From Thomas Jefferson to Frederick Soffer, 7 August 1787
To Frederick Soffer
Paris Aug. 7. 1787.
Sir
Immediately on the receipt of your letter of July 14. I took measures to obtain the information you desired as to the terms on which American vessels are received in the Isle of France. They are precisely the same on which other foreign vessels are admitted, there having been no peculiar favor granted us. American vessels may carry thither the productions of the United states which are favorably received.
I am with much respect Sir Your most obedient humble servant,
Th: Jefferson
PrC (DLC); at foot of text: “Monsr. Fred. Soffer chez M. Pre. Changeur Negt. rue Rousselle à Bordeaux.”
The measures to obtain the information that TJ took followed the familiar course of utilizing the good offices of Lafayette. In response to Lafayette’s inquiry the intendant-general of the colonies, De Vaivre, wrote: “Jusqu’à présent les américains ne sont admis à l’isle de France, que pour des besoins de relâche, et il ne leur a été accordé aucune faveur particulière. Mais, le ministre est occupé de la proposition qui lui a été faite d’établir un port-franc au port Louis. Si ce port-franc a lieu, alors les américains, comme les autres nations, pourront y avoir un commerce libre d’Echanges” (ViWC; dated at Versailles, 4 Aug. 1787). Two days later Rayneval also wrote the marquis: “On a fait prévenir les américains, que leurs Vaisseaux destinés pour la Chine seroient admis à l’isle de France, et qu’ils y trouveroient tous les sucres dont ils pourroient avoir besoin; s’ils y conduisent des productions de leur pays, elles seront favorablement accueillies” (same; dated at Versailles, 6 Aug. 1787; endorsed by TJ: “Rayneval”). As in so many other instances of their collaboration, TJ in this case evidently made the appeal and Lafayette the response without having to resort to written communication.