N.

Paris, May 7, 1786.

Dear Sir,

On my return from a two months' visit to England, I found here your favor
of January the 18th. This contains the latest intelligence I have from
America. Your effects not being then arrived, gives me anxiety for them,
as I think they went in a vessel, which sailed from Havre the 11th of
November. In this vessel, went also the two Mr. Fitzhughs of Virginia,
with the Prussian treaty, our papers relative to the Barbary States,
with the despatches for Congress, and letters which I had been writing
to other persons in America for six weeks preceding their departure. I
am obliged to you for the information as to Dr. Franklin's health, in
which I feel a great interest. I concur in opinion with you, that in the
present factious division of your State, an angel from heaven could do
no good. I have been sorry, therefore, from the beginning, to see such
time as Dr. Franklin's wasted on so hopeless a business. You have formed
a just opinion of Monroe. He is a man whose soul might be turned wrong
side outwards, without discovering a blemish to the world. I wish with
all my heart, Congress may call you into the diplomatic line, as that
seems to have attracted your own desires. It is not one in which you
can do any thing more, than pass the present hour agreeably, without any
prospect to future provision. Perhaps the arrangements with Portugal,
by adding to the number of those appointments, may give Congress
an opportunity of doing justice to your own, and to Dr. Franklin's
services. If my wishes could aid you, you have them sincerely. My late
return to this place scarcely enables me to give you any of its news.
I have not yet called on M. La Veillard, or seen any of your
acquaintances. The marriage of the ambassador of Sweden with Miss
Necker, you have heard of. Houdon is about taking a wife also. His bust
of the General has arrived, and meets the approbation of those who know
the original. Europe enjoys a perfect calm, at present. Perhaps it may
be disturbed by the death of the King of Prussia, which is constantly
expected. As yet, we have no information from the Barbary States, which
may enable us to prognosticate the success of our endeavors to effect a
peace in that quarter. Present me respectfully and affectionately to
Dr. Franklin, and accept assurances of the esteem, with which I am, Dear
Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XII.--TO ELBRIDGE GERRY, May 7, 1786