The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 2 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 2 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
On my return to Paris, it was among my first intentions to go to the
rue Chaussée 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 a 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 till 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 looking at in London, shall have lost
their charm of novelty, you will turn a wistful eye to the 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 of 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.
TO JOHN ADAMS.
PARIS, July 1, 1787.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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