2951From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 15 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
So far all is well. No complaints; except against the weathermaker, who has pelted me with rain, hail, and snow, almost from the moment of my departure to my arrival here. Now and then a few gleamings of sunshine to chear me by the way. Such is this life: and such too will be the next, if there be another, and we may judge of the future by the past. My road led me about 60 miles through...
2952From Thomas Jefferson to José da Maia, 19 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je profite Monsieur du moment de mon arrivée à Nismes pour vous en faire part. Je resterai ici 3. ou 4. jours, aprés lesquels je partirai pour Avig[non], Mar[seilles], &c. J’en serais enchanté si ce rapprochement de vous me donnera le moyen de vous voir ici. Dans ce cas ayez la bonté de demander seulement le Voyageur etranger qui est arrivé d’aujourdhui. C’est en simple particulier que je...
2953From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Tessé, 20 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Here I am, Madam, gazing whole hours at the Maison quarrée, like a lover at his mistress. The stocking—weavers and silk spinners around it consider me as an 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 Laye Epinaye in the Beaujolois, a...
2954From Thomas Jefferson to Adrien Petit, 27 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je vous ai ecrit, Monsieur Petit, de Lyons pour vous prevenir que j’avois acheté des vins de [Mon]rachet, que le nommé Monsr. Parrain , de la ville de Beaune devoit faire passer à Paris, en vous en avertissant. Comme l’occasion sera bonne pour faire mon approvisionnement de vin en passant à Marseille à Lunel et à Bourdeaux, je vous prie de m’envoyer à Aix tout de suite l’etat actuel de tous...
2955From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 27 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you on the 15th. from Lyons, and on my arrival here had the pleasure to find your favors of the 12th. and 14th. with the letters accompanying them. In the hurry of my departure from Paris I omitted to explain myself to you on the subject of the map. The kind of paper on which they are struck is not very material. I had intended 50 on such paper as the proof was, and 200 on a thinner...
2956From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 28 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I was happy, my dear Patsy, to receive, on my arrival here, your letter informing me of your health and occupations. I have not written to you sooner because I have been almost constantly on the road. My journey hitherto has been a very pleasing one. It was undertaken with the hope that the mineral waters of this place might restore strength to my wrist. Other considerations also concurred....
2957From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 29 March 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mine of the 27th. acknowleged the receipt of your favors of the 12th. and 14th. to which I must now add that of the 22d. which came to hand yesterday. Be so good as to give M. de Crevecoeur two maps and a copy of my book which I promised him. I am not certain whether I left the new leaves so that you can find them. If I did, I wish them to accompany the book. I think the engraver’s charges...
2958From Thomas Jefferson to Chastellux, 4 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I must return you many thanks, my dear friend, for your kind attention in procuring me the acquaintance of Monsr. Bergasse , from whom I have received many civilities, and, what is more precious, abundance of information. To you and to him also I am indebted for an introduction to Monsr. Audibert, in whom I saw enough to make me regret that I could not see more of him. My journey from Paris to...
2959From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 4 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the pleasure of finding your friend Soria alive and one of the most considerable merchants here. I delivered him your letter and he has shewn me all the attentions which the state of his mind would permit. A few days before my arrival his only son had eloped with jewels and money to the value of 40,000 livres, and I believe is not yet heard of. He speaks of you with friendship, and...
2960[From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, 5 April 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Marseilles, 5 Apr. 1787 . Recorded in SJL under this date. Not found.]
2961From Thomas Jefferson to Madame de Tott, 5 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you sincerely, Madam, for the favour of your letter on the subject of M. Drouay’s picture. It has confirmed a part of my own ideas, given some which had escaped me, and corrected others wherein I had been wrong. The strong expression given to the countenance of Marius had absorbed all my attention, and made me overlook the slenderness of his frame, which you justly recall to my mind as...
2962From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 7 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday at Marseilles your letter of March 25. and I received it with pleasure because it announced to me that you were well. Experience learns us to be always anxious about the health of those whom we love. I have not been able to write to you so often as I expected, because I am generally on the road; and when I stop any where, I am occupied in seeing what is to be seen. It will...
2963From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 7 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I received yesterday at Marseilles your favor of Mar. 26. I was just then setting out for this place, and therefore deferred answering you till my arrival here. I now inclose you a letter for the Count de Montmorin, which, with that to the King, be pleased to deliver to M. de Montmorin. Is the letter to the king sealed with the seal of Congress? If it is, nothing is necessary to be said on the...
2964From Thomas Jefferson to Lafayette, 11 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
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...
2965From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 12 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
At Marseilles they told me I should encounter the ricefeilds of Piedmont soon after crossing the Alps. Here they tell me there are none nearer than Vercelli and Novarra, 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. Tomorrow I set out on my passage...
2966From Thomas Jefferson to the Abbés Arnoux and Chalut, 12 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
C’est bien le tems, mes chers Messieurs, de vous faire mes remercimens pour toutes les honnetetés dont je vous suis redevable. Á commencer par Madame de Laye, elle m’a comblé de bontés, de politesses, et de toutes sortes d’attentions. J’ai fait chez elle un sejour de trois jours, qui ont eté remplis d’agremens et d’instructions. Monsieur Tournillon , Monsieur de Pizay , Monsieur le Prevot...
2967To Thomas Jefferson from John Sullivan, with Account of Expenses for Obtaining Moose Skeleton, 26 April 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
This Letter comes by my good friend Captain Samuel Pierce on board of whose vessel I send a Large Box containing the Articles mentioned in the Inclosed Account, which will show you the amount of Expences. A copy of my directions to him which I also inclose will show the means used by me to forward those expensive Curiosities to you. Capt. Pierce from motives of friendship for me has engaged to...
2968From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived here this evening, and set out tomorrow morning at day break for Marseilles. From thence I must write to Mr. Jay, and I cannot write till I receive some information at Marseilles. The letter will get to Paris the 8th. or perhaps not till the 9th. and as the packet should sail the 10th. the object of this letter is to pray you to have a trusty Courier ready to start for Havre the...
2969From Thomas Jefferson to Castries, 3 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received at this place the letter of the 19th. of April which your Excellency did me the honor of writing on the claim of Nicholas Valentin Fontaine for services performed on board the Indian, while employed by the state of South Carolina. I am an entire stranger to the other difficulties which have hitherto retarded the adjustment of those claims. One however has lately become known to...
2970From Thomas Jefferson to Rigoley d’Ogny, 3 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Je viens de recevoir içi, Monsieur le Baron, à mon retour d’une petite voiage au-delà des Alpes la lettre, en date 6me. Avril, dont vous avez bien voulu m’honorer. Agreez, je vous en prie mes remercimens pour votre bonté en faisant remettre en franchise le paquet de gazettes qui m’avoit eté adressé de New York par la voye des paquebots français. Il y a longtems que j’ai vu avec regret les...
2971From Thomas Jefferson to Ferdinand Grand, 4 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of putting the inclosed letter under your cover to avoid it’s being opened. It contains one for Mr. Jay which is to go by the packet sailing from Havre on the 10th. You will perceive therefore at the time of receiving this that there is not a moment to lose. I must therefore beg the favor of you to send a Commissioner instantly with it to my hotel: and, if Mr. Short should...
2972From Thomas Jefferson to John Jay, 4 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the honour of receiving at Aix your letter of Feb. 9. 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 accordingly informs me he has done. My absence prevented my noting to you in the first moment the revolution which has...
2973From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 4 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I received last night at Aix your favors of April 4. 6. and 24. by which I perceive that M. de Crevecoeur goes by the present packet and leaves Paris the 7th. I must therefore beg the favor of you to dispatch the inclosed letter to Mr. Jay by a courier in the instant of receiving this to M. de Crevecoeur if he shall have left Paris. The courier must go day and night rather than run any risk of...
2974From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Barclay, 5 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
After the letter I did myself the honour of writing you to assure you that I would reimburse you the necessary expences for sending young Mercier to his own country, I took occasion in my first to the Governor of Virginia to mention your attention to him, and my undertaking, and to pray that he would endeavor to find out his family. I now receive a letter from the present governor , Mr....
2975From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 5 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I got back to Aix the day before yesterday, and found there your letter of the 9th. of April, from which I presume you to be well tho’ you do not say so. In order to exercise your geography I will give you a detail of my journey. You must therefore take your map and trace out the following places. Dijon, Lyons, Pont St. Esprit, Nismes, Arles, St. Remis, Aix, Marseilles, Toulon, Hieres, Frejus,...
2976From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 5 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote you a short letter of the 1st. from Nice, and another of the 4th. from this place. I have now a little more time to go thro’ the articles of your several favors of the 4th. 6th. and 24th. With respect to the maps to be struck on bank paper, if there be any difficulty they may be omitted, because I can have them done at London where that operation is familiar.—Nothing can have been more...
2977From Thomas Jefferson to Edward Bancroft, 6 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieve your favor of Mar. 27. just as I am setting out for Bourdeaux, Nantes, Lorient and Paris where I shall be about the middle of June. I have hastily scribbled therefore the inclosed letter to Mr. Wythe, which will explain to Mr. Paradise what I suppose best for him to do, without repeating it here which my hurry scarcely admits. If I can do any thing further for him in this or any...
2978From Thomas Jefferson to Jean Baptiste Guide, 6 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
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 thro a third nation, led me into the conversation which I had the honour of having with you on that subject, and afterwards with Monsieur Tallon at Turin, to whom I promised that I would...
2979From Thomas Jefferson to Philip Mazzei, 6 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I found at Aix your favor of the 17th. April, on my return thither the 3d. inst. I now inclose the order you desire. I think I cannot be at Paris before the 15th. of June but shall make a point to be there at that time on account of the approaching Packet. I have made a little tour from Nice across the Alps at the Col de Tende, to Turin, thence thro’ the rice country of the Vercellese,...
2980From Thomas Jefferson to St. Victour & Bettinger, 6 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Quand le gouvernement de la Virginie nous fit l’honneur, à Monsr. le M. de la Fayette, M. Barclay et moi, de nous charger de la procuration des armes, pour lesquelles nous nous sommes adressés à votre manufacture, il nous donnoit raison de croire qu’il auroit besoin d’encore bien d’autres. Mais jusques ici, il ne s’est expliqué ulterieurement la dessus, et il ne seroit pas sage ni à nous, ni à...
2981From Thomas Jefferson to George Wythe, 6 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Paradise being desirous of placing the conduct of his steward under the controul of some one or two good gentlemen in the neighborhood of his estate, has desired me to recommend his affairs to the persons whom I should think best. But since my departure from Williamsburg things are so much changed that I am incompetent to that nomination. I therefore advise him to execute a power of...
2982From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 21 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I write to you, my dear Patsy, from the Canal of Languedoc, on which I am at present sailing, as I have been for a week past, cloudless skies above, limpid waters below, and on each hand a row of nightingales in full chorus. This delightful bird had given me a rich treat before at the fountain of Vaucluse. After visiting the tomb of Laura at Avignon, I went to see this fountain, a noble one of...
2983From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 21 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
The only incalculable part of my journey now drawing to a close, I am able to give you a state of my future motions from which there will probably be no considerable variation, unless any considerable accident happen. I expect to arrive on the days following at the several places named. May 23. Bourdeaux 31. Nantes June 4. Lorient 7. Rennes 8. Nantes 11. Tours 13. Orleans 15. Paris As there is...
2984From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, Jr., 26 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson’s compliments to Mr. Bannister. Meeting at this place with Capt. Gregory, just sailing for Virginia he takes the occasion of inclosing to him two letters received in the course of his journey. The hurry in which he is leaves him time at present only to reiterate his prayers for the health and happiness of Mr. Bannister and assurances of his esteem, as well as of that he bears to...
2985From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 26 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Being thus far on my tour through the seaports, I find here a letter from Colo. Smith, informing me of his having passed this place on his way to Madrid. As I believe you are not acquainted with each other, give me leave to recommend him to your attentions, not as a matter of formality but with all the warmth which his uncommon merit deserves. His good sense you will immediately perceive, but...
2986From Thomas Jefferson to Francis Eppes, 26 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Making a tour round the sea-ports of this country on matters of business, and meeting at this place with Capt. Gregory, just sailing for Portsmouth, I cannot deny myself the pleasure of asking you to participate of a parcel of wine I have been chusing for myself. I do it the rather as it will furnish you a specimen of what is the very best Bourdeaux wine. It is of the vineyard of Obrion, one...
2987From Thomas Jefferson to William Stephens Smith, 26 May 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I find here the letter you were so kind as to leave for me and am truly sorry I did not arrive in time to have the pleasure of meeting with you here. I hope however you will take Paris in your way back, and indemnify my loss. I am to thank you as usual for favors, attention to the press, the mathematical instrument, books, letters &c. This done I will pass to a more pleasing subject still,...
2988From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 1 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of May 3. came to me at this place. Since this I hear nothing from you; but I hope your health is reestablished. I have received letters from America as late as March assuring me that your sister shall be sent this summer. At that time however they did not know certainly by what occasion she could come. There was a hope of getting her under care of the French Consul and his lady,...
2989From Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 1 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of May 8. which had arrived at Aix after I had passed that place, followed me here where I have received it, as also that of May 21. The one by Colo. Smith I received at Bourdeaux . He had left that place a week before I reached it. I wrote to him to the care of Mr. Carmichael. I left Mr. Barclay at Bourdeaux. He waited only the post of the day before yesterday to set out for Paris....
2990[From Thomas Jefferson to Cassini, 13 June 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris 13 June 1787 . Entry in SJL under this date reads: “Cassini. le comte de à l’Observatoire royal.” Not found.]
2991[From Thomas Jefferson to Champion, 13 June 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 13 June 1787 . Entry in SJL reads: “Champion. le Comte de. à l’Abbaye St. Germains des prés, r. Colombier.” Not found.]
2992[From Thomas Jefferson to the Abbé Gaubert, 13 June 1787] (Jefferson Papers)
[ Paris, 13 June 1787 . Entry in SJL reads: “Gaubert l’Abbé. r. de l’eveque butte St. Roche. No. 34.” Not found.]
2993From Thomas Jefferson to William Carmichael, 14 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Having got back to Paris three days ago, I resume immediately the correspondence with which you have been pleased to honour 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...
2994From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 14 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I arrived at this place three days ago, and avail myself of the first possible moment of acknowleging the receipt of your favors of the 5th. and 7th. of June. The letters they accompanied for Mr. Jay shall be sent by the packet which sails the 25th. instant, and by a passenger. My letters from America are none later than the 24th. of April. The disturbances in the Eastern states were entirely...
2995From Thomas Jefferson to Martha Jefferson, 14 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you, my dear Patsy, the 15 livres you desired. You propose this to me as an anticipation of five weeks allowance. But do you not see my dear how imprudent it is to lay out in one moment what should accomodate you for five weeks? That this is a departure from that rule which I wish to see you governed by, thro’ your whole life, of never buying any thing which you have not money in your...
2996From Thomas Jefferson to Parent, 14 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Si vous croyez, Monsieur, que le vin de Voulenayé et le vin de Meursault de la qualité nommée Goutte d’or peuvent etre transportés à Paris pendant les chaleurs actuelles, je vous prierai de m’envoyer une feuillette de chacune de ces deux especes, en bouteilles, des meilleures crues, et de la recolte qui est la meilleure pour etre bu le moment actuel. Vous aurez la bonté de m’indiquer la...
2997From Thomas Jefferson to the Commissioners of the Treasury, 17 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of Feb. 16. has duly come to hand. I will beg leave to repeat an explanation, which I think I had the honor of giving you in a former letter, of the reason why the bills of Mr. Dumas have been paid for some time past by Mr. Grand. Soon after the departure of Dr. Franklin a bill drawn by Mr. Dumas on me was presented for a quarter’s salary. I went to Mr. Grand and asked him if he...
2998From Thomas Jefferson to Du Pin d’Assarts, 18 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I learn with sincere concern the distressed situation in which you find yourself. However unqualified as a stranger to decide in general on the various cases of misfortune which present themselves, I am still persuaded your’s is real. I therefore feel the more regret on being obliged to assure you that it is out of my power to relieve you from your situation. The king is in disposition, as...
2999From Thomas Jefferson to John Banister, Jr., 19 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of April 23. 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...
3000From Thomas Jefferson to Thomas Barclay, 19 June 1787 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 12th. came to hand two days ago. Your adversary had been busy here in endeavoring to have your privilege examined and withdrawn. They had, as I think, interested Mr. Eden, the British minister, and thro’ that or some other channel conveied a story to the ear of some of the ministers, very unfavorable to you. They had particularly represented some circumstance attending the...