11To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 10–19 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 10–19 Apr. 1780 . Russia has confirmed her strict neutrality, dashing England’s hopes, and has insisted as well that her trading vessels are not to be visited. This declaration has been well received in Europe; and hence “I hope … soon to see the friends and allies of Great Britain limited to the inhabitants of the Coast of Barbary, with whom they can’t help sympathising from a...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 20 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It is about a month Since Mr. Penet came here from Nantes. I got intelligence of it next day, went to See him, had a Short conversation, and Spoke very a little, as I was determined to find out his Sentiments before he could know mine. He appeared to be confused irresolute and discontented both from his discourse and countenance; complained of your drafts to a large amount in favour of a...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 21 April 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
The first time I spoke, according to my Instructions, to Dr. Franklin on the purport of my mission, he observed that so many People had come to Europe from every State on that kind of business, that they had ruined our credit, and made the money-men shy of us. I said that Virginia should not partake of the blame on my account, as I would not let them know my business, unless I was pretty well...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 3 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
In letter 7, the first of which I sent by Marquis de la Fayette, I took the liberty to propose to you the sending to Leghorn, if possible, under french colours a cargo of the best tobacco. I have since been informed by the Tuscan Minister (who is American in the heart, and is of some service to me) that good Indigo would be likewise a very profitable article there, and especially at present. I...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 12 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, May 12, 1780 . De Ternay’s fleet with 6,300 troops under Lt. Gen. Rochambeau sailed from Brest on 2 May; a second division, with 3,000–4,000 men is expected to sail in about three weeks. The Spanish fleet, with 11,460 men, sailed from Cadiz on 28 Apr. Observations on the comparative naval status of the three powers. France is fast winning the confidence of the other European powers;...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 19 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It is obvious that the European adventurers cannot, during the war, fetch from America but a Small proportion of their Capital. My intention has always been to persuade them to leave the Greatest part of it in our funds; which would be the means of interesting them in our welfare, and of taking a great deal of paper money out of circulation. The late resolutions of Congress tending to so...
17To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 20 May 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 20 May 1780. Gives a sketch of the plan of operations by the French land and naval forces recommended by Mazzei in influential quarters. Has sent a copy of his plan to Rochambeau by the Comte de Deux-Ponts, “to whom I gave a letter of recommendation for you dated March 27th.” Postscript: John Adams before sailing for America made “the first and strong motion towards sending us effectual...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 2 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
It is 8 days since we heared another anecdote of british wild barbarity, which I really did not believe. It comes however authenticated to day in the Spanish gazette, the extract of which is inclosed. The english Commander is supposed to have been Commodore, alias Govr., Johnstone, or his Lieutenant. I must repeat what I said in letter 15. “What a happy circumstance for us to have divided in...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 15 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Paris, 15 June 1780 . Sends Leyden gazette of 6 June with accounts of “various insolent and ignominious actions of the British subjects at sea.” The whole world now believes that “the sentiments contained in the enclosed Manuscript No. 1. may be considered as the Emperors”—an East India Company now forming at Trieste under his auspices. King of Naples goes on as fast as possible to form his...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Mazzei, 22 June 1780 (Jefferson Papers)
Bad news have long legs. I have just seen the Capitulation of Chs. Town in the London extraordinary gazette. I never was so afflicted in Virginia, by our bad events, as I am now. I thought I was singular in that, but our good Americans here tell me that it is the Same with them. We are really dejected, and we would be much more so, if all circumstances did not agree to make us hope that we...