Thomas Jefferson Papers
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Enclosure: President of the Commune of Paris to the President and Members of Congress, 29 July 1790

Enclosure
President of the Commune of Paris to the President and
Members of Congress

Paris, 29 July 1790

Mr. President—Gentlemen,

We have learned that Franklin, the man of all nations, is no more—having enlightened them all, and in every species of knowledge, they ought to share in a loss, which is common to them all.

The august Legislators of our nation have hastened to set the example; but the assembly of representatives of the Commons of the Capital believed it their duty to add to this universal mourning a new tribute of honor, in decreeing that the virtues and the talents of this true Philosopher should be transmitted to posterity, in a public and solemn eulogium, the first that has been rendered among us to civic virtue. The assembly charges me to transmit it to you. I felicitate myself in having this occasion to render homage to men who are free, and are truly worthy to be so. May that homage be acceptable, as well as the sentiments of brotherhood and respect, with which I am Mr. President, Gentlemen, Your very humble and very obedient Servant,

Benière, Doctor in Theology of the house
and Society of the Sorbonne,

honorary Canon of the metropoli[tan] Church
of Rouen.

Pastor of the Parish of St. Peter of Chai[llot]
One of the Electors of Paris.

Supplying Deputy to the National Assem[bly]
President of the Commons of Paris.

Tr (DNA: RG 59, MLR); at foot of text: “Messrs. The President and Members of the American Congress”; in Lear’s hand; docketed by Lear: “The Presdt. of the Assembly of Repts. for the Community of Paris to the Presdt. and Members of the American Congress.” The letter appeared in a slightly different translation in the proceedings of the House as reported in Bache’s General Advertiser, 14 Dec. 1790.

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