The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 2 (of 9)

All the world here is electioneering. Paris is a desert, at least as to that description of persons who think they may be chosen themselves, or aid the choice of their friends. I hope to see this great meeting before my departure. Several elections are already over, but I am not able to give you a list of them. Mirabeau has been declared in his province not to be a noble, whereupon he offered himself for the people, and it is said he is elected. The D. de Orleans has lately rendered himself very popular by decided declarations in favor of the Tiers Etat in all their points. He has particularly declared he will pay taxes in proportion to his property, and he has relinquished all his Capitaineries. His daughter is to be married to the D. de Angouleme. The Dauphin is at the last extremity. He is lately removed from Versailles to Meudon. This is considered as preparatory to a removal to St. Dennis. We have had such a winter here as is not on record. The mercury was 18½ below freezing on Reaumur's scale, and I think it was nearly two months varying between that point and zero. It gave occasion for a display of the benevolent character of this nation, which, great as I had thought it, went beyond my expectations. There seems to be a very general apprehension of the want of bread this spring. Supplies are hoped from our country, and indeed they have already reduced the price of flour at Bordeaux from 36l. to 33l. the barrel. The funds, at a low ebb when Mr. Necker came in, recovered their ground by degrees, and have ever since remained stationary. The Court has had thoughts of coming to St. Cloud during the session of the States, but it is not yet decided. As I shall write to Madame de Brehan, I shall tender my respects to her myself. The next details I give you will be in New York, where I hope to have the pleasure of seeing you in the summer, and of taking your orders for France. In the meantime, I am, with very sincere esteem and respect, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant.

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 the honor 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; everybody 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 Buffons, where Italian operas are given, and good music. It is in the Chateau des Tuilleries. 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 to 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.

INDEX TO VOL. II

Adams, John—View of his character, 107.

His recall from England, 110.

Mr. Jefferson's view of his new work, 128, 282.

Agriculture—Condition of in South of France, 135.

America—Habits of people in 1786, 13.

Current events, 19, 21, 148, 574. (See U. States.)

Antiquities—Monuments in South of France, 132, 133, 134.

In Western country, 176.

Antoinette, Maria—Her character, 154, 310.

Austria—Our commercial relations with, 28.

Relations between Austria and Netherlands, 289.

Relations between Austria, Russia, and France, 313, 344, 371.

Relations between Austria and Turkey, 392, 396, 510, 531, 552.

Banks—Mr. Jefferson's views on banking system of England, 405.

Bank of Philadelphia—Its charter, 24.

Barbary States—Hostile relations of with U. S., 10, 26, 27, 85.

Treaty with Morocco, 72, 94, 125.

Its ratification, 264.

Treaty with Algiers fails, 85.

Intervention of Mathurin Monks in favor of our Algerine prisoners, 93, 113, 270, 307, 386.

Redemption of our prisoners, 307, 380, 464, 564.

Barclay, Mr.—His arrest at Bordeaux, 155, 158, 159, 226.

His return to U. S., 183.

His pecuniary embarrassments, 183, 210.

His character, 210, 211.

Bed of Justice—Held to force Parliament to register decrees, 258.

Bills of Rights—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 329, 358.

Brabant—Revolutionary movement in, 212.

Brazil—Revolutionary movements in, 140.

Communicated to Mr. Jefferson, and his views thereon, 143.

Character of population, 140.

Brienne, Cardinal—His influence over the Queen, 310.

His character, 311, 316.

His want of popularity, 316.

His dismissal, 471.

Brittany—Difficulties between Noblesse and people in, 577.

Calonnes, M. de—His administration of finances of France, 298.

Canals—The Erie and Ohio Canal, 250.

Practicability of canal through Isthmus of Panama, 325, 397.

Advantages of canal between the Cayahoga and Big Beaver, 370.

The Potomac canal, 283.

Santee and Cooper canal, 283.

Caper, The—Culture of in U. S., 198.

Carmichael, Mr.—His character, 107.

Carolina, South—Introduction of culture of grape, almond, caper, olive, fig, &c., 197, 198, 199.

Carr, Peter—Advice as to his education, 237, 409.

Carrying Trade—Foreign vessels excluded from, between France and her colonies, 338, 346.

Cincinnati, Society of—Dangers of the society, 61.

Commerce—Treaties of, with European powers, 5, 17.

Transfer of power over to Congress, 19, 21.

Commerce with Austria, 28.

" with West Indies, 112, 536.

" with Sardinia, 146.

" with France, 163, 169, 528, 529. (See France.)

Commercial policy of U. S., 321, 529, 537.

Confederation, Articles of—Powers of the government under, 23.

Reform of, 66.

Coinage—The coinage of the U. S., 101.

Improvements in coinage, 75, 89, 111.

Constitution, Federal—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 217, 249, 250, 256, 267, 316, 318, 328, 334, 365, 388, 404, 435, 465, 586.

His objections to, 316, 318, 329, 355, 358, 375, 399.

Description of, 324.

Opposition to by different States, 324.

Who for and who against it, 324, 358.

Best to adopt first and amend afterwards, 332, 355, 399, 404.

Vote of different States on adoption of, 384, 423.

Conduct of Massachusetts in relation to, 398, 399, 404, 550.

Nine States accede thereto, 455, 533.

Effect thereof, 533.

Virginia and New York accede, proposing amendments, 480, 533, 550.

N. Carolina follows lead of Va. and N. York, 492, 550.

Debates on Constitution in Va. Convention, 481.

Organization of government under, New Constitution, 550, 573, 576.

Character of first elections under Federal, 576.

Consuls—Creatures of Convention, 17.

May be dispensed with, 420, 421.

Changes in Consular Convention with France, 416, 478, 493.

Relative to making foreigners Consuls, 495.

Copy of Convention, 498.

Convention, Federal—Its objects, 149, 211, 257, 264.

Distribution of powers of Federal Government, 152.

Scheme of New Constitution, 217, 249, 250, 256.

Place of Assembling, 480.

Cornwallis, Lord—His depredations on Mr. Jefferson's property, 426.

Cotton—Product of Southern States, 12.

Credit—Credit of the U. S. in Holland, 376.

In Austria, 376.

In England, 376.

In France, 376.

Mode of building up credit, 377.

Dean, Silas—Seizure of his letter books for debt, 454.

Purchase thereof for United States, 578, 582.

Debt, Domestic—Evil of transferring it to foreigners, 368.

Debt, Foreign—Relative to the funding of, 507.

Transfer of French debt to Holland, 28, 53, 79, 111, 120, 154, 161, 181, 209, 231, 329, 385.

Interest on foreign debt not paid, 101, 103, 181, 378.

Instalment laws, 216.

Debt to foreign officers, and their complaints, 301, 326, 333, 386, 422, 479.

Policy of paying interest punctually, 239, 351, 352, 377.

Negotiations in relation to, 351, 352.

Debt, Public—Amount of, 358.

Public lands looked to as means of paying, 358.

Redeemed at price paid by holder of the script, 360.

Negotiations in Holland for loan, 367, 373.

Certainty that the whole will ultimately be paid, 422.

Democracy—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 100, 105, 166, 249.

Self government by the people, 166, 249.

Denmark—Claim against for prize money, 13, 348, 410.

Dumas, M.—Protection for his official character asked of Netherlands, 287.

His claim against U. S., 366.

Earth, the—Theory of, 68.

Eastern States—(See 9).

Education—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 175, 192, 227, 245, 429.

Emigrants—German emigrants best, 235.

England—Her calumnies against U. S., 36, 204, 318.

England and France compared, 161.

Scheme for conquest of U. S., 306.

Indisposition of King of England, 490, 532, 577.

Relations between England and France, 303, 308, 356.

Relations between England, Spain and Russia, 365.

Europe—Political condition of, 3, 7, 9, 11, 76, 77, 150, 157, 170, 191, 206, 212, 215, 222, 234, 248, 263, 267, 315, 334, 336, 371, 381, 392, 396, 405, 422, 429, 436, 448, 468, 491, 508, 532, 558, 580, 583, 588.

Hostilities threatened, 270, 272, 281, 283, 290.

Difficulties adjusted, 303, 308.

Social and political degradation of, 7.

Relations between Turkey and Russia, 262, 263, 272, 288.

War between Turkey and Russia, 436, 441, 453, 459, 460, 462, 468, 510, 533, 552, 568.

Relations between Russia and Holland, 279, 281, 288, 289, 303, 308, 476, 483.

Relations between Austria and Netherlands, 289.

Relations between England and France, 356.

Relations between Spain, England and Russia, 355.

Relations between Austria and Turkey, 392, 396, 510, 531, 552.

Relations between Sweden and Russia, 453, 459, 460, 462, 476, 483, 510.

Relations between Naples and Papal See, 454.

Farmers, General—Enjoy monopoly of tobacco trade of France, 14, 70, 89, 183, 186, 193.

Difficulties with, 182.

Federalist, The—Mr. Jefferson's opinion of, 506.

Finance—Condition of our European finances, 147, 385.

Financial embarrassments of France, 222, 230, 570.

Fiseaux, M.—His loan, 339, 351, 352, 368.

Flour—New mode of preserving, 236.

Fourqueux, M. de—Succeeds Calonnes as minister of finance, 138.

France—Military preparations by, 3.

Importations of whale oil, 27, 47, 157, 312, 341, 393, 488, 515, 516, 537, 539, 565, 567.

Note on whale oil by Mr. Jefferson, 516.

Commercial relations with, 45, 47, 50, 65, 88, 163, 169, 260, 274, 278, 298, 312, 341, 487.

Description of South of France, 71, 109.

Consular convention with, 90.

Changes therein, 416, 478, 493, 498.

Assembly of Notables, 91, 95, 99, 119, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131.

Organization of, 133.

Her friendship for U. S., 109.

Character of King and Queen of, 154, 301.

Commerce with South of, 157.

Commercial negotiations, 172, 312, 342.

Political condition of, 209, 222, 230, 231, 234, 382.

Financial embarrassments of, 222, 230, 510.

Ministerial changes, 258, 309, 471.

Division of ministry on question of war, 294.

Call of States General inevitable, 372.

Violent measures of the King, 390.

Reforms in constitution granted, 390, 448, 457, 466.

Concessions by the King, 448, 450, 506.

French revolution begins with aristocratic orders, 457, 459, 490.

States General convened, 458, 461, 463, 467, 509.

Difficulties as to how they shall be constituted, 468, 485, 491, 492, 511, 551, 561.

The question referred to the decision of Notables, 463, 511, 535.

Their decision thereon, 535, 548, 556, 561.

The court dissatisfied with decision, 536, 561.

Riots, 471.

Reforms by States General, 535, 562.

What reforms practicable, 544, 548.

Elections to States General, 580, 589.

Severity of winter of 1788-9, 541, 558, 590, 591.

Mr. Jefferson's views on rise and progress of French revolution, 554, 591.

Fur Trade—Establishment of depot at Alexandria, 60.

Geology—Relative to rock formations, &c., 276.

George IV.—His character, 558.

Gordon, Dr.—His history of U. States, 167, 425.

Grand, Mr.—His advances to U. S., 223.

Hastings, Warren—His trial, 349.

Mr. Jefferson's views on, 349.

Head and Heart—Dialogue between, 32.

Hennin, M.—His character, 110.

Henry, Patrick—His conduct in Va. Assembly, 574.

History, Natural—The deer, elk, &c., 74, 285, 288.

Moose, mammoth, &c., 474.

Holland—Political condition of, 212, 215, 234.

Division of parties, 228.

Relations between Holland and Prussia, 279, 281, 288, 289.

Amicably adjusted, 303, 308, 476, 483.

Honfleur—Its establishment as a free port, 53, 92, 96, 126.

Hostage—Case of one confined at Dunkirk, 312.

Hygrometer—Invented by Dr. Rittenhouse, 83.

Indians—Our policy towards, 3.

The origin of the aborigines of America, 434.

Indies, West—Trade with, 536.

International Law—(See Law of Nations).

Inventions, Mechanical—Improvement in making wheels, 97.

Italy—Description of Northern Italy, 136, 137.

Jefferson, Thomas—His visit to South of France, 71, 109, 121, 126.

His views of South of France, 132, 135, 136, 266.

His visit to Northern Italy, 136, 137, 266.

Settlement of his accounts as minister, 225, 400, 401.

His domestic tastes, 243, 356.

His visit to Hague, 361.

His outfit as foreign minister, 401, 406.

Effort to take him prisoner in Albemarle, 425.

Tarleton's conduct at Charlottesville, 425.

The depredations of Cornwallis, 425.

Petitions for leave of absence to visit U. S., 513, 552.

His relations to parties under New Constitution, 586.

His views on Hastings' trial, 349.

His views on democracy, 100, 105, 106, 249.

Jones, Paul—Prize money due him, 1.

Takes employment in Russian navy, 372, 381, 382.

His victory over Turks, 441, 443, 448, 451, 454, 467.

Klein, M.—His claim against U. States, 569.

La Fayette—Bust of presented to City of Paris, by Virginia, 30, 44, 118, 123.

His services to U. S., 108.

Lambe, Mr.—His equivocal conduct, 73, 85.

Lands, Public—Disposal of, 86.

Sales of, 325.

Disposition of proceeds, 325.

Laws—Evil of their instability, 333.

Law of Nations—Establishment by treaty of rule Free ships free goods, Enemy's ships enemy's goods, 280.

Property of one Sovereign cannot be seized in territory of another, 477, 486.

Ledyard, J. Mr.—His travels, 151.

Arrested by Empress of Russia, 433.

Literature—New literary works, 95.

Livy—Arabic translation of, 483.

Louis XVI.—His character, 154, 310.

Luzerne, Chevalier de—His return to United States, as minister, 106, 112.

Appointed Ambassador to England, 314.

His domestic affairs, 445.

Madison, James—Books for him, 207.

Mammoth—Account of, 474.

Mansfield, Lord—Mr. Jefferson's opinion of his decisions, 487.

Manufactures—Improvement of U. S. in, 91.

Reason why U. S. do not prosper in, 412.

Domestic manufactures of Va., 412.

Marseilles—Our trade with, 138.

Medals—For revolutionary officers, 123.

Mexico—Classification of population of, 143.

Revolutionary movements in, 144.

Ministers, Foreign—Their salaries insufficient, 401, 406.

Entitled to outfit, 402, 406.

Have no power to authenticate writings, 542.

Mississippi River—Navigation of, 106, 378, 396, 398, 416.

Monarchy—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 221, 249, 253.

Money—Redemption of paper money of U. S., 51, 64.

The money Unit of U. S., 52.

Moose, the—Account of, 474.

Montmorin, Ct. de—Appointed successor of Ct. de Vergennes, 122.

His character, 131.

Monticello—Its beautiful scenery, 35.

Moustier, Ct. de—His character, 293.

His mission to U. S., 295.

Relative to his recall, 571.

Music—The Harmonica, 75.

Naples—Relations with the Papal See, 454.

Natural History—(See History).

Neckar, M.—Appointed Director General of Finance, 473.

Neutrality—The true policy of U. S., 253, 291.

Treaties with France obstacle to neutrality, 223.

Notables—Assembly of in France, 91, 95, 99, 119, 127, 128, 129, 131.

Organization of, 133.

Question of organization of States General referred to, 463, 511, 535.

Their decision thereon, 535, 562.

Reforms by, 257.

Office—Rotation is the true principle, 330.

Olive, the—Its culture in U. States, 359, 414.

Olive oil, 359.

Paine, Thomas—His bridge, 204, 546.

Panama, Isthmus of—Practicability of canal through, 325.

Paris—Parisian and American every-day life compared, 116.

Improvement in city, 253.

Parliament of Paris—Resists the crown, 254, 255, 439.

Removed to Troyes, 258.

Bed of Justice, 258.

Pearls—Manufacture of, 203.

Pedometer—379.

Peru—Insurrectionary movements in, 147.

Our sympathy with, 145.

Plenary Courts—Mr. Jefferson's views of, 388, 391, 438.

Pope, the—Relations between Papal See and Naples, 454.

Portugal—Commercial relations with, 5, 89.

President—Mr. Jefferson's views on Question of re-eligibility, 330.

Prisoners—Redemption of our Algerine prisoners, 307, 380, 386, 464, 564.

Intervention of Mathurin Monks in their behalf, 93, 113, 270, 307, 386.

Protestants—Edict of, 13.

Prussia—Death of King of, 28.

Relations of with Holland, 279, 281, 288, 289, 303, 308, 476, 488.

Ramsay, Dr.—His history, 216.

Randolph, Thomas—His education, 245.

Religion—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 237.

Reception in Europe of Va. Act of Religious Freedom, 67.

Republican Government—Its superiority over Monarchical, 221, 249, 253.

Revolutions—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 332.

Revolution, American—History of by M. Chas, 63.

Revolution, French—(See France).

Reyneval, M.—Views of his character, 109.

Rhode Island, College of—Declines to apply to King of France for donation of books for, 184.

Rice—Consumption of in France, 48, 434.

Rice trade, 138, 537.

Mode of preparation, 138, 434.

The rice of Lombardy, 139.

Attempt to introduce its culture in South Carolina, 139, 178, 347.

Difference between Carolina and Piedmont rice, 162, 178, 195.

Rice trade of France, 194, 205, 320.

Rice of Cochin China, 197.

In New York, 415.

Russia—Relations with Turkey, 261, 263, 272, 285.

War with Turkey, 436, 441, 453, 450, 460, 465, 468, 510, 553, 552, 568.

Relations with Austria and France, 315, 344, 371.

Relations with Sweden, 453, 459, 460, 462, 476, 483, 510.

Safe Conduct—One asked for Mr. Nesbitt, 575.

Science—Scientific news of Europe, 247, 270, 429.

Theory of vegetation, 430.

Astronomical discoveries, 429.

The Rainbow, 430.

The progress of Chemistry, 431.

Sea, the—The currents of, 58.

Slavery—Mr. Jefferson's views on, 357.

Slave Trade—Its abolition, 357.

States General—(See France).

Steam—Its use as a motive power, 67, 69.

Description of new steam mill, 277.

Tarleton—His conduct at Charlottesville and Monticello, 425.

Theatre—The establishment of one at Richmond, Va., 346.

Tobacco—Trade in to France a monopoly in hands of Farmers General, 14, 70, 89, 183, 186, 193.

Tobacco trade of France, 320, 353.

Treasury—Funds in hands of Mr. Grand, 2.

Trumbull—His paintings, 10.

Turkey—Relations with Russia, 262, 263, 272, 288.

War with Russia, 436, 441, 453, 459, 460, 462, 468, 510, 533, 552, 568.

Relations with Austria, 392, 396, 510, 531, 552.

United States—Habits of people in 1786, 13.

Current events, 19, 21, 148, 574.

Climate of, 82.

Extravagance of people of, 191, 193, 215, 219.

The instalment laws of, 216.

Minister to, 227, 274.

Histories of, 256.

Coinage of, 101.

Money Unit of, 52.

Paper money of, how redeemed, 52.

Public debt of, (See Debt.)

Vergennes, Ct. de—View of his character, 108.

His ill-health, 113.

His death, 122.

Vice Presidency—Candidates for first Vice Presidency, 465, 490, 573.

Virginia—Notes on, 6.

Circumstances of their publication, 170, 180.

Revisal of Code of, 6.

The sea breezes on her coast, 54.

Arms and ammunition for, 215.

War—Effect of European war on U. S., 252.

Washington, Gen.—His statue by Houdon, 250.

His vast popularity, 465.

Looked to as first President, 465, 587.

Mr. Jefferson's views of, 587.

Western Country—Its antiquities, 176.

Danger of its separation from East, 106, 153, 395.

Our policy towards, 395.

West Indies—Our commerce with, 536.

Whale Fishery—Note on by Mr. Jefferson, 516.

William and Mary College—Ability of its Faculty, 428.

Wills—Construction of G. Harmer's will, 242.

Writing Machine—A new invention, 110.

Wyoming—Account of the massacre of, 102, 114.

1

[French Minister of Finance.]

2

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.

3

[The latter part of this letter is in cypher; 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.]

4

[Much of this letter is in cypher, but the notes annexed to it have enabled the Editor to decipher and publish it.]

5

[The parts of this letter marked by asterisks, are in cypher, and unintelligible.]

6

[It will be seen that a few words of this letter are in cypher. It is published, however, as written, because enough of it is literal to interest the reader, to whom also, a specimen of the cypher used by the Author, may not be unacceptable.]

7

[For the letter referred to, see ante, p. 237.]

8

[Several paragraphs of this letter are in cipher. A few words here could not be deciphered.]

9

—In Eastern States, 78, 81, 99, 104, 124, 165, 318, 322, 399.