivre gives such an account of its quality, as might induce the
+Carolinians to introduce it instead of the kind they now possess, which,
+requiring the whole country to be laid under water during a certain
+season of the year, sweeps off numbers of the inhabitants annually, with
+pestilential fevers. If you would be so good as to interest yourself
+in the procuring for me some seeds of the dry rice of Cochin-China, you
+would render the most precious service to my countrymen, on whose behalf
+I take the liberty of asking your interposition: very happy, at the same
+time, to have found such an occasion of repeating to you the homage of
+those sentiments of respect and esteem, with which I have the honor to
+be, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, March 12, 1789
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, March 12, 1789.
+
+I had the honor of addressing you, on the 1st instant, through the post.
+I write the present, uncertain whether Mr. Nesbitt, the bearer of your
+last, will be the bearer of this, or whether it may not have to wait
+some other private occasion. They have reestablished their packet-boats
+here, indeed; but they are to go from Bordeaux, which, being between
+four and five hundred miles from hence, is too far to send a courier
+with any letters but on the most extraordinary occasions and without a
+courier, they must pass through the post-office. I shall, therefore, not
+make use of this mode of conveyance, but prefer sending my letters by
+a private hand by the way of London. The uncertainty of finding private
+conveyances to London, is the principal objection to this.
+
+On the receipt of your letter, advising me to purchase the two volumes
+of Deane's letters and accounts, I wrote to the person who had them,
+and after some offers and refusals, he let me have them for twenty-five
+louis, instead of twenty louis asked at first. He told me that Deane
+had still six or eight volumes more, and that when he should return to
+London he would try to get them, in order to make himself whole for the
+money he had lent Deane. As I knew he would endeavor to make us pay dear
+for them, and it appeared to be your opinion, and that of the members
+you had consulted, that it was an object worthy attention, I wrote
+immediately to a friend in London to endeavor to purchase them from
+Deane himself, whose distresses and crapulous habits will probably
+render him more easy to deal with. I authorized him to go as far as
+fifty guineas. I have as yet no answer from him. I enclose you a letter
+which I wrote last month to our bankers in Holland. As it will itself
+explain the cause of its being written, I shall not repeat its substance
+here. In answer to my proposition, to pay bills for the medals and the
+redemption of our captives, they quote a resolution of Congress (which,
+however, I do not find in the printed journals), appropriating the loans
+of 1787 and 1788 to the payment of interest on the Dutch loans till
+1790, inclusive, and the residue to salaries and contingencies in
+Europe, and they argue, that, according to this, they are not to pay
+any thing in Europe till they shall first have enough to pay all the
+interest which will become due to the end of the year 1790; and that it
+is out of personal regard, that they relax from this so far as to pay
+diplomatic salaries. So that here is a clear declaration they will
+answer no other demands, till they have in hand money enough for all the
+interest to the end of the year 1790. It is but a twelvemonth since
+I have had occasion to pay attention to the proceedings of those
+gentlemen; but during that time I have observed, that as soon as a sum
+of interest is becoming due, they are able to borrow just that, and no
+more; or at least only so much more as may pay our salaries, and keep us
+quiet. Were they not to borrow for the interest, the failure to pay
+that would sink the value of the capital, of which they are considerable
+sharers. So far their interests and ours concur. But there, perhaps,
+they may separate. I think it possible they may choose to support our
+credit to a certain point, and let it go no further, but at their will;
+to keep it so poised, as that it may be at their mercy. By this, they
+will be sure to keep us in their own hands. They write word to the
+treasury, that in order to raise money for the February interest, they
+were obliged to agree with the subscribers, that Congress should open no
+other loan at Amsterdam this year, till this one be filled up, and that
+this shall not be filled but by the present subscribers, and they not
+obliged to fill it. This is delivering us, bound hand and foot, to the
+subscribers, that is, to themselves. Finding that they would not raise
+money for any other purposes, without being pushed, I wrote the letter I
+enclose you. They answer, as I have stated, by refusing to pay, alleging
+the appropriation of Congress. I have written again to press them
+further, and to propose to them the payment of thirty thousand florins
+only, for the case of our captives, as I am in hopes this may do. In
+the close of my letter to them, you will observe I refer them, as to the
+article of foreign officers, to the board of treasury. I had, in truth,
+received the printed journals a few days before, but had not yet had
+time to read them carefully, and, particularly, had not then noted the
+vote of Congress of August the 20th, directing me to attend to that
+article. I shall not fail to do what I can in it; but I am afraid they
+will consider this also as standing on the same ground with the other
+contingent articles.
+
+This country, being generally engaged in its elections, affords nothing
+new and worthy of communication. The hopes of accommodation between
+Turkey and the two empires do not gain strength. The war between Russia
+and Denmark on the one hand, and Sweden on the other, is likely also to
+go on, the mediation of England being rendered of little force by the
+accident to its Executive. The progress of this war, and also of the
+broils in Poland, may possibly draw the King of Prussia into it during
+the ensuing campaign: and it must, before it be finished, take in this
+country, and perhaps England. The ill humor on account of the Dutch
+revolution continues to rankle here. They have recalled their ambassador
+from the Hague, manifestly to show their dissatisfaction with that
+court, and some very dry memorials have lately been exchanged on the
+subject of the money this country assumed to pay the Emperor for the
+Dutch. I send you very full extracts of these, which will show you the
+dispositions of the two courts towards each other. Whether, and when
+this country will be able to take an active part, will depend on
+the issue of their States General. If they fund their public debts
+judiciously, and will provide further funds for a war, on the English
+plan, 1 believe they will be able to borrow any sums they please. In the
+mean time, the situation of England will leave them at leisure to settle
+their internal affairs well. That ministry, indeed, pretend their King
+is perfectly re-established. No doubt they will make the most of his
+amendment, which is real, to a certain degree. But as, under pretence of
+this, they have got rid of the daily certificate of the physicians, and
+they are possessed of the King's person, the public must judge hereafter
+from such facts only as they can catch. There are several at present,
+which, put together, induce a presumption that the King is only better,
+not well. And should he be well, time will be necessary to give a
+confidence, that it is not merely a lucid interval. On the whole, I
+think we may conclude that that country will not take a part in the war
+this year, which was by no means certain before.
+
+M. del Pinto, formerly minister of Portugal at London, and the same who
+negotiated the treaty with us, being now put at the head of the ministry
+of that country, I presume that negotiation may be renewed successfully,
+if it be the desire of our government. Perhaps an admission of our flour
+into their ports may be obtained now, as M. del Pinto seemed impressed
+with our reasoning on that subject, and promised to press it on his
+court, though he could not then venture to put it into the treaty. There
+is not the same reason to hope any relaxation as to our reception in
+Brazil, because he would scarcely let us mention that at all. I think,
+myself, it is their interest to take away all temptations to our
+cooperation in the emancipation of their colonies; and I know no means
+of doing this, but the making it our interest that they should continue
+dependant, nor any other way of making this our interest, but by
+allowing us a commerce with them. However, this is a mode of reasoning
+which their ministry, probably, could not bear to listen to. I send
+herewith the gazettes of France and Leyden, and have the honor to be,
+Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CLXXXIX.--TO F. HOPKINSON, March 13, 1789
+
+
+TO F. HOPKINSON.
+
+Paris, March 13, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Since my last, which was of December the 21st, yours of December the
+9th and 21st are received. Accept my thanks for the papers and pamphlets
+which accompanied them, and mine and my daughters for the book of songs.
+I will not tell you how much they have pleased us, nor how well the last
+of them merits praise for its pathos, but relate a fact only, which
+is, that while my elder daughter was playing it on the harpsichord, I
+happened to look towards the fire, and saw the younger one all in
+tears. I asked her if she was sick? She said, 'No; but the tune was so
+mournful.'
+
+The Editor of the _Encyclopedie_ has published something as to an
+advanced price on his future volumes, which, I understand, alarms the
+subscribers. It was in a paper which I do not take, and therefore I have
+not yet seen it, nor can I say what it is. I hope that by this time
+you have ceased to make wry faces about your vinegar, and that you have
+received it safe and good. You say that I have been dished up to you
+as an anti-federalist, and ask me if it be just. My opinion was never
+worthy enough of notice, to merit citing; but since you ask it, I will
+tell it to you. I am not a federalist, because I never submitted the
+whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party of men whatever,
+in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in any thing else, where
+I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction is the last
+degradation of a free and moral agent. If I could not go to heaven but
+with a party, I would not go there at all. Therefore, I protest to you,
+I am not of the party of federalists. But I am much farther from that
+of the anti-federalists. I approved, from the first moment, of the
+great mass of what is in the new constitution; the consolidation of the
+government; the organization into executive, legislative, and judiciary;
+the subdivision of the legislative; the happy compromise of interests
+between the great and little States, by the different manner of voting
+in the different Houses; the voting by persons instead of States; the
+qualified negative on laws given to the executive, which, however, I
+should have liked better if associated with the judiciary also, as in
+New York; and the power of taxation. I thought at first that the latter
+might have been limited. A little reflection soon convinced me it ought
+not to be. What I disapproved from the first moment, also, was the want
+of a bill of rights, to guard liberty against the legislative as well as
+executive branches of the government; that is to say, to secure freedom
+in religion, freedom of the press, freedom from monopolies, freedom from
+unlawful imprisonment, freedom from a permanent military, and a trial by
+jury, in all cases determinable by the laws of the land. I disapproved,
+also, the perpetual re-eligibility of the President. To these points
+of disapprobation I adhere. My first wish was, that the nine first
+conventions might accept the constitution, as the means of securing to
+us the great mass of good it contained, and that the four last might
+reject it, as the means of obtaining amendments. But I was corrected in
+this wish, the moment I saw the much better plan of Massachusetts,
+and which had never occurred to me. With respect to the declaration of
+rights, I suppose the majority of the United States are of my opinion:
+for I apprehend all the anti-federalists, and a very respectable
+proportion of the federalists, think that such a declaration should now
+be annexed. The enlightened part of Europe have given us the greatest
+credit for inventing this instrument of security for the rights of the
+people, and have been not a little surprised to see us so soon give it
+up. With respect to the re-eligibility of the President, I find myself
+differing from the majority of my countrymen; for I think there are but
+three States of the eleven which have desired an alteration of this.
+And, indeed, since the thing is established, I would wish it not to be
+altered during the life of our great leader, whose executive talents are
+superior to those, I believe, of any man in the world, and who, alone,
+by the authority of his name, and the confidence reposed in his perfect
+integrity, is fully qualified to put the new government so under way, as
+to secure it against the efforts of opposition. But having derived from
+our error all the good there was in it, I hope we shall correct it, the
+moment we can no longer have the same name at the helm.
+
+These, my dear friend, are my sentiments, by which you will see I was
+right in saying, I am neither federalist nor anti-federalist; that I am
+of neither party, nor yet a trimmer between parties. These, my opinions,
+I wrote, within a few hours after I had read the constitution, to one or
+two friends in America. I had not then read one single word printed on
+the subject. I never had an opinion in politics or religion, which I was
+afraid to own. A costive reserve on these subjects might have procured
+me more esteem from some people, but less from myself. My great wish
+is, to go on in a strict but silent performance of my duty: to avoid
+attracting notice, and to keep my name out of newspapers, because I find
+the pain of a little censure, even when it is unfounded, is more acute
+than the pleasure of much praise. The attaching circumstance of my
+present office, is, that I can do its duties unseen by those for whom
+they are done. You did not think, by so short a phrase in your letter,
+to have drawn on yourself such an egotistical dissertation. I beg your
+pardon for it, and will endeavor to merit that pardon by the constant
+sentiments of esteem and attachment, with which I am, Dear Sir, your
+sincere friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXC.--TO MADAME DE BREHAN, March 14, 1789
+
+
+TO MADAME DE BREHAN.
+
+Paris, March 14, 1789.
+
+Dear Madam,
+
+I had the honor of writing to you on the 15th of February; soon after
+which, I had that of receiving your favor of December the 29th. I have
+a thousand questions to ask you about your journey to the Indian treaty,
+how you like their persons, their manners, their costumes, cuisine, &c.
+But this I must defer till I can do it personally in New York, where I
+hope to see you for a moment in the summer, and to take your commands
+for France. I have little to communicate to you from this place. It is
+deserted: every body being gone into the country to choose or be chosen
+deputies to the States General. I hope to see that great meeting before
+my departure. It is to be on the 27th of next month. A great political
+revolution will take place in your country, and that without bloodshed.
+A King with two hundred thousand men at his orders, is disarmed by the
+force of the public opinion and the want of money. Among the economies
+becoming necessary, perhaps one may be the opera. They say, it has cost
+the public treasury an hundred thousand crowns the last year. A
+new theatre is established since your departure; that of the _Opera
+Buffone_, where Italian operas are given, and good music. It is in the
+_Chateau des Tuileries_. Paris is every day enlarging and beautifying. I
+do not count among its beauties, however, the wall with which they
+have enclosed us. They have made some amends for this, by making fine
+boulevards within and without the walls. These are in considerable
+forwardness, and will afford beautiful rides round the city, of between
+fifteen and twenty miles in circuit. We have had such a winter, Madam,
+as makes me shiver yet, whenever I think of it. All communications,
+almost, were cut off. Dinners and suppers were suppressed, and the money
+laid out in feeding and warming the poor, whose labors were suspended by
+the rigor of the season. Loaded carriages passed the Seine on the ice,
+and it was covered with thousands of people from morning till night,
+skating and sliding. Such sights were never seen before, and they
+continued two months. We have nothing new and excellent in your charming
+art of painting. In fact, I do not feel an interest in any pencil but
+that of David. But I must not hazard details on a subject wherein I am
+so ignorant, and you such a connoisseur. Adieu, my dear Madam; permit
+me always the honor of esteeming and being esteemed by you, and of
+tendering you the homage of that respectful attachment with which I am,
+and shall ever be, Dear Madam, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXCI.--TO JAMES MADISON, March 15, 1789
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, March 15, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I wrote you last on the 12th of January; since which I have received
+yours of October the 17th, December the 8th and 12th. That of October
+the 17th came to hand only February the 23rd.
+
+How it happened to be four months on the way, I cannot tell, as I never
+knew by what hand it came. Looking over my letter of January the 12th,
+I remark an error of the word 'probable' instead of' improbable,' which,
+doubtless, however, you had been able to correct.
+
+Your thoughts on the subject of the declaration of rights, in the letter
+of October the 17th, I have weighed with great satisfaction. Some of
+them had not occurred to me before, but were acknowledged just, in the
+moment they were presented to my mind. In the arguments in favor of a
+declaration of rights, you omit one which has great weight with me; the
+legal check which it puts into the hands of the judiciary. This is a
+body, which, if rendered independent and kept strictly to their own
+department, merits great confidence for their learning and integrity. In
+fact, what degree of confidence would be too much, for a body composed
+of such men as Wythe, Blair, and Pendleton? On characters like these,
+the '_civium ardor prava jubentium_' would make no impression. I am
+happy to find that, on the whole, you are a friend to this amendment.
+The declaration of rights is, like all other human blessings, alloyed
+with some inconveniences, and not accomplishing fully its object. But
+the good, in this instance, vastly overweighs the evil. I cannot refrain
+from making short answers to the objections which your letter states to
+have been raised. 1. That the rights in question are reserved, by the
+manner in which the federal powers are granted. Answer. A constitutive
+act, may, certainly, be so formed, as to need no declaration of rights.
+The act itself has the force of a declaration, as far as it goes; and if
+it goes to all material points, nothing more is wanting. In the draught
+of a constitution which I had once a thought of proposing in Virginia,
+and printed afterwards, I endeavored to reach all the great objects
+of public liberty, and did not mean to add a declaration of rights.
+Probably the object was imperfectly executed; but the deficiencies would
+have been supplied by others, in the course of discussion. But in a
+constitutive act which leaves some precious articles unnoticed, and
+raises implications against others, a declaration of rights becomes
+necessary, by way of supplement. This is the case of our new federal
+constitution. This instrument forms us into one State, as to certain
+objects, and gives us a legislative and executive body for these
+objects. It should, therefore, guard us against their abuses of power,
+within the field submitted to them. 2. A positive declaration of some
+essential rights could not be obtained in the requisite latitude.
+Answer. Half a loaf is better than no bread. If we cannot secure all our
+rights, let us secure what we can. 3. The limited powers of the federal
+government, and jealousy of the subordinate governments, afford a
+security which exists in no other instance. Answer. The first member
+of this seems resolvable into the first objection before stated. The
+jealousy of the subordinate governments is a precious reliance.
+But observe that those governments are only agents. They must have
+principles furnished them, whereon to found their opposition. The
+declaration of rights will be the text, whereby they will try all the
+acts of the federal government. In this view, it is necessary to
+the federal government also; as by the same text, they may try the
+opposition of the subordinate governments. 4. Experience proves the
+inefficacy of a bill of rights. True. But though it is not absolutely
+efficacious under all circumstances, it is of great potency always, and
+rarely inefficacious. A brace the more will often keep up the building
+which would have fallen, with that brace the less. There is a remarkable
+difference between the characters of the inconveniences which attend
+a declaration of rights, and those which attend the want of it. The
+inconveniences of the declaration are, that it may cramp government in
+its useful exertions. But the evil of this is short-lived, moderate,
+and reparable. The inconveniences of the want of a declaration are
+permanent, afflicting, and irreparable. They are in constant progression
+from bad to worse. The executive, in our governments, is not the sole,
+it is scarcely the principal object of my jealousy. The tyranny of the
+legislatures is the most formidable dread at present, and will be for
+many years. That of the executive will come in its turn; but it will
+be at a remote period. I know there are some among us, who would now
+establish a monarchy. But they are inconsiderable in number and weight
+of character. The rising race are all republicans. We were educated in
+royalism; no wonder, if some of us retain that idolatry still. Our young
+people are educated in republicanism; an apostacy from that to royalism
+is unprecedented and impossible. I am much pleased with the prospect
+that a declaration of rights will be added; and I hope it will be done
+in that way, which will not endanger the whole frame of government, or
+any essential part of it.
+
+I have hitherto avoided public news in my letters to you, because your
+situation insured you a communication of my letters to Mr. Jay. This
+circumstance being changed, I shall, in future, indulge myself in these
+details to you. There had been some slight hopes that an accommodation
+might be effected between the Turks and two empires; but these hopes do
+not strengthen, and the season is approaching which will put an end to
+them, for another campaign at least. The accident to the King of England
+has had great influence on the affairs of Europe. His mediation, joined
+with that of Prussia, would certainly have kept Denmark quiet, and so
+have left the two empires in the hands of the Turks and Swedes. But the
+inactivity to which England is reduced, leaves Denmark more free, and
+she will probably go on in opposition to Sweden. The King of Prussia,
+too, had advanced so far, that he can scarcely retire. This is rendered
+the more difficult by the troubles he has excited in Poland. He cannot,
+well abandon the party he had brought forward there; so that it is very
+possible he may be engaged in the ensuing campaign. France will be quiet
+this year, because this year, at least, is necessary for settling her
+future constitution. The States will meet the 27th of April: and the
+public mind will. I think, by that time, be ripe for a just decision
+of the question, whether they shall vote by orders or persons. I think
+there is a majority of the Nobles already for the latter. If so,
+their affairs cannot but go on well. Besides settling for themselves a
+tolerably free constitution, perhaps as free a one as the nation is as
+yet prepared to bear, they will fund their public debts. This will give
+them such a credit, as will enable them to borrow any money they may
+want, and of course, to take the field again, when they think proper.
+And I believe they mean to take the field as soon as they can. The pride
+of every individual in the nation suffers under the ignominies they have
+lately been exposed to, and I think the States General will give money
+for a war, to wipe off the reproach. There have arisen new bickerings
+between this court and that of the Hague; and the papers which have
+passed, show the most bitter acrimony rankling at the heart of this
+ministry. They have recalled their ambassador from the Hague, without
+appointing a successor. They have given a note to the Diet of Poland,
+which shows a disapprobation of their measures. The insanity of the King
+of England has been fortunate for them, as it gives them time to put
+their house in order. The English papers tell you the King is well; and
+even the English ministry say so. They will naturally set the best foot
+foremost; and they guard his person so well, that it is difficult for
+the public to contradict them. The King is probably better, but not
+well, by a great deal. 1. He has been bled, and judicious physicians
+say, that in his exhausted state, nothing could have induced a
+recurrence to bleeding, but symptoms of relapse. 2. The Prince of Wales
+tells the Irish deputation, he will give them a definitive answer in
+some days; but if the King had been well, he could have given it at
+once. 3. They talk of passing a standing law, for providing a regency in
+similar cases. They apprehend then, they are not yet clear of the danger
+of wanting a regency.
+
+4. They have carried the King to church; but it was his private chapel.
+If he be well, why do not they show him publicly to the nation, and
+raise them from that consternation into which they have been thrown,
+by the prospect of being delivered over to the profligate hands of the
+Prince of Wales. In short, judging from little facts, which are known in
+spite of their teeth, the King is better, but not well. Possibly he
+is getting well, but still time will be wanting to satisfy even the
+ministry, that it is not merely a lucid interval. Consequently, they
+cannot interrupt France this year in the settlement of her affairs, and
+after this year it will be too late.
+
+As you will be in a situation to know when the leave of absence will be
+granted me, which I have asked, will you be so good as to communicate
+it, by a line, to Mr. Lewis and Mr. Eppes? I hope to see you in the
+summer, and that if you are not otherwise engaged, you will encamp with
+me at Monticello for a while.
+
+I am, with great and sincere attachment, Dear Sir, your affectionate
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER, CXCII.--TO THOMAS PAINE, March 17,1789
+
+TO THOMAS PAINE.
+
+Paris, March 17,1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last letter to you extended from December the 23rd to January the
+11th. A confidential opportunity now arising, I can acknowledge the
+receipt of yours of January the 15th, at the date of which you could not
+have received mine.
+
+You knew, long ago, that the meeting of the States is to be at
+Versailles, on the 27th of April. This country is entirely occupied
+in its elections, which go on quietly and well. The Duke d'Orleans is
+elected for Villers Cotterets. The Prince of Conde has lost the election
+he aimed at; nor is it certain he can be elected any where. We have
+no news from Auvergne, whither the Marquis de la Fayette is gone. In
+general, all the men of influence in the country are gone into
+the several provinces, to get their friends elected, or be elected
+themselves. Since my letter to you, a tumult arose in Bretagne, in which
+four or five lives were lost. They are now quieter, and this is the only
+instance of a life lost, as yet, in this revolution. The public mind is
+now so far ripened by time and discussion, that there seems to be but
+one opinion on the principal points. The question of voting by persons
+or orders is the most controverted; but even that seems to have gained
+already a majority among the Nobles. I fear more from the number of
+the Assembly, than from any other cause. Twelve hundred persons are
+difficult to keep to order, and will be so, especially, till they shall
+have had time to frame rules of order. Their funds continue stationary,
+and at the level they have stood at for some years past. We hear
+so little of the parliaments for some time past, that one is hardly
+sensible of their existence. This unimportance is probably the
+forerunner of their total re-modification by the nation. The article
+of legislation is the only interesting one on which the court has not
+explicitly declared itself to the nation. The Duke d'Orleans has given
+instructions to his proxies in the _bailliages_, which would be deemed
+bold in England, and are reasonable beyond the reach of an Englishman,
+who, slumbering under a kind of half reformation in politics and
+religion, is not excited by any thing he sees or feels, to question the
+remains of prejudice. The writers of this country, now taking the field
+freely, and unrestrained, or rather revolted by prejudice, will rouse us
+all from the errors in which we have been hitherto rocked.
+
+We had, at one time, some hope, that an accommodation would have been
+effected between the Turks and two empires. Probably the taking Oczakow,
+while it has attached the Empress more to the Crimea, is not important
+enough to the Turks, to make them consent to peace. These hopes are
+vanishing. Nor does there seem any prospect of peace between Russia
+and Sweden. The palsied condition of England leaves it probable, that
+Denmark will pursue its hostilities against Sweden. It does not
+seem certain whether the King of Prussia has advanced so far in that
+mediation, and in the troubles he has excited in Poland, as to be
+obliged to become a party. Nor will his becoming a party draw in this
+country, the present year, if England remains quiet. Papers which have
+lately passed between this court and the government of Holland, prove
+that this nourishes its discontent, and only waits to put its house in
+order, before it interposes. They have recalled their ambassador from
+the Hague, without naming a successor. The King of Sweden, not thinking
+that Russia and Denmark are enough for him, has arrested a number of his
+Nobles, of principal rank and influence. It is a bold measure, at least,
+and he is too boyish a character to authorize us to presume it a wise
+one, merely because he has adopted it. His army was before disgusted. He
+now puts the Nobles and all their dependants on the same side, and they
+are sure of armed support, by Russia on the north, and Denmark on the
+south. He can have no salvation but in the King of Prussia.
+
+I have received two letters from Ledyard, the one dated Alexandria,
+August the 15th, the other Grand Cairo, September the 10th; and one
+lately from Admiral Paul Jones, dated St. Petersburg, January the 31st.
+He was just arrived there, on the call of the Empress, and was uncertain
+where he should be employed the next campaign. Mr. Littlepage has
+returned from the Black Sea to Warsaw, where he has been perfectly
+received by the King. I saw this from under the King's own hand, and was
+pleased with the parental expressions towards him.
+
+We have no news from America later than the middle of January. My
+letters inform me, that even the friends of the new constitution have
+come over to the expediency of adding a declaration of rights. There
+is reason to hope that this will be proposed by Congress to the
+several legislatures, and that the plan of New York for calling a new
+convention, will be rejected. Hitherto, no State had acceded to it but
+Virginia, in which Henry and anti-federalism had got full possession of
+their legislature. But the people are better disposed. My departure for
+America is likely to be retarded, by the want of a Congress to give me
+permission. I must attend it from the new government. I am anxious
+to know how much we ought to believe of the recovery of the King of
+England. By putting little facts together, I see that he is not well.
+Mr. Rumsey (who came in while I was writing the preceding page) tells me
+you have a long letter ready for me. I shall be happy to receive it.
+
+I am, with great and sincere attachment, Dear Sir, your affectionate
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXIII.--TO COLONEL HUMPHREYS, March 18, 1789
+
+
+TO COLONEL HUMPHREYS.
+
+Paris, March 18, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your favor of November the 29th, 1788, came to hand the last month. How
+it happened that mine of August, 1787, was fourteen months on its way,
+is inconceivable. I do not recollect by what conveyance I sent it. I
+had concluded, however, either that it had miscarried, or that you
+had become indolent, as most of our countrymen are, in matters of
+correspondence.
+
+The change in this country since you left it, is such as you can form
+no idea of. The frivolities of conversation have given way entirely to
+politics. Men, women, and children talk nothing else: and all, you know,
+talk a great deal. The press groans with daily productions, which, in
+point of boldness, make an Englishman stare, who hitherto has thought
+himself the boldest of men. A complete revolution in this government,
+has, within the space of two years (for it began with the _Notables_
+of 1787), been effected merely by the force of public opinion, aided,
+indeed, by the want of money, which the dissipations of the court had
+brought on. And this revolution has not cost a single life, unless we
+charge to it a little riot lately in Bretagne, which began about the
+price of bread, became afterwards political, and ended in the loss of
+four or five lives. The assembly of the States General begins the 27th
+of April. The representation of the people will be perfect. But they
+will be alloyed by an equal number of nobility and clergy. The first
+great question they will have to decide, will be, whether they shall
+vote by orders or persons. And I have hopes, that the majority of the
+Nobles are already disposed to join the _Tiers-Etat_, in deciding
+that the vote shall be by persons. This is the opinion _a la mode_ at
+present, and mode has acted a wonderful part in the present instance.
+All the handsome young women, for example, are for the _Tiers-Etat_ and
+this is an army more powerful in France, than the two hundred thousand
+men of the King. Add to this, that the court itself is for the
+_Tiers-Etat_, as the only agent which can relieve their wants: not by
+giving money themselves (they are squeezed to the last drop), but by
+pressing it from the non-contributing orders. The King stands engaged
+to pretend no more to the power of laying, continuing, or appropriating
+taxes; to call the States General periodically; to submit _lettres de
+cachet_ to legal restrictions; to consent to freedom of the press; and
+that all this shall be fixed by a fundamental constitution, which
+shall bind his successors. He has not offered a participation in the
+legislature, but it will surely be insisted on. The public mind is
+so ripened on all these subjects, that there seems to be now but one
+opinion. The clergy, indeed, think separately, and the old men among the
+Nobles: but their voice is suppressed by the general one of the
+nation. The writings published on this occasion are, some of them, very
+valuable; because, unfettered by the prejudices under which the English
+labor, they give a full scope to reason, and strike out truths, as
+yet unperceived and unacknowledged on the other side the channel. An
+Englishman, dozing under a kind of half reformation, is not excited
+to think by such gross absurdities as stare a Frenchman in the face,
+wherever he looks, whether it be towards the throne or the altar. In
+fine, I believe this nation will, in the course of the present year,
+have as full a portion of liberty dealt out to them, as the nation can
+bear at present, considering how uninformed the mass of their people is.
+This circumstance will prevent the immediate establishment of the trial
+by jury. The palsied state of the executive in England is a fortunate
+circumstance for France, as it will give her time to arrange her
+affairs internally. The consolidation and funding their debts, will give
+government a credit which will enable them to do what they please.
+For the present year the war will be confined to the two empires and
+Denmark, against Turkey and Sweden. It is not yet evident, whether
+Prussia will be engaged. If the disturbances of Poland break out into
+overt acts, it will be a power divided in itself, and so of no weight.
+Perhaps by the next year England and France may be ready to take the
+field. It will depend on the former principally, for the latter, though
+she may be then able, must wish still a little time to see her new
+arrangements well under way. The English papers and English ministry
+say the King is well. He is better, but not well: no malady requires a
+longer time to insure against its return than insanity. Time alone can
+distinguish accidental insanity from habitual lunacy.
+
+The operations which have taken place in America lately fill me with
+pleasure. In the first place, they realize the confidence I had, that,
+whenever our affairs go obviously wrong, the good sense of the people
+will interpose, and set them to rights. The example of changing a
+constitution, by assembling the wise men of the State, instead of
+assembling armies, will be worth as much to the world as the former
+examples we had given them. The constitution, too, which was the result
+of our deliberations, is unquestionably the wisest ever yet presented to
+men, and some of the accommodations of interest which it has adopted
+are greatly pleasing to me, who have before had occasions of seeing how
+difficult those interests were to accommodate. A general concurrence of
+opinion seems to authorize us to say it has some defects. I am one of
+those who think it a defect, that the important rights, not placed in
+security by the frame of the constitution itself, were not explicitly
+secured by a supplementary declaration. There are rights which it is
+useless to surrender to the government, and which governments have
+yet always been fond to invade. These are the rights of thinking,
+and publishing our thoughts by speaking or writing; the right of free
+commerce; the right of personal freedom. There are instruments for
+administering the government so peculiarly trust-worthy, that we
+should never leave the legislature at liberty to change them. The
+new constitution has secured these in the executive and legislative
+departments; but not in the judiciary. It should have established trials
+by the people themselves, that is to say, by jury. There are instruments
+so dangerous to the rights of the nation, and which place them so
+totally at the mercy of their governors, that those governors, whether
+legislative or executive, should be restrained from keeping such
+instruments on foot, but in well defined cases. Such an instrument is a
+standing army. We are now allowed to say, such a declaration of rights,
+as a supplement to the constitution, where that is silent, is wanting,
+to secure us in these points. The general voice has legitimated this
+objection. It has not, however, authorized me to consider as a
+real defect, what I thought, and still think one, the perpetual
+re-eligibility of the President. But three States out of eleven having
+declared against this, we must suppose we are wrong, according to the
+fundamental law of every society, the _lex majoris partis_, to which we
+are bound to submit. And should the majority change their opinion, and
+become sensible that this trait in their constitution is wrong, I would
+wish it to remain uncorrected, as long as we can avail ourselves of
+the services of our great leader, whose talents and whose weight of
+character, I consider as peculiarly necessary to get the government
+so under way, as that it may afterwards be carried on by subordinate
+characters.
+
+I must give you sincere thanks for the details of small news contained
+in your letter. You know how previous that kind of information is to a
+person absent from his country, and how difficult it is to be procured.
+I hope to receive soon permission to visit America this summer, and to
+possess myself anew, by conversation with my countrymen, of their spirit
+and their ideas. I know only the Americans of the year 1784. They tell
+me this is to be much a stranger to those of 1789. This renewal of
+acquaintance is no indifferent matter to one, acting at such a
+distance, as that instructions cannot be received hot and hot. One of my
+pleasures, too, will be that of talking over the old and new with you.
+
+In the mean time, and at all times, I have the honor to be, with great
+and sincere esteem. Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson,
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXCIV.--TO DOCTOR WILLARD, March 24, 1789
+
+
+TO DOCTOR WILLARD.
+
+Paris, March 24, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+I have been lately honored with your letter of September the 24th, 1788,
+accompanied by a diploma for a Doctorate of Laws, which the University
+of Harvard has been pleased to confer on me. Conscious how little I
+merit it, I am the more sensible of their goodness and indulgence to
+a stranger, who has had no means ef serving or making himself known to
+them. I beg you to return them my grateful thanks, and to assure them
+that this notice from so eminent a seat of science is very precious to
+me.
+
+The most remarkable publications we have had in France, for a year
+or two past, are the following. _Les Voyages d'Anacharsis, par Abbe
+Barthelemi_, seven volumes, octavo. This is a very elegant digest of
+whatever is known of the Greeks; useless, indeed, to him who has read
+the original authors, but very proper for one who reads modern languages
+only. The works of the King of Prussia. The Berlin edition is in sixteen
+volumes, octavo. It is said to have been gutted at Berlin; and here
+it has been still more mangled. There are one or two other editions
+published abroad, which pretend to have rectified the maltreatment both
+of Berlin and Paris. Some time will be necessary to settle the public
+mind as to the best edition.
+
+Montignot has given us the original Greek, and a French translation of
+the seventh book of Ptolemy's great work, under the title of _Etat des
+Etoiles fixes au second siecle_, in quarto. He has given the designation
+of the same stars by Flamsteed and Bayer, and their position in the
+year 1786. A very remarkable work is the _Mechanique Analytique of La
+Grange_, in quarto. He is allowed to be the greatest mathematician now
+living, and his personal worth is equal to his science. The object of
+his work is to reduce all the principles of mechanics to the single one
+of the equilibrium, and to give a simple formula applicable to them
+all. The subject is treated in the algebraic method, without diagrams to
+assist the conception. My present occupations not permitting me to read
+any thing which requires a long and undisturbed attention, I am not able
+to give you the character of this work from my own examination. It has
+been received with great approbation in Europe. In Italy, the works of
+Spallanzani on Digestion and Generation are valuable. Though, perhaps,
+too minute, and therefore tedious, he has developed some useful truths,
+and his book is well worth attention; it is in four volumes, octavo.
+Clavigero, an Italian also, who has resided thirty-six years in Mexico,
+has given us a History of that country, which certainly merits more
+respect than any other work on the same subject. He corrects many errors
+of Dr. Robertson; and though sound philosophy will disapprove many of
+his ideas, we must still consider it as an useful work, and assuredly
+the best we possess on the same subject. It is in four thin volumes,
+small quarto. De la Lande has not yet published a fifth volume.
+
+The chemical dispute about the conversion and reconversion of air and
+water, continues still undecided. Arguments and authorities are so
+balanced, that we may still safely believe, as our fathers did before
+us, that these principles are distinct. A schism of another kind has
+taken place among the chemists. A particular set of them here have
+undertaken to remodel all the terms of the science, and to give to every
+substance a new name, the composition, and especially the termination of
+which, shall define the relation in which it stands to other substances
+of the same family. But the science seems too much in its infancy as
+yet, for this reformation; because, in fact, the reformation of this
+year must be reformed again the next year, and so on, changing the names
+of substances as often as new experiments develope properties in them
+undiscovered before. The new nomenclature has, accordingly, been already
+proved to need numerous and important reformations. Probably it will
+not prevail. It is espoused by the minority only here, and by very few,
+indeed, of the foreign chemists. It is particularly rejected in England.
+
+In the arts, I think two of our countrymen have presented the most
+important inventions. Mr. Paine, the author of 'Common Sense,' has
+invented an iron bridge, which promises to be cheaper by a great deal
+than stone, and to admit of a much greater arch. He supposes it may be
+ventured for an arch of five hundred feet. He has obtained a patent for
+it in England, and is now executing the first experiment with an arch
+of between ninety and one hundred feet. Mr. Rumsey has also obtained
+a patent for his navigation by the force of steam in England, and is
+soliciting a similar one here. His principal merit is in the improvement
+of the boiler, and instead of the complicated machinery of oars and
+paddles, proposed by others, the substitution of so simple a thing
+as the reaction of a stream of water on his vessel. He is building
+a sea-vessel at this time in England, and she will be ready for an
+experiment in May. He has suggested a great number of mechanical
+improvements in a variety of branches, and, upon the whole, is the most
+original and the greatest mechanical genius I have ever seen. The return
+of La Peyrouse (whenever that shall happen) will probably add to our
+knowledge in Geography, Botany, and Natural History. What a field have
+we at our doors to signalize ourselves in! The Botany of America is
+far from being exhausted, its Mineralogy is untouched, and its Natural
+History or Zoology totally mistaken and misrepresented. As far as I have
+seen, there is not one single species of terrestrial birds common to
+Europe and America, and I question if there be a single species of
+quadrupeds. (Domestic animals are to be excepted.) It is for such
+institutions as that over which you preside so worthily, Sir, to do
+justice to our country, its productions, and its genius. It is the work
+to which the young men, whom you are forming, should lay their hands.
+We have spent the prime of our lives in procuring them the precious
+blessing of liberty. Let them spend theirs in showing that it is the
+great parent of science and of virtue; and that a nation will be great
+in both, always in proportion as it is free. Nobody wishes more warmly
+for the success of your good exhortations on this subject, than he who
+has the honor to be, with sentiments of great esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXCV.--TO J. SARSFIELD, April 3, 1789
+
+
+TO J. SARSFIELD.
+
+Paris, April 3, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+I could not name to you the day of my departure from Paris, because I
+do not know it. I have not yet received my _conge_, though I hope to
+receive it soon, and to leave this some time in May, so that I may be
+back before the winter.
+
+Impost is a duty paid on any imported article, in the moment of its
+importation, and of course, it is collected in the sea-ports only.
+Excise is a duty on any article, whether imported or raised at home,
+and paid in the hands of the consumer or retailer; consequently, it is
+collected through the whole country. These are the true definitions of
+these words as used in England, and in the greater part of the United
+States. But in Massachusetts, they have perverted the word excise to
+mean a tax on all liquors, whether paid in the moment of importation or
+at a later moment, and on nothing else. So that in reading the debates
+of the Massachusetts convention, you must give this last meaning to the
+word excise.
+
+Rotation is the change of officers required by the laws at certain
+epochs, and in a certain order: thus, in Virginia, our justices of the
+peace are made sheriffs one after the other, each remaining in office
+two years, and then yielding it to his next brother in order of
+seniority. This is the just and classical meaning of the word. But in
+America we have extended it (for want of a proper word) to all cases of
+officers who must be necessarily changed at a fixed epoch, though the
+successor be not pointed out in any particular order, but comes in
+by free election. By the term rotation in office, then, we mean an
+obligation on the holder of that office to go out at a certain period.
+In our first Confederation, the principle of rotation was established
+in the office of President of Congress, who could serve but one year in
+three, and in that of a member of Congress, who could serve but three
+years in six.
+
+I believe all the countries in Europe determine their standard of money,
+in gold as well as silver. Thus, the laws of England direct that a pound
+Troy of gold, of twenty-two carats fine, shall be cut into forty-four
+and a half guineas, each of which shall be worth twenty-one and a
+half shillings, that is, into 956 3/4 shillings. This establishes the
+shilling at 5.518 grains of pure gold. They direct that a pound of
+silver, consisting of 11 1/10 ounces of pure silver, and 9/10 of an
+ounce alloy, shall be cut into sixty-two shillings. This establishes
+the shilling at 85.93 grains of pure silver, and, consequently, the
+proportion of gold to silver as 85.93 to 5.518, or as 15.57 to 1. If
+this be the true proportion between the value of gold and silver at the
+general market of Europe, then the value of the shilling, depending
+on two standards, is the same, whether a payment be made in gold or
+in silver. But if the proportion at the general market of Europe be as
+fifteen to one, then the Englishman who owes a pound weight of gold
+at Amsterdam, if he sends the pound of gold to pay it, sends 1043.72
+shillings; if he sends fifteen pounds of silver, he sends only 1030.5
+shillings; if he pays half in gold and half in silver, he pays only
+1037.11 shillings. And this medium between the two standards of gold
+and silver, we must consider as furnishing the true medium value of
+the shilling. If the parliament should now order the pound of gold (of
+one-twelfth alloy as before) to be cut into a thousand shillings instead
+of nine hundred and fifty-six and three fourths, leaving the silver as
+it is, the medium or true value of the shilling would suffer a change of
+half the difference; and in the case before stated, to pay a debt of a
+pound weight of gold, at Amsterdam, if he sent the pound weight of gold,
+he would send 1090.9 shillings; if he sent fifteen pounds of silver,
+he would send 1030.5 shillings; if half in gold and half in silver,
+he would send 1060.7 shillings; which shows, that this parliamentary
+operation would reduce the value of the shilling in the proportion of
+1060.7 to 1037.11.
+
+Now this is exactly the effect of the late change in the quantity of
+gold contained in your louis. Your _marc d'argent fin_ is cut into 53.45
+livres (fifty-three livres and nine sous), the _marc de l'or fin_
+was cut, heretofore, by law, into 784.6 livres (seven hundred and
+eighty-four livres and twelve sous); gold was to silver, then, as 14.63
+to 1. And if this was different from the proportion at the markets of
+Europe, the true value of your livre stood half way between the two
+standards. By the ordinance of October the 30th, 1785, the marc of pure
+gold has been cut into 828.6 livres. If your standard had been in gold
+alone, this would have reduced the value of the livre, in the proportion
+of 828.6 to 784.6. But as you had a standard of silver as well as gold,
+the true standard is the medium between the two; consequently, the value
+of the livre is reduced only one half the difference, that is, as 806.6
+to 784.6, which is very nearly three per cent. Commerce, however, has
+made a difference of four per cent., the average value of the pound
+sterling, formerly twenty-four livres, being now twenty-five livres.
+Perhaps some other circumstance has occasioned an addition of one per
+cent, to the change of your standard.
+
+I fear I have tired you by these details. I did not mean to be so
+lengthy when I began. I beg you to consider them as an appeal to your
+judgment, which I value, and from which I will expect a correction, if
+they are wrong.
+
+I have the honor to be, with very great esteem and attachment, Dear Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXCVI.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, May 6,1789
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Paris, May 6,1789.
+
+My Dear Friend,
+
+As it becomes more and more possible that the _Noblesse_ will go
+wrong, I become uneasy for you. Your principles are decidedly with the
+_Tiers-Etat_, and your instructions against them. A complaisance to the
+latter on some occasions, and an adherence to the former on others, may
+give an appearance of trimming between the two parties, which may lose
+you both. You will, in the end, go over wholly to the _Tiers-Etat_,
+because it will be impossible for you to live in a constant sacrifice of
+your own sentiments to the prejudices of the _Noblesse_. But you would
+be received by the _Tiers-Etat_, at any future day, coldly, and without
+confidence. This appears to me the moment to take at once that honest
+and manly stand with them, which your own principles dictate. This will
+win their hearts for ever, be approved by the world, which marks and
+honors you as the man of the people, and will be an eternal consolation
+to yourself. The _Noblesse_, and especially the _Noblesse of Auvergne_,
+will always prefer men who will do their dirty work for them. You are
+not made for that. They will therefore soon drop you, and the people, in
+that case, will perhaps not take you up. Suppose a scission should take
+place. The Priests and Nobles will secede, the nation will remain in
+place, and, with the King, will do its own business. If violence should
+be attempted, where will you be? You cannot then take side with the
+people in opposition to your own vote, that very vote which will have
+helped to produce the scission. Still less can you array yourself
+against the people. That is impossible. Your instructions are indeed
+a difficulty. But to state this at its worst, it is only a single
+difficulty, which a single effort surmounts. Your instructions can never
+embarrass you a second time, whereas an acquiescence under them will
+re-produce greater difficulties every day, and without end. Besides, a
+thousand circumstances offer as many justifications of your departure
+from your instructions. Will it be impossible to persuade all parties,
+that (as for good legislation two Houses are necessary) the placing
+the privileged classes together in one House, and the unprivileged in
+another, would be better for both than a scission? I own I think it
+would. People can never agree without some sacrifices; and it appears
+but a moderate sacrifice in each party, to meet on this middle ground.
+The attempt to bring this about might satisfy your instructions, and a
+failure in it would justify your siding with the people, even to those
+who think instructions are laws of conduct. Forgive me, my dear friend,
+if my anxiety for you makes me talk of things I know nothing about.
+You must not consider this as advice. I know you and myself too well
+to presume to offer advice. Receive it merely as the expression of my
+uneasiness, and the effusion of that sincere friendship, with which I
+am, my dear Sir, yours affectionately,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXCVII.--TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL, May 8, 1789
+
+
+TO WILLIAM CARMICHAEL.
+
+Paris, May 8, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your favor of January the 26th, to March the 27th, is duly received, and
+I thank you for the interesting papers it contained. The answer of
+Don Ulloa, however, on the subject of the canal through the American
+isthmus, was not among them, though mentioned to be so. If you have
+omitted it through accident, I shall thank you for it at some future
+occasion, as I wish much to understand that subject thoroughly. Our
+American information comes down to the 16th of March. There had not yet
+been members enough assembled of the new Congress, to open the tickets.
+They expected to do it in a day or two. In the mean time, it was said
+from all the States, that their vote had been unanimous for General
+Washington, and a good majority in favor of Mr. Adams, who is certainly,
+therefore, Vice-President. The new government would be supported by very
+cordial and very general dispositions in its favor from the people. I
+have not yet seen a list of the new Congress. This delay in the meeting
+of the new government has delayed the determination on my petition for
+leave of absence. However, I expect to receive it every day, and am in
+readiness to sail the instant I receive it, so that this is probably
+the last letter I shall write you hence, till my return. While there,
+I shall avail government of the useful information I have received from
+you, and shall not fail to profit of any good occasion which may occur,
+to show the difference between your real situation, and what it ought to
+be. I consider Paris and Madrid as the two only points, at which Europe
+and America should touch closely, and that a connection at these points
+should be fostered.
+
+We have had in this city a very considerable riot, in which about one
+hundred people have been probably killed. It was the most unprovoked,
+and is therefore, justly, the most unpitied catastrophe of that kind
+I ever knew. Nor did the wretches know what they wanted, except to do
+mischief. It seems to have had no particular connection with the great
+national question now in agitation. The want of bread is very seriously
+dreaded through the whole kingdom. Between twenty and thirty ship-loads
+of wheat and flour has already arrived from the United States, and there
+will be about the same quantity of rice sent from Charleston to this
+country directly, of which about half has arrived. I presume that,
+between wheat and rice, one hundred ship-loads may be counted on in the
+whole from us. Paris consumes about a ship-load a day, (say two hundred
+and fifty tons.) The total supply of the West Indies, for this year,
+rests with us, and there is almost a famine in Canada and Nova Scotia.
+The States General were opened the day before yesterday. Viewing it as
+an opera, it was imposing; as a scene of business, the King's speech was
+exactly what it should have been, and very well delivered; not a word
+of the Chancellor's was heard by any body, so that, as yet, I have never
+heard a single guess at what it was about. Mr. Necker's was as good as
+such a number of details would permit it to be. The picture of their
+resources was consoling, and generally plausible. I could have wished
+him to have dwelt more on those great constitutional reformations, which
+his _Rapport au Roy_ had prepared us to expect. But they observe, that
+these points are proper for the speech of the Chancellor. We are in
+hopes, therefore, they were in that speech, which, like the Revelations
+of St. John, were no revelations at all. The _Noblesse_, on coming
+together, show that they are not as much reformed in their principles
+as we had hoped they would be. In fact, there is real danger of their
+totally refusing to vote by persons. Some found hopes on the lower
+clergy, which constitute four-fifths of the deputies of that order. If
+they do not turn the balance in favor of the _Tiers-Etat_, there is
+real danger of a scission. But I shall not consider even that event
+as rendering things desperate. If the King will do business with the
+_Tiers-Etat_, which constitutes the nation, it may be well done without
+Priests or Nobles. From the best information I can obtain, the King
+of England's madness has terminated in an imbecility, which may very
+possibly be of long continuance. He is going with his Queen to Germany.
+England chained to rest, the other parts of Europe may recover or retain
+tranquillity.
+
+I have the honor to be, with great and sincere esteem, Dear Sir, your
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson..
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXCVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, May 9, 1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, May 9, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+Since my letter of March the 1st, by the way of Havre, and those of
+March the 12th and 15th, by the way of London, no opportunity of writing
+has occurred, till the present to London.
+
+There are no symptoms of accommodation between the Turks and two
+empires, nor between Russia and Sweden. The Emperor was, on the 16th of
+the last month, expected to die, certainly; he was, however, a little
+better when the last news came away, so that hopes were entertained of
+him; but it is agreed that he cannot get the better of his complaints
+ultimately, so that his life is not at all counted on. The Danes
+profess, as yet, to do no more against Sweden than furnish their
+stipulated aid. The agitation of Poland is still violent, though
+somewhat moderated by the late change in the demeanor of the King of
+Prussia. He is much less thrasonic than he was. This is imputed to the
+turn which the English politics may be rationally expected to take. It
+is very difficult to get at the true state of the British King j but
+from the best information we can get, his madness has gone off, but he
+is left in a state of imbecility and melancholy. They are going to carry
+him to Hanover, to see whether such a journey may relieve him. The Queen
+accompanies him. If England. should, by this accident, be reduced to
+inactivity, the southern countries of Europe may escape the present
+war. Upon the whole, the prospect for the present year, if no unforeseen
+accident happens, is certain peace for the powers not already engaged,
+a probability that Denmark will not become a principal, and a mere
+possibility that Sweden and Russia may be accommodated. The interior
+disputes of Sweden are so exactly detailed in the Leyden gazette, that I
+have nothing to add on that subject.
+
+The revolution of this country has advanced thus far without
+encountering any thing which deserves to be called a difficulty. There
+have been riots in a few instances, in three or four different places,
+in which there may have been a dozen or twenty lives lost. The exact
+truth is not be got at. A few days ago, a much more serious riot took
+place in this city, in which it became necessary for the troops to
+engage in regular action with the mob, and probably about one hundred of
+the latter were killed. Accounts vary from twenty to two hundred. They
+were the most abandoned banditti of Paris, and never was a riot more
+unprovoked and unpitied. They began, under a pretence that a paper
+manufacturer had proposed in an assembly, to reduce their wages to
+fifteen sous a day. They rifled his house, destroyed every thing in his
+magazines and shops, and were only stopped in their career of mischief,
+by the carnage above mentioned. Neither this nor any other of the riots,
+have had a professed connection with the great national reformation
+going on. They are such as have happened every year since I have been
+here, and as will continue to be produced by common incidents. The
+States General were opened on the 4th instant, by a speech from the
+throne, one by the _Garde des Sceaux_, and one from Mr. Necker. I hope
+they will be printed in time to send you herewith: lest they should not,
+I will observe, that that of Mr, Necker stated the real and ordinary
+deficit to be fifty-six millions, and that he showed that this could
+be made up without a new tax, by economies and bonifications which he
+specified. Several articles of the latter are liable to the objection,
+that they are proposed on branches of the revenue, of which the nation
+has demanded a suppression. He tripped too lightly over the great
+articles of constitutional reformation, these being not as clearly
+announced in this discourse as they were in his _Rapport au Roy_, which
+I sent you some time ago. On the whole, his discourse has not satisfied
+the patriotic party. It is now, for the first time, that their
+revolution is likely to receive a serious check, and begins to wear a
+fearful appearance. The progress of light and liberality in the order
+of the _Noblesse_ has equalled expectation in Paris only, and its
+vicinities. The great mass of deputies of that order, which come from
+the country, show that the habits of tyranny over the people, are
+deeply rooted in them. They will consent, indeed, to equal taxation; but
+five-sixths of that chamber are thought to be, decidedly, for voting
+by orders; so that, had this great preliminary question rested on this
+body, which formed heretofore the sole hope, that hope would have been
+completely disappointed. Some aid, however, comes in from a quarter
+whence none was expected. It was imagined the ecclesiastical elections
+would have been generally in favor of the higher clergy; on the
+contrary, the lower clergy have obtained five-sixths of these
+deputations. These are the sons of peasants, who have done all the
+drudgery of the service, for ten, twenty, and thirty guineas a year, and
+whose oppressions and penury, contrasted with the pride and luxury of
+the higher clergy, have rendered them perfectly disposed to humble the
+latter. They have done it, in many instances, with a boldness they were
+thought insusceptible of. Great hopes have been formed, that these would
+concur with the _Tiers-Etat_, in voting by persons. In fact, about half
+of them seem as yet so disposed; but the bishops are intriguing, and
+drawing them over with the address which has ever marked ecclesiastical
+intrigue. The deputies of the _Tiers-Etat_ seem, almost to a man,
+inflexibly determined against the vote by orders. This is the state of
+parties, as well as can be judged from conversation only, during the
+fortnight they have been now together. But as no business has been yet
+begun, no votes as yet taken, this calculation cannot be considered
+as sure. A middle proposition is talked of, to form the two privileged
+orders into one chamber. It is thought more possible to bring them
+into it, than the _Tiers-Etat_. Another proposition is, to distinguish
+questions, referring those of certain descriptions to a vote by persons,
+others to a vote by orders. This seems to admit of endless altercation,
+and the _Tiers-Etat_ manifest no respect for that, or any other
+modification whatever. Were this single question accommodated, I am of
+opinion, there would not occur the least difficulty in the great and
+essential points of constitutional reformation. But on this preliminary
+question the parties are so irreconcilable, that it is impossible to
+foresee what issue it will have. The _Tiers-Etat_, as constituting the
+nation, may propose to do the business of the nation, either with or
+without the minorities in the Houses of Clergy and Nobles, which side
+with them. In that case, if the King should agree to it, the majorities
+in those two Houses would secede, and might resist the tax-gatherers.
+This would bring on a civil war. On the other hand, the privileged
+orders, offering to submit to equal taxation, may propose to the King
+to continue the government in its former train, resuming to himself
+the power of taxation. Here, the tax-gatherers might be resisted by
+the people. In fine, it is but too possible, that between parties so
+animated, the King may incline the balance as he pleases. Happy that he
+is an honest, unambitious man, who desires neither money nor power for
+himself; and that his most operative minister, though he has appeared to
+trim a little, is still, in the main, a friend to public liberty.
+
+I mentioned to you in a former letter, the construction which
+our bankers at Amsterdam had put on the resolution of Congress,
+appropriating the last Dutch loan, by which the money for our captives
+would not be furnished till the end of the year 1790. Orders from the
+board of treasury have now settled this question. The interest of
+the next month is to be first paid, and after that, the money for the
+captives and foreign officers is to be furnished, before any other
+payment of interest. This insures it when the next February interest
+becomes payable. My representations to them, on account of the contracts
+I had entered into for making the medals, have produced from them the
+money for that object, which is lodged in the hands of Mr. Grand.
+
+Mr. Necker, in his discourse, proposes among his bonifications of
+revenue, the suppression of our two free ports of Bayonne and L'Orient,
+which, he says, occasion a loss of six hundred thousand livres annually,
+to the crown, by contraband. (The speech being not yet printed, I state
+this only as it struck my ear when he delivered it. If I have mistaken
+it, I beg you to receive this as my apology, and to consider what
+follows, as written on that idea only.) I have never been able to see
+that these free ports were worth one copper to us. To Bayonne our trade
+never went, and it is leaving L'Orient. Besides, the right of _entrepot_
+is a perfect substitute for the right of free port. The latter is a
+little less troublesome only, to the merchants and captains. I should
+think, therefore, that a thing so useless to us and prejudicial to them
+might be relinquished by us, on the common principles of friendship.
+I know the merchants of these ports will make a clamor, because the
+franchise covers their contraband with all the world. Has Monsieur
+de Moustier said any thing to you on this subject? It has never been
+mentioned to me. If not mentioned in either way, it is rather an
+indecent proceeding, considering that this right of free port is founded
+in treaty. I shall ask of M. de Montmorin, on the first occasion,
+whether he has communicated this to you through his minister; and if he
+has not, I will endeavor to notice the infraction to him in such manner,
+as neither to reclaim nor abandon the right of free port, but leave our
+government free to do either.
+
+The gazettes of France and Leyden, as usual, will accompany this. I am
+in hourly expectation of receiving from you my leave of absence, and
+keep my affairs so arranged, that I can leave Paris within eight days
+after receiving the permission.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble
+
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CXCIX.--TO GENERAL WASHINGTON, May 10, 1780
+
+
+TO GENERAL WASHINGTON.
+
+Paris, May 10, 1780,
+
+Sir,
+
+I am now to acknowledge, the honor of your two letters of November the
+27th and February the 13th, both of which have come to hand since my
+last to you of December the 4th and 5th. The details you are so good as
+to give me on the subject of the navigation of the waters of the Potomac
+and Ohio, are very pleasing to me, as I consider the union of those two
+rivers, as among the strongest links of connection between the eastern
+and western sides of our confederacy. It will, moreover, add to the
+commerce of Virginia, in particular, all the upper parts of the Ohio and
+its waters. Another vast object, and of much less difficulty, is to add
+also, all the country on the lakes and their waters. This would enlarge
+our field immensely, and would certainly be effected by an union of
+the upper waters of the Ohio and lake Erie. The Big Beaver and Cayahoga
+offer the most direct line, and according to information I received from
+General Hand, and which I had the honor of writing you in the year 1783,
+the streams in that neighborhood head in lagoons, and the country is
+flat. With respect to the doubts which you say are entertained by
+some, whether the upper waters of Potomac can be rendered capable of
+navigation, on account of the falls and rugged banks, they are answered,
+by observing, that it is reduced to a maxim, that whenever there is
+water enough to float a batteau, there may be navigation for a batteau.
+Canals and locks may be necessary, and they are expensive; but I
+hardly know what expense would be too great for the object in question.
+Probably, negotiation with the Indians, perhaps even settlement, must
+precede the execution of the Cayahoga canal. The States of Maryland
+and Virginia should make a common object of it. The navigation, again,
+between Elizabeth River and the Sound is of vast importance, and in
+my opinion, it is much better that these should be done at public than
+private expense.
+
+Though we have not heard of the actual opening of the new Congress,
+and consequently, have not official information of your election as
+President of the United States, yet, as there never could be a doubt
+entertained of it, permit me to express here my felicitations, not
+to yourself, but to my country. Nobody who has tried both public and
+private life, can doubt but that you were much happier on the banks of
+the Potomac than you will be at New York. But there was nobody so well
+qualified as yourself, to put our new machine into a regular course of
+action; nobody, the authority of whose name could have so effectually
+crushed opposition at home, and produced respect abroad. I am sensible
+of the immensity of the sacrifice on your part. Your measure of fame was
+full to the brim; and therefore, you have nothing to gain. But there are
+cases wherein it is a duty to risk all against nothing, and I believe
+this was exactly the case. We may presume, too, according to every rule
+of probability, that after doing a great deal of good, you will be found
+to have lost nothing but private repose.
+
+In a letter to Mr. Jay, of the 19th of November, I asked a leave of
+absence to carry my children back to their own country, and to settle
+various matters of a private nature, which were left unsettled, because
+I had no idea of being absent so long. I expected that letter would have
+been received in time to be decided on by the government then existing.
+I know now that it would arrive when there was no Congress, and
+consequently, that if must have awaited your arrival at New York. I hope
+you found the request not an unreasonable one. I am excessively anxious
+to receive the permission without delay, that I may be able to get back
+before the winter sets in. Nothing can be so dreadful to me, as to be
+shivering at sea for two or three months, in a winter passage. Besides,
+there has never been a moment at which the presence of a minister here
+could be so well dispensed with, from certainty of no war this summer,
+and that the government will be so totally absorbed in domestic
+arrangements, as to attend to nothing exterior. Mr. Jay will, of course,
+communicate to you some ciphered letters lately written, and one of
+this date. My public letter to him contains all the interesting public
+details. I enclose with the present, some extracts of a letter from Mr.
+Paine, which he desired me to communicate: your knowledge of the writer
+will justify my giving you the trouble of these communications, which
+their interesting nature and his respectability will jointly recommend
+to notice. I am in great pain for the Marquis de la Fayette. His
+principles, you know, are clearly with the people; but having been
+elected for the _Noblesse_ of Auvergne, they have laid him under express
+instructions to vote for the decision by orders and not persons. This
+would ruin him with the _Tiers-Etat_, and it is not possible he could
+continue long to give satisfaction to the _Noblesse_. I have not
+hesitated to press on him to burn his instructions, and follow his
+conscience as the only sure clue, which will eternally guide a man clear
+of all doubts and inconsistencies. If he cannot effect a conciliatory
+plan, he will surely take his stand manfully at once with the
+_Tiers-Etat_. He will in that case be what he pleases with them, and
+I am in hopes that base is now too solid to render it dangerous to be
+mounted on it. In hopes of being able, in the course of the summer, to
+pay my respects to you personally in New York, I have the honor to be,
+with sentiments of the most perfect respect and attachment, Sir, your
+most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+     [Extract of the letter from Thomas Paine, referred to in the
+     preceding, to General Washington.]
+
+'London, March the 12th, 1789. I do not think it is worth while for
+Congress to appoint any minister at this court. The greater distance
+Congress observes on this point, the better. It will be all money thrown
+away to go to any expense about it, at least during the present reign. I
+know the nation well, and the line of acquaintance I am in enables me
+to judge better on this matter than any other American can judge,
+especially at a distance. I believe I am not so much in the good
+graces of the Marquis of Lansdowne as I used to be. I do not answer his
+purpose. He was always talking of a sort of re-connection of England
+and America, and my coldness and reserve on this subject checked
+communication. I believe he would be a good minister for England, with
+respect to a better agreement with France.'
+
+(Same letter continued) 'April 10. The acts for regulating the trade
+with America are to be continued as last year. A paper from the Privy
+Council respecting the American fly is before parliament. I had some
+conversation with Sir Joseph Banks upon this subject, as he was the
+person whom the Privy Council referred to. I told him that the Hessian
+fly attacked only the green plant, and did not exist in the dry grain.
+He said, that with respect to the Hessian fly they had no apprehension,
+but it was the weevil they alluded to. I told him the weevil had always,
+more or less, been in the wheat countries of America, and that if the
+prohibition was on that account, it was as necessary fifty or sixty
+years ago as now; that I believed it was only a political manoeuvre of
+the ministry to please the landed interest, as a balance for prohibiting
+the exportation of wool, to please the manufacturing interest. He did
+not reply, and as we are on very sociable terms, I went farther, by
+saying, the English ought not to complain of the non-payment of debts
+from America, while they prohibit the means of payment. I suggest to you
+a thought on this subject.
+
+The debts due before the war ought to be distinguished from the debts
+contracted since, and all and every mode of payment and remittance under
+which they might have been discharged at the time they were contracted,
+ought to accompany those debts so long as any of them shall continue
+unpaid, because the circumstances of payment became united with the
+debt, and cannot be separated by subsequent acts of one side only. If
+this was taken up in America, and insisted on as a right coeval
+with, and inseparable from those debts, it would force some of the
+restrictions here to give way. While writing this, I am informed that
+the minister has had a conference with some of the American creditors,
+and proposed to them to assume the debts, and give them ten shillings
+in the pound. The conjecture is, that he means, when the new Congress
+is established, to demand the payment. If you are writing to General
+Washington, it may not be amiss to mention this, and if I hear further
+on this matter, I will inform you. But as, being a money matter, it
+cannot come forward but through parliament; there will be notice given
+of the business. This would be a proper time to show that the British
+acts since the peace militate against the payment, by narrowing
+the means by which those debts might have been paid when they were
+contracted, and which ought to be considered as constituent parts of the
+contract.'
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CC.--TO JAMES MADISON, May 11,1789
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, May 11,1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+My last to you was of the 15th of March. I am now in hourly expectation
+of receiving my leave of absence. The delay of it a little longer will
+endanger the throwing my return into the winter, the very idea of which
+is horror itself to me. I am in hopes this is the last letter I shall
+have the pleasure of writing you before my departure.
+
+The madness of the King of England has gone off, but left him in a state
+of imbecility and melancholy. They talk of carrying him to Hanover. If
+they do, it will be a proof he does not mend, and that they take that
+measure, to authorize them to establish a regency. But if he grows
+better, they will perhaps keep him at home, to avoid the question, Who
+shall be regent? As that country cannot be relied on in the present
+state of its executive, the King of Prussia has become more moderate; he
+throws cold water on the fermentation he had excited in Poland. The King
+of Sweden will act as nobody, not even himself, can foresee; because he
+acts from the caprice of the moment, and because the discontents of
+his army and nobles may throw him under internal difficulties, while
+struggling with external ones. Denmark will probably only furnish
+its stipulated aid to Russia. France is fully occupied with internal
+arrangements. So that, on the whole, the prospect of this summer is,
+that the war will continue between the powers actually engaged in the
+close of the last campaign, and extend to no others; certainly it will
+not extend, this year, to the southern States of Europe. The revolution
+of France has gone on with the most unexampled success, hitherto. There
+have been some mobs, occasioned by the want of bread, in different parts
+of the kingdom, in which there may have been some lives lost; perhaps a
+dozen or twenty. These had no professed connection, generally, with the
+constitutional revolution. A more serious riot happened lately in Paris,
+in which about one hundred of the mob were killed. This execution has
+been universally approved, as they seemed to have no view but mischief
+and plunder. But the meeting of the States General presents serious
+difficulties, which it had been hoped the progress of reason would have
+enabled them to get over. The nobility of and about Paris have come
+over, as was expected, to the side of the people, in the great question
+of voting by persons or orders. This had induced a presumption, that
+those of the country were making the same progress, and these form the
+great mass of the deputies of that order. But they are found to be where
+they were centuries ago, as to their disposition to keep distinct from
+the people, and even to tyrannize over them. They agree, indeed, to
+abandon their pecuniary privileges. The clergy seem at present much
+divided. Five-sixths of that representation consists of the lower
+clergy, who, being the sons of the peasantry, are very well with the
+_Tiers-Etat_. But the Bishops are intriguing, and drawing them over
+daily. The _Tiers-Etat_ is so firm to vote by persons or to go home,
+that it is impossible to conjecture what will be the result. This is the
+state of parties, as well as we can conjecture from the conversation of
+the members; for as yet no vote has been given, which will enable us to
+calculate on certain ground.
+
+Having formerly written to you on the subject of our finances, I enclose
+you now an abstract of a paper on that subject, which Gouverneur Morris
+communicated to me. You will be a better judge of its merit than I am.
+It seems to me worthy good attention.
+
+I have a box of books packed for you, which I shall carry to Havre,
+and send by any ship bound to New York or Philadelphia. I have been so
+inexact, as to take no list of them before nailing up the box. Be so
+good as to do this, and I will take with me my bookseller's account,
+which will enable us to make a statement of them. They are chiefly
+_Encyclopedies_, from the 23rd to the 30th _livraison_. Paul Jones has
+desired me to send to yourself and Colonel Carrington each, his bust.
+They are packed together in the same box. There are three other boxes,
+with two in each, for other gentlemen. I shall send them all together,
+and take the liberty of addressing them to you. I rejoice extremely to
+hear you are elected, in spite of all cabals. I fear your post will not
+permit me to see you but in New York, and consequently for a short time
+only. I shall much regret this.
+
+I am, with sentiments of sincere attachment and respect, Dear Sir, your
+friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCI.--TO MONSIEUR DE PONTIERE, May 17, 1789
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR DE PONTIERE.
+
+Paris, May 17, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+I am honored with your letter of the 6th instant, and am sincerely sorry
+that you should experience inconveniences for the want of the arrearages
+due to you from the United States. I have never ceased to take every
+measure, which could promise to procure to the foreign officers the
+payment of these arrears. At present the matter stands thus. Congress
+have agreed to borrow a sum of money in Holland, to enable them to pay
+the individual demands in Europe. They have given orders that these
+arrearages shall be paid out of this money, when borrowed, and certain
+bankers in Amsterdam are charged to borrow the money. I am myself of
+opinion, they will certainly procure the money in the course of the
+present year; but it is not for me to affirm this, nor to make any
+engagement. The moment the money is ready, it shall be made known
+to Colonel Gourion, who, at the desire of many of the officers, has
+undertaken to communicate with me on the subject, and to inform them,
+from time to time, of the progress of this business. He will readily
+answer your letters on this subject. I depart in a few days for America,
+but shall leave such instructions here, as that this matter will suffer
+no delay on that account.
+
+I have the honor to be. Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCII.--TO MR. VAUGHAN, May 17, 1789
+
+
+TO MR. VAUGHAN.
+
+Paris, May 17, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I am to acknowledge, all together, the receipt of your favors of March
+the 17th, 26th, and May the 7th, and to return you abundant thanks for
+your attention to the article of dry rice, and the parcel of seeds you
+sent me. This is interesting, because, even should it not take place
+of the wet rice, in South Carolina, it will enable us to cultivate this
+grain in Virginia, where we have not lands disposed for the wet rice.
+The collection of the works of Monsieur de Poivre has not, as I believe,
+been ever published. It could hardly have escaped my knowledge, if they
+had been ever announced. The French translation of the book on trade has
+not yet come to my hands. Whenever I receive the copies, they shall be
+distributed, and principally among the members of the _Etats Generaux_.
+I doubt whether, at this session, they will take up the subject of
+commerce. Whenever they do, they will find better principles no where
+than in that book. I spoke with Mr. Stewart yesterday on the subject of
+the distribution, and if I should be gone before the books come to
+hand, he will execute the commission. Your nation is very far from the
+liberality that treatise inculcates. The proposed regulation on the
+subject of our wheat is one proof. The prohibition of it in England
+would, of itself, be of no great moment, because I do not know that
+it is much sent there. But it is the publishing a libel on our wheat,
+sanctioned with the name of parliament, and which can have no object but
+to do us injury, by spreading a groundless alarm in those countries of
+Europe where our wheat is constantly and kindly received. It is a mere
+assassination. If the insect they pretend to fear, be the Hessian fly,
+it never existed in the grain. If it be the weevil, our grain always
+had that; and the experience of a century has proved, that either the
+climate of England is not warm enough to hatch the egg and continue the
+race, or that some other unknown cause prevents any evil from it. How
+different from this spirit, my dear Sir, has been your readiness to help
+us to the dry rice, to communicate to us the bread tree, &tc. Will any
+of our climates admit the cultivation of the latter? I am too little
+acquainted with it to judge. I learn that your newspapers speak of the
+death of Ledyard, at Grand Cairo. I am anxious to know whether there be
+foundation for this. I have not yet had time to try the execution of
+the wood hygrometer proposed by Dr. Franklin. Though I have most of the
+articles ready made, I doubt now whether I shall be able to do it before
+my departure for America, the permission for which I expect every hour;
+and I shall go off the instant I receive it. While there, I shall have
+the pleasure of seeing your father and friends. I expect to return in
+the fall.
+
+In the mean time, I have the honor to be, with very great esteem and
+respect, Dear Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCIII.--TO THOMAS PAINE, May 19,1789
+
+TO THOMAS PAINE.
+
+Paris, May 19,1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your favors of February the 16th to April the 13th, and of May the 3rd
+and 10th, are received; and the two last are sent to Mr. Leroy, who will
+communicate them to the Academy.
+
+You know that the States General have met, and probably have seen
+the speeches at the opening of them. The three orders sit in distinct
+chambers. The great question, whether they shall vote by orders or
+persons can never be surmounted amicably. It has not yet been proposed
+in form; but the votes which have been taken on the outworks of that
+question show, that the _Tiers-Etat_ are unanimous, a good majority
+of the Clergy (consisting of the _Cures_) disposed to side with the
+_Tiers-Etat_, and in the chamber of the _Noblesse_ there are only
+fifty-four in that sentiment, against one hundred and ninety, who are
+for voting by orders. Committees to find means of conciliation are
+appointed by each chamber; but conciliation is impossible. Some think
+the Nobles could be induced to unite themselves with the higher Clergy
+into one House, the lower Clergy and _Tiers-Etat_ forming another. But
+the _Tiers-Etat_ are immovable. They are not only firm, but a little
+disdainful. The question is, what will ensue? One idea is to separate,
+in order to consult again their constituents, and to take new
+instructions. This would be doing nothing, for the same instructions
+would be repeated; and what, in the mean time, is to become of a
+government absolutely without money, and which cannot be kept in motion
+with less than a million of livres a day? The more probable expectation
+is as follows. As soon as it shall become evident, that no amicable
+determination of the manner of voting can take place, the _Tiers-Etat_
+will send an invitation to the two other orders, to come and take their
+places in the common chamber. A majority of the Clergy will go, and the
+minority of the Noblesse. The chamber thus composed, will declare that
+the States General are constituted, will notify it to the King, and
+that they are ready to proceed to business. If the King refuses to do
+business with them, and adheres to the Nobles, the common chamber will
+declare all taxes at an end, will form a declaration of rights, and
+do such other acts as the circumstances will permit, and go home. The
+tax-gatherers will then be resisted, and it may well be doubted whether
+the soldiery and their officers will not divide, as the _Tiers-Etat_ and
+Nobles. But it is more likely that the King will agree to do business
+with the States General, so constituted, professing that the necessities
+of the moment force this, and that he means to negotiate (as they go
+along) a reconciliation between the seceding members, and those which
+remain. If the matter takes this turn, there may be small troubles and
+ebullitions excited by the seceding _Noblesse_ and higher Clergy; but no
+serious difficulty can arise. M. de Lamoignon, the _Garde des Sceaux_ of
+the last year, has shot himself. The Emperor's complaint is pulmonary,
+and incurable. The Grand Seignior is dead; his successor, young and
+warlike. I congratulate you sincerely on the success of your bridge.
+I was sure of it before from theory: yet one likes to be assured from
+practice also. I am anxious to see how Mr. Rumsey's experiment succeeds.
+
+May the 21st. I have this moment received a letter from Ledyard, dated
+Cairo, November the 15th. He therein says, 'I am doing up my baggage,
+and most curious baggage it is, and I leave Cairo in two or three days.
+I travel from hence southwest, about three hundred leagues, to a
+black King: there my present conductors leave me to my fate. Beyond, I
+suppose, I go alone. I expect to hit the continent across, between
+the parallels of twelve and twenty degrees north latitude. I shall,
+if possible, write you from the kingdom of this black gentleman.' This
+seems to contradict the story of his having died at Cairo, in January,
+as he was then, probably, in the interior parts of Africa. If Sir Joseph
+Banks has no news from him later than the letter of September, it may
+do him pleasure, if you will communicate the above. If he or any other
+person knows whether there is any foundation for the story of his
+death, I will thank you to inform me of it. My letter being to go off
+to-morrow, I shall only add assurances of the esteem and respect, with
+which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCIV.--TO MONSIEUR DE ST. ETIENNE, June 3, 1789
+
+
+TO MONSIEUR DE ST. ETIENNE.
+
+Paris, June 3, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+After you quitted us yesterday evening, we continued our conversation
+(Monsieur de la Fayette, Mr. Short, and myself) on the subject of the
+difficulties which environ you. The desirable object being to secure
+the good which the King has offered, and to avoid the ill which seems to
+threaten, an idea was suggested, which appearing to make an impression
+on Monsieur de la Fayette, I was encouraged to pursue it on my return
+to Paris, to put it into form, and now to send it to you and him. It is
+this; that the King, in a _seance royale_, should come forward with
+a Charter of Rights in his hand, to be signed by himself and by every
+member of the three orders. This charter to contain the five great
+points which the _Resultat_ of December offered on the part of the King;
+the abolition of pecuniary privileges offered by the privileged orders,
+and the adoption of the national debt, and a grant of the sum of money
+asked from the nation. This last will be a cheap price for the preceding
+articles; and let the same act declare your immediate separation till
+the next anniversary meeting. You will carry back to your constituents
+more good than ever was effected before without violence, and you will
+stop exactly at the point where violence would otherwise begin. Time
+will be gained, the public mind will continue to ripen and to be
+informed, a basis of support may be prepared with the people themselves,
+and expedients occur for gaining still something further at your next
+meeting, and for stopping again at the point of force. I have ventured
+to send yourself and Monsieur de la Fayette a sketch of my ideas of
+what this act might contain, without endangering any dispute. But it is
+offered merely as a canvass for you to work on, if it be fit to work on
+at all. I know too little of the subject, and you know too much of it,
+to justify me in offering any thing but a hint. I have done it, too, in
+a hurry: insomuch, that since committing it to writing, it occurs to
+me that the fifth article may give alarm; that it is in a good degree
+included in the fourth, and is, therefore, useless. But after all,
+what excuse can I make, Sir, for this presumption. I have none but an
+unmeasurable love for your nation, and a painful anxiety lest despotism,
+after an unaccepted offer to bind its own hands, should seize you again
+with tenfold fury. Permit me to add to these, very sincere assurances of
+the sentiments of esteem and respect, with which I have the honor to be,
+Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+     [The annexed is the Charter accompanying the preceding letter.]
+
+
+
+A Charter of Rights, solemnly established by the King and Nation.
+
+1. The States General shall assemble, uncalled, on the first day of
+November, annually, and shall remain together so long as they shall
+see cause. They shall regulate their own elections and proceedings, and
+until they shall ordain otherwise, their elections shall be in the forms
+observed in the present year, and shall be triennial.
+
+2. The States General alone shall levy money on the nation, and shall
+appropriate it.
+
+3. Laws shall be made by the States General only, with the consent of
+the King.
+
+4. No person shall be restrained of his liberty, but by regular process
+from a court of justice, authorized by a general law. (Except that a
+Noble may be imprisoned by order of a court of justice, on the prayer
+of twelve of his nearest relations.) On complaint of an unlawful
+imprisonment, to any judge whatever, he shall have the prisoner
+immediately brought before him, and shall discharge him, if his
+imprisonment be unlawful. The officer, in whose custody the prisoner is,
+shall obey the orders of the judge; and both judge and officer shall be
+responsible, civilly and criminally, for a failure of duty herein.
+
+5. The military shall be subordinate to the civil authority.
+
+7. Printers shall be liable to legal prosecution for printing and
+publishing false facts, injurious to the party prosecuting; but they
+shall be under no other restraint.
+
+7. All pecuniary privileges and exemptions, enjoyed by any description
+of persons, are abolished.
+
+8. All debts already contracted by the King, are hereby made the debts
+of the nation; and the faith thereof is pledged for their payment in due
+time.
+
+9. Eighty millions of livres are now granted to the King, to be raised
+by loan, and reimbursed by the nation: and the taxes heretofore paid,
+shall continue to be paid to the end of the present year, and no longer.
+
+10. The States General shall now separate, and meet again on the 1st day
+of November next.
+
+Done, on behalf of the whole nation, by the King and their
+representatives in the States General, at Versailles, this ------ day of
+June, 1789.
+
+Signed by the King, and by every member individually, and in his
+presence.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCV.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, June 12, 1789
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Paris, June 12, 1789.
+
+My Dear Sir,
+
+As I may not be able to get at you at Versailles, I write this to
+deliver it myself at your door. With respect to the utility or inutility
+of your minority's joining the Commons, I am unable to form an opinion
+for myself. I know too little of the subject to see what may be its
+consequences.
+
+I never knew an instance of the English parliament's undertaking to
+relieve the poor by a distribution of bread in time of scarcity. In
+fact, the English commerce is so extensive and so active, that though
+bread may be a little more or less plenty, there can never be an
+absolute failure. The island is so narrow, that corn can be readily
+carried from the sea-ports to its interior parts. But were an absolute
+want to happen, and were the parliament to undertake a distribution of
+corn, I think, that according to the principles of their government,
+they would only vote a sum of money, and address the King to employ
+it for the best. The business is, in its nature, executive, and would
+require too great a variety of detail to be managed by an act of
+parliament. However, I repeat it, that I never heard or read of an
+instance of the parliament's interfering to give bread. If I see you at
+Versailles to-day, I can be more particular.
+
+I am with great sincerity, my dear Sir, your affectionate friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson,
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCVI.--TO JOHN JAY, June 17, 1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir
+
+Paris, June 17, 1789.
+
+I had the honor of addressing you on the 9th and 12th of May, by the
+way of London. This goes through the same channel to the care of Mr.
+Trumbull. Having received no letter from you of later date than the 25th
+of November, I am apprehensive that there may have been miscarriages,
+and the more so, as I learn, through another channel, that you have
+particularly answered mine of November the 19th.
+
+The death of the Grand Seignior, which has happened, renders the
+continuance of the war more probable, as it has brought to the throne
+a successor of a more active and ardent temper, and who means to put
+himself at the head of his armies. He has declared the Captain Pacha
+his Generalissimo. The prospects for Russia, on the other hand, are
+less encouraging. Her principal ally, the Emperor, is at death's door,
+blazing up a little indeed, from time to time like an expiring taper,
+but certainly to extinguish soon. Denmark, too, is likely to be
+restrained by the threats of England and Prussia, from contributing even
+her stipulated naval succors. It is some time since I have been able
+to obtain any account of the King of England, on which I can rely with
+confidence. His melancholy continues, and to such a degree, as to render
+him absolutely indifferent to every thing that passes, so that he seems
+willing to let his ministers do every thing they please, provided they
+will let him alone. When forced to speak, his comprehension seems better
+than it was in the first moments after his phrensy went off. His health
+is bad: he does not go into public at all, and very few are admitted
+to see him. This is his present state, according to the best accounts I
+have been able to get lately. His ministers dictate boldly in the north,
+because they know it is impossible they should be engaged in the war,
+while this country is so completely palsied.
+
+You will have seen by my former letters, that the question, whether the
+States General should vote by persons or by orders, had stopped their
+proceedings in the very first instance in which it could occur, that
+is, as to the verification of their powers, and that they had appointed
+committees to try if there were any means of accommodation. These could
+do nothing. The King then proposed that they should appoint others, to
+meet persons whom he should name, on the same subject. These conferences
+also proved ineffectual. He then proposed a specific mode of verifying.
+The clergy accepted it unconditionally; the _Noblesse_, with such
+conditions and modifications, as did away their acceptance altogether.
+The Commons, considering this as a refusal, came to the resolution of
+the 10th instant (which I have the honor to send you), inviting the
+two other orders to come and take their places in the common room, and
+notifying that they should proceed to the verification of powers, and to
+the affairs of the nation, either with or without them. The Clergy
+have, as yet, given no answer. A few of their members have accepted the
+invitation of the Commons, and have presented themselves in their room,
+to have their powers verified; but how many it will detach, in the
+whole, from that body, cannot be known till an answer be decided on. The
+_Noblesse_ adhered to their former resolutions, and even the minority,
+well disposed to the Commons, thought they could do more good in their
+own chamber, by endeavoring to increase their numbers and fettering the
+measures of the majority, than by joining the Commons. An intrigue was
+set on foot, between the leaders of the majority in that House, the
+Queen, and Princes. They persuaded the King to go for some time to
+Marly: he went. On the same day, the leaders moved in the chamber of
+Nobles, that they should address the King, to declare his own sentiments
+on the great question between the orders. It was intended that this
+address should be delivered to him at Marly, where, separated from
+his ministers, and surrounded by the Queen and Princes, he might be
+surprised into a declaration for the Nobles. The motion was lost,
+however, by a very great majority, that chamber being not yet quite
+ripe for throwing themselves into the arms of despotism. Necker and
+Montmorin, who had discovered this intrigue, had warned some of the
+minority to defeat it, or they could not answer for what would happen.
+These two and St. Priest, are the only members of the Council in
+favor of the Commons. Luzerne, Puy-Segur, and the others, are high
+aristocrats. The Commons having verified their powers, a motion was
+made the day before yesterday, to declare themselves constituted, and to
+proceed to business. I left them at two o'clock yesterday; the debates
+not then finished. They differed only about forms of expression, but
+agreed in the substance, and probably decided yesterday, or will decide
+to-day. Their next move, I fancy, will be to suppress all taxes, and
+instantly re-establish them till the end of their session, in order
+to prevent a premature dissolution: and then they will go to work on
+a declaration of rights and a constitution. The _Noblesse_, I suppose,
+will be employed altogether in counter operations; the Clergy, that is
+to say, the higher Clergy, and such of the _Cures_ as they can bring
+over to their side, will be waiting and watching, merely to keep
+themselves in their saddles. Their deportment, hitherto, is that of
+meekness and cunning. The fate of the nation depends on the conduct of
+the King and his ministers. Were they to side openly with the Commons,
+the revolution would be completed without a convulsion, by the
+establishment of a constitution, tolerably free, and in which the
+distinction of Noble and Commoner would be suppressed. But this is
+scarcely possible. The King is honest, and wishes the good of his
+people; but the expediency of an hereditary aristocracy is too difficult
+a question for him. On the contrary, his prejudices, his habits, and his
+connections decide him in his heart to support it. Should they decide
+openly for the _Noblesse_, the Commons, after suppressing taxes,
+and finishing their declaration of rights, would probably go home;
+a bankruptcy takes place in the instant, Mr. Necker must go out, a
+resistance to the tax-gatherers follows, and probably a civil war. These
+consequences are too evident and violent, to render this issue likely.
+Though the Queen and Princes are infatuated enough to hazard it, the
+party in the ministry would not. Something, therefore, like what I
+hinted in my letter of May the 12th, is still the most likely to take
+place. While the Commons, either with or without their friends of the
+other two Houses, shall be employed in framing a constitution, perhaps
+the government may set the other two Houses to work on the same subject:
+and when the three schemes shall be ready, joint committees may be
+negotiated, to compare them together, to see in what parts they agree;
+and probably they will agree in all, except the organization of the
+future States General. As to this, it may be endeavored, by the aid of
+wheedling and intimidation, to induce the two privileged chambers to
+melt themselves into one, and the Commons, instead of one, to agree to
+two Houses of legislation. I see no other middle ground to which they
+can be brought.
+
+It is a tremendous cloud, indeed, which hovers over this nation, and he
+at the helm has neither the courage nor the skill necessary to weather
+it. Eloquence in a high degree, knowledge in matters of account, and
+order, are distinguishing traits in his character. Ambition is his first
+passion, virtue his second. He has not discovered that sublime truth,
+that a bold, unequivocal virtue is the best handmaid even to ambition,
+and would carry him further, in the end, than the temporizing, wavering
+policy he pursues. His judgment is not of the first order, scarcely even
+of the second; his resolution frail; and upon the whole, it is rare
+to meet an instance of a person so much below the reputation he has
+obtained. As this character, by the post and times in which Providence
+has placed it, is important to be known, I send it to you as drawn by
+a person of my acquaintance, who knows him well. He is not, indeed, his
+friend, and allowance must, therefore, be made for the high coloring.
+But this being abated, the facts and groundwork of the drawing are
+just. If the _Tiers_ separate, he goes at the same time; if they stay
+together, and succeed in establishing a constitution to their mind, as
+soon as that is placed in safety, they will abandon him to the mercy
+of the court, unless he can recover the confidence which he has lost at
+present, and which, indeed, seems to be irrecoverable.
+
+The inhabitants of St. Domingo, without the permission of the
+government, have chosen and sent deputies to the States General. The
+question of their admission is to be discussed by the States. In the
+mean time, the government had promised them an Assembly in their own
+Island, in the course of the present year. The death of the Dauphin, so
+long expected, has at length happened. Montmorin told Ternant the other
+day, that De Moustier had now asked a _conge_, which would be sent him
+immediately. So that unless a change of ministry should happen, he will,
+probably, be otherwise disposed of. The gazettes of France and Leyden
+accompany this. I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and
+respect, Sir, your most obedient, humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+P. S. June 18. The motion under debate with the Commons, for
+constituting their Assembly, passed yesterday by a majority of
+four hundred and odd, against eighty odd. The latter were for it
+in substance, but wished some particular amendment. They proceeded
+instantly to the subject of taxation. A member who called on me this
+moment, gave me a state of the proceedings of yesterday, from memory,
+which I enclose you. He left the House a little before the question was
+put, because he saw there was no doubt of its passing, and his brother,
+who remained till the decision, informed him of it. So that we may
+expect, perhaps, in the course of to-morrow, to see whether the
+government will interpose with a bold hand, or will begin a negotiation.
+But in the mean time, this letter must go off. I will find some other
+opportunity, however, of informing you of the issue. T. J.
+
+^^^ [Character of Mr. Necker, accompanying the preceding letter.]
+
+Nature bestowed on Mr. Necker an ardent passion for glory, without, at
+the same time, granting him those qualities required for its pursuit by
+direct means. The union of a fruitful imagination with a limited talent,
+with which she has endowed him, is always incompatible with those
+faculties of the mind which qualify their possessor to penetrate, to
+combine, and to comprehend all the relations of objects.
+
+He had probably learned in Geneva, his native country, the influence
+which riches exercise on the success of ambition, without having
+recourse to the school of Paris, where he arrived about the
+twenty-eighth year of his age. A personal affair with his brother, in
+which the chiefs of the republic conducted themselves unjustly towards
+him, the circumstances of which, moreover, exposed him to ridicule,
+determined him to forsake his country. On taking his leave, he assured
+his mother that he would make a great fortune at Paris. On his arrival,
+he engaged himself as clerk, at a salary of six hundred livres, with the
+banker Thelusson, a man of extreme harshness in his intercourse with
+his dependants. The same cause which obliged other clerks to abandon the
+service of Thelusson, determined Necker to continue in it. By submitting
+to the brutality of his master with a servile resignation, whilst,
+at the same time, he devoted the most unremitting attention to his
+business, he recommended himself to his confidence, and was taken into
+partnership. Ordinary abilities only were requisite to avail him of the
+multitude of favorable circumstances, which, before he entered into the
+administration, built up a fortune of six millions of livres. He owed
+much of his good fortune to his connections with the Abbe Terrai,
+of whose ignorance he did not scruple to profit. His riches,
+his profession, his table, and a virtuous, reasonable, and well
+informed wife, procured him the acquaintance of many persons of
+distinction, among whom were many men of letters, who celebrated his
+knowledge and wisdom.
+
+The wise and just principles by which Turgot aimed to correct the Abuses
+of the administration, not having been received with favor, he seized
+the occasion to flatter ignorance and malignity, by publishing his work
+against the freedom of the corn trade.
+
+He had published, two years before, an eulogy on Colbert. Both these
+productions exhibited the limited capacity of a banker, and, in no
+degree, the enlarged views of a statesman. Not at all delicate in the
+choice of his means, he succeeded to his wish in his object, which was
+the establishing himself in public opinion. Elevated by a secret cabal
+to the direction of the finances, he began by refusing the salaries of
+his office. He affected a spirit of economy and austerity, which imposed
+even on foreign nations, and showed the possibility of making war
+without laying new taxes. Such at least was his boast; but, in reality,
+they have been increased under his administration, about twenty
+millions, partly by a secret augmentation of the bailies and of the
+poll-tax, partly by some verifications of the twentieths, and partly
+by the natural progression, which is tested by the amount of taxes
+on consumption, the necessary result of the successive increase of
+population, of riches, and of expensive tastes.
+
+All these circumstances reared for him an astonishing reputation, which
+his fall has consecrated. People will not reflect, that, in the short
+period of his ministry, he had more than doubled his fortune. Not
+that he had peculated on the public treasury; his good sense and pride
+forbade a resort to this manoeuvre of weak minds; but by resorting to
+loans and the costly operations of the bank, to provide the funds of
+war, and being still connected with the house to which he addressed
+himself for much the greater part of his negotiations. They have not
+remarked that his great principles of economy have nothing more than
+a false show, and that the loans resorted to, in order to avoid the
+imposition of taxes, have been the source of the mischief which has
+reduced the finances to their present alarming condition.
+
+As to his _compte rendu_; he has been forgiven the nauseous panegyric
+which he has passed upon himself, and the affectation of introducing
+his wife into it, for the purpose of praising her; and we are spared
+the trouble of examining his false calculations. M. de Calonne has
+undertaken this investigation. Without being able to vindicate himself,
+he has already begun to unmask his antagonist, and he promises to do it
+effectually.
+
+Necessity has recalled this man to the ministry: and it must be
+confessed, that he is beyond comparison a less mischievous minister
+than his predecessors. I would compare him to a steward, who, by his
+management, does not entirely ruin his master, but who enriches himself
+at his expense. The desire of glory should inspire him as much as
+possible with the energy requisite for the public business. There is
+every likelihood that his ministry will not endure long enough, to cause
+it to feel the effects of his false principles of administration: and
+it is he alone who is able, if any one can, to preserve order in the
+finances, until the reform is effected which we hope from the assembling
+of the States General. In the mean time, the public estimation of his
+talents and virtue is not so high as it has been. There are persons who
+pretend that he is more firmly established in public opinion than he
+ever was. They deceive themselves. The ambitious desire he has always
+manifested of getting again into the administration, his work on the
+Importance of Religious Opinions, and the Memoires of M. de Calonne,
+have greatly impaired his reputation.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCVII.--TO JAMES MADISON, June 18, 1789
+
+
+
+TO JAMES MADISON.
+
+Paris, June 18, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+My last to you was of May the 11th. Yours of March the 29th came to
+hand ten days ago; and about two days ago, I received a cover of your
+hand-writing, under which were a New York paper of May the 4th, and a
+letter from Mr. Page to Mazzei. There being no letter from you, makes me
+hope there is one on the way, which will inform me of my _conge_. I
+have never received Mr. Jay's answer to my public letter of November the
+19th, which you mention him to have written, and which I fear has been
+intercepted. I know only from you, that my letter got safe to hand. My
+baggage has been made up more than a month, so that I shall leave Paris
+almost in the instant of receiving the permission.
+
+The campaign begins under unfavorable auspices for Russia. The death of
+the Grand Seignior, who was personally disposed for peace, has brought a
+young and ardent successor to the throne, determined to push the war to
+extremity. Her only ally, the Emperor, is _in articulo mortis_, and the
+grand Duke of Tuscany, should he succeed, loves peace and money. Denmark
+is forbidden by England and Prussia to furnish even its stipulated
+maritime aid. There is no appearance of any other power's engaging
+in the war. As far as I can discover, the King of England is somewhat
+better in his head, but under such a complete depression of spirits,
+that he does not care how the world goes, and leaves his ministers to do
+as they please. It is impossible for you to conceive how difficult it is
+to know the truth relative to him, he is environed in such an atmosphere
+of lies. Men who would not speak a falsehood on any other subject, lie
+on this, from a principle of duty; so that even eye-witnesses cannot be
+believed without scanning their principles and connections; and few will
+stand this, of the very few permitted to see him.
+
+Committees of conciliation having failed in their endeavors to bring
+together the three chambers of the States General, the King proposed a
+specific mode of verifying their powers; for that having been the
+first question which presented itself to them, was the one in which the
+question of voting by persons or orders was first brought on. The clergy
+accepted unconditionally. The _Noblesse_ accepted on conditions which
+reduced the acceptance to nothing at all. The Commons considered this as
+a refusal on the part of the Nobles, and thereupon took their definitive
+resolution, to invite the other two orders to come and verify their
+powers in common, and to notify them they should proceed with or without
+them to verify, and to do the business of the nation. This was on
+the 10th. On the 15th, they moved to declare themselves the National
+Assembly. The debates on this were finished yesterday, when the
+proposition was agreed to, by four hundred and odd, against eighty odd.
+The minority agreed in substance, but wished some particular amendment.
+They then immediately made the proposition relative to taxes, which I
+enclose you, as this moment stated to me, by memory, by a member who
+left the Assembly a little before the question, because there was no
+opposition to the matter, but only to the form. He assures me, on the
+information of another member who was present, that Target's motion
+passed. We shall know, I think, within a day or two, whether the
+government will risk a bankruptcy and civil war, rather than see all
+distinction of orders done way, which is what the Commons will push
+for. If the fear of the former alternative prevails, they will spin the
+matter into negotiation. The Commons have in their chamber almost all
+the talents of the nation; they are firm and bold, yet moderate. There
+is indeed, among them, a number of very hot-headed members; but those
+of most influence are cool, temperate, and sagacious. Every step of this
+House has been marked with caution and wisdom. The _Noblesse_, on the
+contrary, are absolutely out of their senses. They are so furious, they
+can seldom debate at all. They have few men of moderate talents, and
+not one of great, in the majority. Their proceedings have been very
+injudicious. The Clergy are waiting to profit of every incident to
+secure themselves, and have no other object in view. Among the Commons,
+there is an entire unanimity on the great question of voting by persons.
+Among the _Noblesse_, there are about sixty for the Commons, and about
+three times that number against them. Among the Clergy, about twenty
+have already come over and joined the Commons, and in the course of
+a few days, they will be joined by many more, not indeed making the
+majority of that House, but very near it. The Bishops and Archbishops
+have been very successful by bribes and intrigues, in detaching the
+_Cures_ from the Commons, to whom they were at first attached to a man.
+The Commons are about, five hundred and fifty-four in number, of whom
+three hundred and forty-four are of the Jaw. These do not possess an
+influence founded in property; but in their habits of business and
+acquaintance with the people, and in their means of exciting them as
+they please. The _Cures_, throughout the kingdom, form the mass of the
+Clergy; they are the only part favorably known to the people, because
+solely charged with the duties of baptism, burial, confession,
+visitation of the sick, instruction of the children, and aiding the
+poor; they are themselves of the people, and united with them. The
+carriages and equipage only of the higher Clergy, not their persons, are
+known to the people, and are in detestation with them. The soldiers will
+follow their officers, that is to say, their captains, lieutenants, and
+ensigns. These are of the lower nobility, and therefore much divided.
+The colonels and higher officers are of the higher nobility, are
+seldom with the soldiers, little known to them, not possessing their
+attachment. These circumstances give them little weight in the partition
+of the army.
+
+I give you these miscellaneous observations, that knowing somewhat the
+dispositions of the parties, you may be able to judge of the future for
+yourself, as I shall not be here to continue its communication to you.
+
+In hopes to see you soon, I conclude with assurances of the perfect
+esteem and respect, with which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, June 24,1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Sir,
+
+Paris, June 24,1789.
+
+My letter of the 17th and 18th instant gave you the progress of the
+States General to the 17th, when the _Tiers_ had declared the illegality
+of all the existing taxes, and their discontinuance from the end of
+their present session. The next day, being a _jour de fete_, could
+furnish no indication of the impression that vote was likely to make
+on the government. On the 19th, a Council was held at Marly, in the
+afternoon. It was there proposed, that the King should interpose by
+a declaration of his sentiments in a _seance royale_. The declaration
+prepared by M. Necker, while it censured, in general, the proceedings
+both of the Nobles and Commons, announced the King's views, such as
+substantially to coincide with the Commons. It was agreed to in Council,
+as also that the _seance royale_ should be held on the 22nd, and the
+meetings till then be suspended. While the Council was engaged in this
+deliberation at Marly, the chamber of the Clergy was in debate, whether
+they should accept the invitation of the _Tiers_ to unite with them
+in the common chamber. On the first question, to unite simply and
+unconditionally, it was decided in the negative by a very small
+majority. As it was known however, that some members who had voted in
+the negative, would be for the affirmative, with some modifications, the
+question was put with these modifications, and it was determined by a
+majority of eleven members, that their body should join the _Tiers_.
+These proceedings of the Clergy were unknown to the Council at Marly,
+and those of the Council were kept secret from every body. The next
+morning (the 20th), the members repaired to the House as usual, found
+the doors shut and guarded, and a proclamation posted up for holding
+a _seance royale_ on the 22nd, and a suspension of their meetings till
+then. They presumed, in the first moment, that their dissolution
+was decided, and repaired to another place, where they proceeded to
+business. They there bound themselves to each other by an oath, never to
+separate of their own accord, till they had settled a constitution for
+the nation on a solid basis, and if separated by force, that they would
+re-assemble in some other place. It was intimated to them, however, that
+day, privately, that the proceedings of the _seance royale_ would be
+favorable to them. The next day they met in a church, and were joined by
+a majority of the Clergy. The heads of the aristocracy saw that all was
+lost without some violent exertion. The King was still at Marly. Nobody
+was permitted to approach him but their friends. He was assailed by lies
+in all shapes. He was made to believe that the Commons were going to
+absolve the army from their oath of fidelity to him, and to raise their
+pay.
+
+*****
+
+They procured a committee to be held, consisting of the King and his
+ministers, to which Monsieur and the Count d'Artois should be admitted.
+At this committee, the latter attacked Mr. Necker personally, arraigned
+his plans, and proposed one which some of his engines had put into his
+hands. Mr. Necker, whose characteristic is the want of firmness, was
+browbeaten and intimidated, and the King shaken. He determined that the
+two plans should be deliberated on the next day, and the _seance royale_
+put off a day longer. This encouraged a fiercer attack on Mr. Necker
+the next day; his plan was totally dislocated, and that of the Count
+d'Artois inserted into it. Himself and Monsieur de Montmorin offered
+their resignation, which was refused; the Count d'Artois saying to
+Mr. Necker, 'No, Sir, you must be kept as the hostage; we hold you
+responsible for all the ill which shall happen.' This change of plan was
+immediately whispered without doors. The nobility were in triumph, the
+people in consternation. When the King passed, the next day, through the
+lane they formed from the Chateau to the _Hotel des Etats_ (about half
+a mile), there was a dead silence. He was about an hour in the House,
+delivering his speech and declaration, copies of which I enclose you.
+On his coming out, a feeble cry of 'Vive le Roy' was raised by some
+children, but the people remained silent and sullen. When the Duke
+d'Orleans followed, however, their applauses were excessive. This must
+have been sensible to the King. He had ordered, in the close of
+his speech, that the members should follow him, and resume their
+deliberations the next day. The _Noblesse_ followed him, and so did the
+Clergy, except about thirty, who, with the _Tiers_, remained in the room
+and entered into deliberation. They protested against what the King
+had done, adhered to all their former proceedings, and resolved the
+inviolability of their own persons. An officer came twice to order them
+out of the room, in the King's name, but they refused to obey. In the
+afternoon, the people, uneasy, began to assemble in great numbers in the
+courts and vicinities of the palace. The Queen was alarmed, and sent for
+Mr. Necker. He was conducted amidst the shouts and acclamations of the
+multitude, who filled all the apartments of the palace. He was a few
+minutes only with the Queen, and about three quarters of an hour with
+the King. Not a word has transpired of what passed at these interviews.
+The King was just going to ride out. He passed through the crowd to his
+carriage, and into it, without being in the least noticed. As Mr. Necker
+followed him, universal acclamations were raised of '_Vive Monsieur
+Necker, vive le sauveur de la France opprimee_.' He was conducted back
+to his house with the same demonstrations of affection and anxiety.
+About two hundred deputies of the _Tiers_, catching the enthusiasm of
+the moment, went to his house, and extorted from him a promise that he
+would not resign. These circumstances must wound the heart of the King,
+desirous as he is, to possess the affections of his subjects. As soon
+as the proceedings at Versailles were known at Paris, a run began on
+the _caisse d'escompte_, which is the first symptom always of the public
+diffidence and alarm. It is the less in condition to meet the run, as
+Mr. Necker has been forced to make free with its funds, for the daily
+support of the government. This is the state of things as late as I am
+able to give them with certainty, at this moment. My letter not being to
+go off till to-morrow evening, I shall go to Versailles to-morrow, and
+be able to add the transactions of this day and to-morrow.
+
+June 25. Just returned from Versailles, I am enabled to continue my
+narration. On the 24th, nothing remarkable passed, except an attack by
+the mob of Versailles on the Archbishop of Paris, who had been one
+of the instigators of the court, to the proceedings of the, _seance
+royale_. They threw mud and stones at his carriage, broke the windows of
+it, and he in a fright promised to join the _Tiers_.
+
+This day (the 25th) forty-eight of the Nobles have joined the _Tiers_.
+Among these is the Duke d'Orleans. The Marquis de la Fayette could not
+be of the number, being restrained by his instructions. He is writing
+to his constituents, to change his instructions or to accept his
+resignation. There are with the _Tiers_ now one hundred and sixty-four
+members of the Clergy, so that the common chamber consists of upwards
+of eight hundred members. The minority of the Clergy, however, call
+themselves the Chamber of the Clergy, and pretend to go on with
+business. I found the streets of Versailles much embarrassed with
+soldiers. There was a body of about one hundred horse drawn up in front
+of the Hotel of the States, and all the avenues and doors guarded by
+soldiers. Nobody was permitted to enter but the members, and this was by
+order of the King; for till now, the doors of the common room have
+been open, and at least two thousand spectators attending their debates
+constantly. They have named a deputation to wait on the King, and desire
+a removal of the soldiery from their doors, and seem determined, if this
+is not complied with, to remove themselves elsewhere.
+
+Instead of being dismayed with what has passed, they seem to rise in
+their demands, and some of them to consider the erasing every vestige
+of a difference of order, as indispensable to the establishment and
+preservation of a good constitution. I apprehend there is more courage
+than calculation in this project. I did imagine, that seeing that Mr.
+Necker and themselves were involved as common enemies in the hatred of
+the aristocrats, they would have been willing to make common cause with
+him, and to wish his continuance in office; and that Mr. Necker, seeing
+that all the trimming he has used towards the court and Nobles has
+availed him nothing, would engage himself heartily and solely on the
+popular side, and view his own salvation in that alone. The confidence
+which the people place in him, seems to merit some attention. However,
+the mass of the common chamber are absolutely indifferent to his
+remaining in office. They consider his head as unequal to the planning a
+good constitution, and his fortitude to a co-operation in the effecting
+it. His dismission is more credited to-day than it was yesterday. If
+it takes place, he will retain his popularity with the nation, as the
+members of the States will not think it important to set themselves
+against it, but on the contrary, will be willing that he should continue
+on their side, on his retirement. The run on the _caisse d'escompte_
+continues. The members of the States admit, that Mr. Necker's departure
+out of office will occasion a stoppage of public payments. But they
+expect to prevent any very ill effect, by assuring the public against
+any loss, and by taking immediate measures for continuing payment. They
+may, perhaps, connect these measures with their own existence, so as to
+interest the public in whatever catastrophe may be aimed at them. The
+gazettes of France and Leyden accompany this. During the continuance
+of this crisis and my own stay, I shall avail myself of every private
+conveyance to keep you informed of what passes.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCIX.--TO JOHN JAY, June 29, 1789
+
+
+TO JOHN JAY.
+
+Paris, June 29, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+My letter of the 25th gave you the transactions of the States General to
+the afternoon of that day. On the next, the Archbishop of Paris joined
+the _Tiers_, as did some others of the Clergy and _Noblesse_. On the
+27th, the question of the St. Domingo deputation came on, and it was
+decided that it should be received. I have before mentioned to you the
+ferment into which the proceedings at the _seance royale_ of the 23rd
+had thrown the people. The soldiery also were affected by it. It began
+in the French guards, extended to those of every other denomination
+(except the Swiss), and even to the body-guards of the King. They began
+to quit their barracks, to assemble in squads, to declare they would
+defend the life of the King, but would not cut the throats of their
+fellow-citizens. They were treated and caressed by the people, carried
+in triumph through the streets, called themselves the soldiers of the
+nation, and left no doubt on which side they would be, in case of a
+rupture. Similar accounts came in from the troops in other parts of the
+kingdom, as well those which had not heard of the _seance royale_, as
+those which had, and gave good reason to apprehend that the soldiery,
+in general, would side with their fathers and brothers, rather than with
+their officers. The operation of this medicine, at Versailles, was as
+sudden as it was powerful. The alarm there was so complete, that in the
+afternoon of the 27th, the King wrote a letter to the President of
+the Clergy, the Cardinal de la Rochefoucault, in these words: [* A
+translation is here given.]
+
+     * My Cousin, Wholly engaged in promoted the general good of
+     my kingdom, and desirous, above all things, that the
+     Assembly of the States General should apply themselves to
+     objects of general interest, after the voluntary acceptance
+     by your order of my declaration of the 23rd of the present
+     month; I pass my word that my faithful Clergy will, without
+     delay, unite themselves with the other two orders, to hasten
+     the accomplishment of my paternal views. Those whose powers
+     are too limited, may decline voting until new powers are
+     procured. This will be a new mark of attachment which my
+     Clergy will give me. I pray God, my Cousin, to have you in
+     his holy keeping. LOUIS.'
+
+A like letter was written to the Duke de Luxemburgh, President of
+the _Noblesse_. The two chambers entered into debate on the question,
+whether they should obey the letter of the King. There was a
+considerable opposition; when notes written by the Count d'Artois to
+sundry members, and handed about among the rest, decided the matter,
+and they went in a body and took their seats with the _Tiers_, and thus
+rendered the union of the orders in one chamber complete. As soon as
+this was known to the people of Versailles, they assembled about the
+palace, demanded the King and Queen, who came and showed themselves in
+a balcony. They rent the skies with cries of 'Vive la Roy,' 'Vive la
+Reine.' They, called for the Dauphin, who was also produced, and was
+the subject of new acclamations. After feasting themselves and the royal
+family with this tumultuary reconciliation, they went to the house
+of Mr. Necker and M. de Montmorin, with shouts of thankfulness and
+affection. Similar emotions of joy took place in Paris, and at this
+moment, the triumph of the Tiers is considered as complete. Tomorrow
+they will recommence business, voting by persons on all questions: and
+whatever difficulties may be opposed in debate by the malcontents of the
+Clergy and Nobility, every thing must be finally settled at the will of
+the _Tiers_. It remains to see whether they will leave to the nobility
+any thing but their titulary appellations. I suppose they will not. Mr.
+Necker will probably remain in office. It would seem natural that he
+should endeavor to have the hostile part of the Council removed, but
+I question if he finds himself firm enough for that. A perfect
+co-operation with the _Tiers_ will be his wisest game. This great crisis
+being now over, I shall not have matter interesting enough to trouble
+you with, as often as I have done lately. There has nothing remarkable
+taken place in any other part of Europe.
+
+I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
+your most; obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCX.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, July 6, 1789
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Paris, July 6, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+I never made an offer to any body to have corn or flour brought here
+from America: no such idea ever entered my head. Mr. Necker desired me
+to give information in America, that there would be a want of flour. I
+did so in a letter to Mr. Jay, which he published with my name to it,
+for the encouragement of the merchants. Those here, who have named me
+on this subject, must have mistaken me for Mr. Parker. I have heard
+him say, he offered to Mr. Necker to bring a large supply, yet I do not
+think I ever repeated this: or if I did, it must have been in a company
+I relied on. I will thank you to satisfy Mr. Necker of the truth. It
+would be disagreeable, and perhaps mischievous, were he to have an idea
+that I encouraged censures on him. I will bring you the paper you desire
+to-morrow; and shall dine at the Dutchess Danville's, where I shall be
+happy to meet you.
+
+Adieu. Yours affectionately.
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCXI.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, July 7,1789
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Paris, July 7,1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Your letter of yesterday gave me the first information that Monsieur de
+Mirabeau had suggested to the honorable the Assembly of the Nation, that
+I had made an offer to Mr. Necker to obtain from America a quantity
+of corn or flour, which had been refused. I know not how Monsieur de
+Mirabeau has been led into this error. I never in my life made any
+proposition to Mr. Necker on the subject: I never said I had made such
+a proposition. Some time last autumn, Mr. Necker did me the honor to
+desire I would have notified in the United States, that corn and flour
+would meet with a good sale in France. I conveyed this notice, in a
+letter to Mr. Jay, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, as you will see by the
+extract of my letter published by him in an American gazette, which I
+have the honor to send you. I must beg leave to avail myself of your
+friendship and of your position to have a communication of these facts
+made to the honorable Assembly of the Nation, of which you are a member,
+and to repeat to you those sentiments of respect and attachment, with
+which I have the honor to be, my dear Sir, your most obedient and most
+
+humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCXII.--TO MR. NECKER, July 8, 1789
+
+
+TO MR. NECKER.
+
+Paris, July 8, 1789
+
+Sir,
+
+I have the honor to enclose you a copy of my letter to Monsieur de
+la Fayette. When I called on him yesterday, he had already spoken to
+Monsieur de Mirabeau, who acknowledged he had been in an error in what
+he had advanced in the Assembly of the Nation, as to the proposition
+supposed to have been made by me to your Excellency, and undertook to
+declare his error, when the subject should be resumed by the Assembly,
+to whom my letter to the Marquis de la Fayette will be also read.
+
+I have thought it a duty, Sir, thus to correct, in the first moment, an
+error, by which your name had been compromitted by an unfounded use
+of mine, and shall be happy in every occasion of proving to you those
+sentiments of profound respect and attachment, with which I have the
+honor to be, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCXIII.--TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN, July 8, 1789
+
+
+TO THE COUNT DE MONTMORIN.
+
+Paris, July 8, 1789.
+
+Sir,
+
+My hotel having been lately robbed for the third time, I take the
+liberty of uniting my wish with that of the inhabitants of this quarter,
+that it might coincide with the arrangements of police, to extend to us
+the protection of a guard. While the _Douane_ remained here, no accident
+of that kind happened, but since their removal, other houses in the
+neighborhood have been robbed as well as mine. Perhaps it may lessen the
+difficulties of this request, that the house occupied by the people of
+the _Douane_, will lodge abundantly a _corps de garde_. On the one side
+of that house is Chaillot, on the other the Roule, on the third the
+Champs Elysees, where accidents are said to happen very frequently, all
+of which are very distant from any _corps de garde_.
+
+I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect respect and
+esteem, your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCXIV.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, July 9, 1789
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Paris, July 9, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Having been curious to form some estimate of the quantity of corn and
+flour which have been supplied to France this year, I applied to a
+person in the Farms to know upon what quantities the premium had been
+paid. He could not give me information, but as to the Atlantic ports,
+into which there have been imported from the United States, from March
+to May inclusive, forty-four thousand one hundred and sixteen quintals
+of corn, twelve thousand two hundred and twenty-one quintals of flour,
+making fifty-six thousand three hundred and thirty-seven quintals in
+the whole. Add to this what has been imported since May, suppose nearly
+twenty thousand quintals a month, and what has been furnished to the
+French islands, which has prevented an equal quantity being exported
+from France, and you will have the proportion drawn from us. Observe,
+that we have regular and constant markets for our corn and flour in
+Spain, Portugal, and all the West India islands, except the French.
+These take nearly our whole quantity. This year, France, the French
+West Indies, and Canada were added. But a regular course of trade is not
+quitted in an instant, nor constant customers deserted for accidental
+ones. This is the reason that so small a proportion has come here.
+
+I am, Dear Sir, with great sincerity, your affectionate friend and
+servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCXV.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, July 10, 1789
+
+
+TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.
+
+Paris, July 10, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+The acknowledgment by Monsieur de Mirabeau to the National Assembly,
+that he had been in an error as to the offer he supposed me to have
+made, and the reading to them my letter, seem to be all that was
+requisite for any just purpose. As I was unwilling my name should be
+used to injure the minister, I am also unwilling it should be used
+to injure Monsieur de Mirabeau. I learn that his enemies in Paris are
+framing scandalous versions of my letter. I think, therefore, with you,
+it may be better to print it, and I send you a copy of it. I gave copies
+of it to Monsieur de Montmorin and Monsieur Necker, as was my duty.
+
+I am, with sincere affection, my Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER CCXVI.--TO THOMAS PAINE, July 11, 1789
+
+
+TO THOMAS PAINE.
+
+Paris, July 11, 1789.
+
+Dear Sir,
+
+Since my last, which was of May the 19th, I have received yours of
+June the 17th and 18th. I am struck with the idea of the geometrical
+wheel-barrow, and will beg of you a farther account, if it can be
+obtained. I have no news yet of my _conge_.
+
+Though you have doubtless heard most of the proceedings of the States
+General since my last, I will take up the narration where that left it,
+that you may be able to separate the true from the false accounts you
+have heard. A good part of what was conjecture in that letter, is now
+become true history.
+
+*****
+
+The National Assembly, then, (for that is the name they take,) having
+shown through every stage of these transactions a coolness, wisdom, and
+resolution to set fire to the four corners of the kingdom, and to perish
+with it themselves, rather than to relinquish an iota from their plan
+of a total change of government, are now in complete and undisputed
+possession of the sovereignty. The executive and aristocracy are at
+their feet; the mass of the nation, the mass of the clergy, and the
+army are with them: they have prostrated the old government, and are now
+beginning to build one from the foundation. A committee, charged with
+the arrangement of their business, gave in, two days ago, the following
+order of proceedings.
+
+'1. Every government should have for its only end, the preservation
+of the rights of man: whence it follows, that to recall constantly
+the government to the end proposed, the constitution should begin by a
+declaration of the natural and imprescriptible rights of man.
+
+'2. Monarchical government being proper to maintain those rights, it has
+been chosen by the French nation. It suits especially a great society;
+it is necessary for the happiness of France. The declaration of the
+principles of this government, then, should follow immediately the
+declaration of the rights of man.
+
+'3. It results from the principles of monarchy, that the nation, to
+assure its own rights, has yielded particular rights to the monarch: the
+constitution, then, should declare, in a precise manner, the rights of
+both. It should begin by declaring the rights of the French nation, and
+then should declare the rights of the King.
+
+'4. The rights of the King and nation not existing but for the happiness
+of the individuals who compose it, they lead to an examination of the
+rights of citizens.
+
+'5. The French nation not being capable of assembling individually to
+exercise all its rights, it ought to be represented. It is necessary,
+then, to declare the form of its representation and the rights of its
+representatives.
+
+'6. From the union of the powers of the nation and King, should result
+the enacting and execution of the laws: thus, then, it should first
+be determined how the laws shall be established; afterwards should be
+considered, how they shall be executed.
+
+'7. Laws have for their object the general administration of the
+kingdom, the property, and the actions of the citizens. The execution of
+the laws which concern the general administration, requires Provincial
+and Municipal Assemblies. It is necessary to examine, therefore, what
+should be the organization of the Provincial Assemblies, and what of the
+Municipal.
+
+'8. The execution of the laws, which concern the property and actions of
+the citizens, calls for a judiciary power. It should be determined how
+that should be confided, and then its duties and limits.
+
+'9. For the execution of the laws and the defence of the kingdom,
+there exists a public force. It is necessary, then, to determine the
+principles which should direct it, and how it should be employed.
+
+'Recapitulation.
+
+'Declaration of the rights of man. Principles of the monarchy. Rights of
+the nation. Rights of the King. Rights of the citizens.
+
+'Organization and rights of the National Assembly. Forms necessary for
+the enaction of laws. Organization and functions of the Provincial
+and Municipal Assemblies. Duties and limits of the judiciary power.
+Functions and duties of the military power.'
+
+
+You see that these are the materials of a superb edifice, and the hands
+which have prepared them are perfectly capable of putting them together,
+and of filling up the work, of which these are only the outlines. While
+there are some men among them of very superior abilities, the mass
+possess such a degree of good sense, as enables them to decide well. I
+have always been afraid their numbers might lead to confusion. Twelve
+hundred men in one room are too many. I have still that fear. Another
+apprehension is, that a majority cannot be induced to adopt the trial by
+jury, and I consider that as the only anchor ever yet imagined by man,
+by which a government can be held to the principles of its constitution.
+Mr. Paradise is the bearer of this letter. He can supply those details
+which it would be so tedious to write.
+
+I am, with great esteem, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,
+
+Th: Jefferson.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Memoir, Correspondence, And
+Miscellanies, From The Papers Of Thomas Jefferson, by Thomas Jefferson
+
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