1To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 25 May 1793 . We receive neither letters nor papers from France and hear from there and elsewhere only what they wish us to know or delude us about. In Germany, as in Poland, the big despots are overwhelming the little ones and seizing peoples like flocks of sheep. All around him, commerce overthrown, treasury exhausted, imminent vexations to refill it, hypocrisy on the throne and...
2To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 7 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 7 May 1793 . A fortnight ago he received TJ’s letter of 2 Feb. and a fortnight before that the plans of our beautiful Federal City, eight of which he sent to Amsterdam to be displayed in the counting houses of great merchants friendly to us and in patriotic clubs. He is preparing ten others for Dort, Rotterdam, Leyden, and Haarlem and has reserved five for North Holland and Utrecht...
3To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 May 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 1 May 1793 . Providence alone can foresee the final end of this unprecedented and almost general war. Correspondence with France is again interrupted, and he and many other good people in this country suffer because France pays neither incomes nor pensions abroad. People in this province suffer further from the forced imposition, which they must swear is not forced, of what is...
4To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 5 April 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 5 Apr. 1793 . The lifting of the embargo in the Dutch ports enables him to resume his dispatches. He encloses a statement of his disbursements for the last half of 1792, two copies of which he furnished to the bankers at Amsterdam when he drew on them for the sums of ƒ301.16 and ƒ204.15 mentioned in it. The poorly conceived French campaign strategy of maintaining separate corps...
5To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 February 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 3 Feb. 1793 . Since his last of 29 Jan. each day becomes more critical for France on one side and the dominant parties here and in London on the other. He is unable to give an account of some propositions with which Maulde, the former French minister plenipotentiary who had been recalled to Paris, is said to have returned here, and to which it is said the Grand Pensionary has...
6To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 29 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 29 Jan. 1793 . He regards the unfortunate fate of the last of the kings of France as a human tragedy but a political necessity, there being no middle ground between his ruin and the destruction of civil liberties. The discourse by Paine in the enclosed Journal des Débats shows that his ideas on natural law are infinitely superior to his politics. Louis would have given no cause for...
7To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 9 January 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 9 Jan. 1793 . The lessons offered by the quarrelsome Europeans can make the good American people thankful for the wisest and most virtuous government in the world and the constitutions which assure it. Behold the king of England, who seems determined to add to the disorder by joining with his hereditary Continental cousins and risks drowning with them like Pharoah, thus atoning for...
8To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 13 November 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 13 Nov. 1792. For several months we have seen that a king without a people is nothing. We shall see what a people without a king can be. Having driven the enemy from France and invaded Germany, the French are welcomed as liberators in the Low Countries. 15–20 Nov. All around him precautions are being taken, especially against those within the country, who are dreaded as much as...
9To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 20 September 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 20 Sep. 1792. Since the receipt of TJ’s letter of 3 June on 26 July, he has tried to write to him hundreds of times, but ill health and the horrible state of affairs in Europe prevented him. He cannot foresee the results and needs all his steadfastness to bear up against the anxiety he feels for the cause of humanity and for himself in the face of so many evils. He values the...
10To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 June 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 8 June 1792. Having deferred sending these packets until now, he forwards them without being able to add his opinions on the affairs of Europe. The French, who ought to do everything, do nothing; the Prussians march and do not arrive; the English and Dutch fortunately remain observers. Providence seems to control events that disturb courts and their diplomacy, such as the war Russia...
11To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 25 Apr. 1792 . Since his last of 21 Feb. his health and Europe’s have been poor.—He learned more than a month ago of Short’s appointment as minister but has heard nothing from Short himself.—His enemies and those of the U.S. have struck a deadly blow by offering one of his sons-in-law a court appointment on condition that he cease to communicate with Dumas. The young man’s...
12To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 21 February 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 21 Feb. 1792 . Illness compels him to be brief. The enclosed papers and those sent by way of England will inform TJ of the chaotic state of Europe, especially in France.—A new tax on butchers will go into effect on 1 May.—The high cost of maintaining the U.S. embassy here makes it imperative that it be sold as soon as possible in concert with your bankers in Amsterdam. Thus far he...
13To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 31 December 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 31 Dec. 1791 . The great powers of Europe are in chaos because of the impact of the French and Polish Revolutions. They fear and hate each other and dread “ l’exemple que la nation françoise a donné aux autres .” Lafayette goes from Paris to Metz to raise men and supplies from the emigrés, beginning with Ettenheim.—The embassy must be sold because its physical condition is...
14To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 25 November 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 25 Nov. 1791 . Acknowledges TJ’s letter of 30 Aug. 1791 and takes pleasure in the favorable news it contains of conditions in the U.S. He has published some of this news in a supplement to the Leyden Gazette of this date and plans to make similar use of the work by Mr. Coxe that TJ sent him.—He rejoices in the success of “ l’Expédition contre les Sauvages ” and hopes that it will...
15To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 26 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 26 Oct. 1791 . The Provincial States have passed a resolution opposing the Stadtholder’s decision to return the 5,000 German troops who had been used to help suppress the revolution. The Stadtholder has tried unsuccessfully to induce the Regents to overturn this resolution.—The States General is still considering East Indian affairs. The governor general of Batavia has resigned, and...
16To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 October 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
[ The Hague ], 1 Oct. 1791 . The King’s acceptance of “la Constitution des françois” has strengthened the monarchy and ensured the future happiness of France. The replacement of the Legislative by the Constituent Assembly also bodes well for the progress of the revolution in France.—The news from the Netherlands is of quite a different nature. The money for the forced loan of 25th last no...
17To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 17 September 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
[ Amsterdam ], 17 Sep. 1791 . Has just received the happy and important news that on the 13th the king accepted the Constitution, without protest, as it was presented to him, and that he would go the next day before the Assembly to solemnly confirm his acceptance. Dumas has been at Amsterdam for a few days with friends and will remain here until the end of the month. He has delayed sending...
18To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 19 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 19 Aug. 1791 . While waiting for the National Assembly to act on all of the articles of the French constitution, he encloses documents concerning the pacification in the North. He will see in them the arguments of Britain and Prussia answered by the Empress of Russia, who has more spirit than the cabinets of those two powers combined. Her request for the bust of Fox, to be placed...
19To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 1 August 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 1 Aug. 1791 . A letter from Paris reports that the Constitution, reduced to essentials, will be presented this week to the King, not to be sanctioned but accepted. After that the King will no longer be uneasy. They will lose no time in finishing the elections already begun for a new Assembly, to which the present one will gloriously give way. If the news of this solemn event takes...
20To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 12 July 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 12 July 1791 . He acknowledges TJ’s of 13 May and has made good use of his account of the prosperity of the United States. If the volume of European quarrels allows space for this felicitous example set by the New World, it will be seen in the newspapers. He has written Luzac to continue sending the gazette by the English packet boats. As for the question of American packets, this...
21To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 June 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 22 June 1791 . He sends this by the Harmony, Captain Folger, for Baltimore, with duplicate by Amsterdam. Parliament adjourned without being able to learn the designs of the British court, their fleet ready to depart, the press of sailors continuing, the armistice between the Turks and Hungary expired—all indicate continuation and extension of war. [P.S.] 26 June . His dispatch by...
22To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 May 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 24 May 1791 . Cabinets of London and Berlin greatly embarrassed by the peace overtures of Empress of Russia and by the astonishing Polish revolution. Pitt is great in matters of internal finance and commerce, but below mediocrity in foreign affairs, having for more than three years been influenced by his kinsman, “le très-intriguant Grenville.” He long ago predicted what events have...
23To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 April 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 8 Apr. 1791 . The conferences at Reichenbach, The Hague, and Svishtov have placed the English and Prussians in a dilemma. He does not see how England can avoid bankruptcy or sustain Pitt, who is dominated by Grenville. He has just learned that the proposals by Denmark have been rejected. The Amsterdam regency is in bad humor. Some support it; others, their numbers growing, hope that...
24To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 11 March 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 11 Mch. 1791 . Nothing decisive has taken place since his last. The return of spring will tell whether there will be war between Russia and Prussia. The enemies of the latter desire it out of resentment; and the enemies of despotism in general desire it also, in the hope of seeing the two powers weaken themselves. He speaks of the public voice, not that of diplomacy which,...
25To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, [15 February 1791] (Jefferson Papers)
Les Gazettes ci-jointes diront à V.E. tout ce que l’on sait ici parmi les mieux instruits des affaires générales de l’Europe. Je m’apperçois, depuis quelques jours, que le parti Pr[ussie]n ici commence à s’allarmer sur la tournure que les affaires prennent en Allemagne. Par contre, les autres, incomparablement plus nombreux, s’en réjouïssent, en conçoivent l’espoir de voir humilier enfin leurs...
26To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 January 1791 (Jefferson Papers)
Depuis ma derniere du dernier Xbre, m’étant adressé au meilleur Banquier d’ici, il me donna les prix courants suivant des Obligations Amsterdamoises de notre Dette liquide, tels qu’il les procuroit, disoit-il, aux rentiers qui lui en demandoient, savoir de la négociation de Stadnitsky, valant 9 % d’intérêt annuel 128 p.%. plus recente de Staphorst, de même —118
27To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 31 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Je n’ai rien, pour le coup, à ajouter à ma dernière du 6 au 15 courant, que j’ai portée moi-même à Rotterdam, et remise en mains propres de Wm. Stuard, Capitaine de la Fregatte the Willink , parti de là pour Baltimore, sinon de relever une faute essentielle commise à la hâte d’après un Rentier au sujet du prix courant des Obligations de la Négotiation des fonds liquidés. Au lieu de ƒ1025,...
28To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 6 December 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Je commence cette Dépeche par la chûte, aujourd’hui avérée, des plats tyrans Van der Noot, Van Eupen, &c. Si leur regne ephémere ne s’est pas étendu jusqu’ici, ce n’est ni leur faute, ni celle de certains personnages qui n’osent plus les patroniser trop ouvertement, sans laisser néanmoins de nourrir encore quelque apparence de leur inclination pour eux. On cache mal le dépit qu’on a, de ce que...
29To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 November 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Depuis ma dernière du 19e. au 22 Octobre, l’évenement le plus interessant pour nous est l’accommodement signé entre l’Espagne et l’Angleterre. Il faudra voir comment le Ministère Britannique se tirera d’affaires chez eux, pour les 4 millions Sterling dépensés en Armemens. L’on y trouve déjà que les Cabanes de Nootka et une pêche limitée à 10 lieues marines des possessions Espagnoles sont un...
30To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 19 October 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Je commence la présente aujourd’hui pendant l’illumination ordonnée à l’occasion du mariage de la jeune Princesse d’Orange avec le Prince héréditaire de Brunswick. C’est la cloture des réjouissances bruyantes qui durent depuis 8 jours, pendant lesquels la populace s’est donnée carrière. Dans la nuit du 12 au 13, la valetaille mâle et femelle du Logement attenant des 3 villes de Gorcum,...
31To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 30 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Après avoir eu soin, de la maniere la plus prompte possible, selon ma dernière du 7e. Court., de faire parvenir un Exemplaire de la Gazette françoise de Leide, par Mr. Luzac, même, et par son Correspondant Mr. Cooper, Commis des Postes de S.M. Britannique à Londres , sous l’adresse simple de Ths. Jefferson Esqr. N.York ; j’ai pris tout de suite mes mesures pour en faire parvenir régulierement,...
32To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 7 September 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Je viens de recevoir les deux respectables vôtres, des 23 Juin et 13 Juillet derniers, comme aussi une dont notre illustre Président m’a honoré en date du 30 Juin, sur un sujet qui regarde personnellement Son Excellence. Quoique abbattu et toujours martyr d’une croix domestique, qui fait coup sur coup le malheur de ma vieillesse, elles m’ont ranimé, consolé, et rendu des forces, pour...
33To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 14 July 1790 . Since his last of 6 May—5 June European affairs have continued “en violente crise entre la paix ou la guerre générale.—Aujourd’hui est le grand jour d’où dépend le salut interne de la France et son influence externe.” He will hold the dispatch until next week to learn the happy success of the celebration in Paris. “En attendant, je passe les intermédiaires avec tous...
34To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 26 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Quelque attentif que je sois dans ma solitude aux affaires générales de l’Europe, elles sont encore un Chaos pour moi, et pour les plus clairvoyants, et elles le seront jusqu’à-ce que tout soit arrangé en France.—Delà, ou d’une funeste Contrerévolution (laquelle pourtant me paroît aussi absurde, aussi impossible aujourd’hui, qu’une bombe qui feroit sauter la France entiere comme un Magasin à...
35To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 8 May 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 8 May 1790 . He is dispatching this day to the bankers of the United States in Amsterdam “les Acts de Rymer in folio 10 vol. Lahaie 1745” for the use of administration as promised in his dispatch of 4 Mch.: “ Puisse mon humble Offrande, acceptée gracieusement, en étant utile quelque jour à ceux qui auront occasion de consulter cette collection, leur rappeller le souvenir de leur...
36To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 March 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 24 Mch. 1790 . After ten days in the bosom of friendship with Luzac at Leiden, he has again met here with “ les mêmes Chevaux, Carosses, Laquais, qui, avec grand étalage, se font la cour réciproquement; les mêmes yvrognes, polissons, et gueux de tout age et sexe, courants et faisants du bruit la nuit dans les rues et gargottes.—Les braves gens, qui pourtant ne manquent pas ici, y...
37To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 28 February 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 28 Feb. 1790 . Hopes his habit of sending copies of dispatches by way of embassy in Paris will not long be suspended. Insecurity of post [in Holland] and “Inquisiteurs” absolutely forbid that satisfaction.—He repeats only the satisfying testimony of “ la grande faveur où sont les fonds Américains dans ce pays; pas un qui ne soit au pair dans le Cours, quelques-uns au-dessus; ce qui...
38To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 15 November 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Dans la juste supposition, que V. E. verra mes Dépeches à l’honorable Département des Affaires Etrangeres, cette Lettre-ci n’est qu’un pur Epanchement des Sentimens de mon coeur, à la nouvelle que je viens d’apprendre de mes Amis à Amsterdam, de la nomination de Votre Excellence au Poste éminent de Secretaire d’Etat de la Confédération Américaine. Je ne vous verrai donc plus, Monsieur. Mais...
39To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 September 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 18 Sep. 1789 . He had just finished enclosed when TJ’s letter of 12th came, and he hastens to send it in hope TJ will receive it in Paris or that Short will forward it before he embarks. He thanks him for the agreeable news and embraces with confidence the hope that TJ will protect him “de ce côté et de l’autre de l’Océan. Ma famille et moi sommes très-reconnoissans du bon souvenir...
40To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 18 August 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 18 Aug. 1789 . TJ’s letters of 27 and 30 July have delivered him “ d’une grande perplexité. ” Postponement of TJ’s departure is fortunate because it will enable him to give an account of affairs in Europe which cannot fail to be interesting to the United States, “ surtout de la part d’un Observateur tel que Votre Excellence. ” He hopes TJ will promote his solicitation to be...
41To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 24 July 1789 . After writing the enclosed letter of 22 July, he learned that TJ was still in Paris. Fearing reproach for delaying TJ’s dispatches, he forwards them at once, today. They probably are of consequence to TJ and awaited eagerly. Asks that TJ inform him of their arrival. RC ( DLC ); 1 p.; in French. FC (Rijksarchief, The Hague, Dumas Letter Book; photostat in DLC )....
42To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 22 July 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 22 July 1789 . Yesterday, after departure of post, he received from Amsterdam from an unknown source and without notice two packets addressed to TJ “to the Care of Charles W. F. Dumas, Esquire, at the Hague.” From handwriting and seals he judged that the packets came from secretary for foreign affairs in Congress and that it was brought to Amsterdam by a vessel recently arrived from...
43To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 29 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 29 Apr. 1789 . Presumes that TJ is still in France since there has been no word of his departure; presents his compliments to TJ and to Short, who will open Dumas’ letters in TJ’s absence. Hopes to hear from TJ in America; his letters “ me rendront aussi heureux que mes forces et mon âge me le permettront. ” Will rejoice at TJ’s return, “ si Dieu me laisse vivre. Au cas que le...
44To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 April 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Après le contenu de l’incluse que Votre Excellence lira, je n’ai rien à ajouter, sinon de me référer à celle que j’ai eu l’honneur de Lui écrire le 24 du mois passé, et de l’assurer que dans ma solitude c’est une douceur pour moi de profiter du séjour qu’elle fait encore dans notre Continent, en l’entretenant un moment, ne fût-ce que pour Lui répéter les assurances du respectueux dévouement...
45To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 24 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Des deux raisons qui m’avoient privé des Lettres de V.E. cet hiver, l’une, la maladie de votre chere famille, m’a autant affligéque l’autre, l’approbation implicite de mes insertions dans la Gazette de Leide, a dû me flatter. J’espere que tout se porte bien maintenant avec V.E. Mr. Luzac a encore quelques Lettres de moi à publier, mais le Public, qu’il doit contenter, veut les plaies et les...
46To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 3 March 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Connoissant, comme je le fais, la ponctualité de Votre Excellence à répondre aux Lettres, et ses bontés pour moi, je ne suis pas sans inquiétude sur le sort de celles du 11e. Dec. et 23 Janv. que j’ai eu l’honneur de Lui écrire, et de leurs incluses pour le Congrès. Je languis pareillement d’apprendre que Votre Excellence jouit avec ses chers Enfans d’une parfaite santé. Enfin, depuis...
47To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 January 1789 (Jefferson Papers)
Votre Excellence verra dans la Dépeche ci-jointe, tout ce qu’un Anachorette comme moi peut avoir oui dire de ce qui se passe.—Je saisis cette occasion pour Lui témoigner mon desir, de savoir si les dernieres Lettres, jusqu’ici au nombre de 5 , que j’ai fait insérer successivement dans les supplémens de Leide et qui seront suivies de quelques autres encore, ont mérité l’approbation de V. E....
48To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 11 December 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
J’ai bien reçu en son temps l’honorable vôtre du 3e. Nov. dernr.—La sympathie que V.E. me témoigne quant à mes souffrances, qui sont toujours les mêmes, les allege, et mon fréquent recours à Dieu, pour m’aider à supporter des Epreuves, dont je dois taire même et dévorer les plus cruelles, les terminera enfin, j’espere, de maniere ou d’autre pour mon plus grand bien.—Je me flatte que V.E. aura...
49To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 23 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 23 Oct. 1788. Encloses letter for Congress; these leave nothing to add, but he would like to have TJ’s opinion particularly on the plan he proposes, a plan dear to his heart because of his love for the United States and Congress and for his own welfare: it will give him protection as a citizen and servant of the United States, and will enable him to render “un nouveau service...
50To Thomas Jefferson from C. W. F. Dumas, 10 October 1788 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hague, 10 Oct. 1788 . The approval of his conduct, as evidenced by TJ’s letter of 30 Sep., is the only satisfaction he has had for a long time except a “ mens conscia recti ” in the midst of a veritable purgatory. The enclosure for Congress makes it unnecessary to say more.—His duty to Congress and his family forces him to live like a hermit, in physical discomfort, without companionship...