The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (of 9): Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and PrivateJefferson, Thomas
History
The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 3 (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
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. Neckar 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. Neckar, 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. Neckar'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.
TO JOHN JAY.
Paris, June 29, 1789.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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