Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) to John Adams re: forwarding letter, affairs in France, Assembly of Notables
High-resolution images are available to schools and libraries via subscription to American History, 1493-1943. Check to see if your school or library already has a subscription. Or click here for more information. You may also order a pdf of the image from us here.
Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC03814 Author/Creator: Jefferson, Thomas (1743-1826) Place Written: Paris Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 28 February 1787 Pagination: 1 p. 20.6 x 18.5 cm Order a Copy
A diplomatic dispatch to Adams, mentioning the secrecy surrounding the Assembly of Notables, French revenue and the status of Protestants in France.
Notes: Boyd 11: 184. The enclosed letter was written by Thomas Barclay to the American Commissioners, Feb. 10, 1787, printed in Boyd 11: 132-33. The failure of the Assembly of Notables to reach an agreement led to the calling of the Estates-General two years later. Jefferson was unable to report on the Assembly (unlike his reports on the Estates) in part because he was traveling in Southern France. Malone, Jefferson and the Rights of Man, pp. 180-182.
Paris Feb. 28. 1787.
Dear Sir
The inclosed [sic] letter is come to hand since I had the honour of addressing you last. Will you be so good as to forward a copy to Mr. Jay? The assembly of Notables is held to secrecy, so that little transpires and this floats among so much incertain [sic] matter that we know not what can be depended on. 80 millions more of annual revenue and provincial assemblies are the certain objects. The giving to the protestants [sic] a civil state will be affected without recurrence to the Notables. I am now in the moment of my departure & have therefore only time to add assurances of the esteem & respect with which I have the honor to be Dear Sir
Your most obedient humble servt.
Th: Jefferson
Citation Guidelines for Online Resources
The copyright law of the United States (title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specific conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.