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
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.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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