From Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 31 July 1788
To C. W. F. Dumas
Paris July 31. 1788.
Sir
I had the honour of writing to you yesterday, and after sending my letter to the post-office, received a notification that the distribution of the gazette of Leyden here was prohibited. The purpose of the present therefore is merely to ask the favor of you to make interest with your friend Luzac to send me the paper by post during the interval of it’s prohibition. If put under a common letter cover, and addressed as a letter to me, it will come safely. I had rather pay the expence of the postage than lose the benefit of that paper, which in fact I think the only one in Europe worth reading. Your interference herein will much oblige Sir Your most obedt. & most humble servt.,
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC). See note to preceding letter to Montmorin; it is perhaps significant, in the light of the conjecture there referred to, that both the letters of 9 June and 30 July 1788 and their enclosures sent by TJ to Dumas for the Gazette de Leide went by post. It may also be significant that in the present letter TJ did not think it necessary to tell Dumas why its distribution by post had been prohibited in Paris.