JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed (“Th:Jefferson”), Paris, 24 December 1784, to François Jean de Beauvoir, Marquis de Chastellux (1734-1788). 3 pages, 4to, integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand, a few minor marginal tears, else fine.
JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed (“Th:Jefferson”), Paris, 24 December 1784, to François Jean de Beauvoir, Marquis de Chastellux (1734-1788). 3 pages, 4to, integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand, a few minor marginal tears, else fine. Thomas Jefferson lauds Chastellux’s published accounts of his travels in the United States, “The most flattering account of America that had ever been written.” Jefferson delicately tactfully confronts a troublesome issue concerning certain passages in Chastellux’s privately printed Voyage…de Newport a Philadelphie: “When I was in Philadelphia in the winter of 1782. 1783, a gentleman [probably James Madison]…told me with much concern that you had written a book of journals and had a few copies printed, which had not only given great offence, but had very much lessened the public opinion of your talents . I think I need not tell you how deeply I felt this. He repeated to me perhaps half a dozen passages from your Voiage de Newport a Philadelphie , and contained strictures on some of the ladies…The circumstances noted, the not intending they should be public, the conversations I had with you at Monticello…furnished me just ground enough to make my friend suppose that the passages…must not undo the public opinion of you. I heard much afterwards of these same passages…A twelvemonth after this…is in the last winter 1783. 1784. Mr. Marbois shewed me the book itself. I never was so astonished. I found it the most flattering account of America that had ever been written. I found indeed the passages which had been quoted; and…that there were in the whole book but about eight of these which could give offence to any body, and that the malice and curiosity of the world had immediately fished out these from those who were possessed of the book…knew not one word else of what was in it, but formed a general opinion that the whole was…a collection of personal strictures and satyre.” “I observed to Monsr. Marbois that it was much to be wished that you would let us strike out these passages, and translate and publish the work. He thought with me that it would be very pleasing to the Americans and valuable to yourself…He said he would write to you on the subject…but my appointment to come here prevented my doing it. I do not know that you have any occasion to set any value on the opinions of my countrymen. But you must allow myself to do it… It is irksome to us to have your worth mistaken; and it is much our wish to set it in it’s just point of view. This would be done effectually by translating and publishing the book, having first struck out the passages which gave offence and which were of the least importance of any in it. A preface might admit the former existence of such passages, justify their insertion in what was intended for the eye of a dozen friends only, & equally justify their omission when the work is offered to the public. Perhaps you would permit to be added a translation of your letter to Mr. [Madison] on the probable influence of the revolution on our manners and laws, a work which I have read with great pleasure and wish it could be given to my countrymen. Be so good as to reflect on these things and let them be the subject of our next conversation…” When Chastellux published the full edition of his travels in 1786 ( Voyage de M. le Marquis de Chastellux dans l’Amérique Septentrioale Dans les années 1780, 1781 & 1782 ) at Jefferson’s suggestion, the author greatly softened the tone of (or deleted) the offending passages, most of which concerned his observations of women, including a passage describing Philip Schuyler’s wife, Catherine Van Rensselaer. Chastellux’s account of his travels in America, considered his most popular and enduring work, is prized among historians for his observations of American society and culture at the close of the War of American Independence. Published in Papers, 7:580-582.
JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed (“Th:Jefferson”), Paris, 24 December 1784, to François Jean de Beauvoir, Marquis de Chastellux (1734-1788). 3 pages, 4to, integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand, a few minor marginal tears, else fine.
JEFFERSON, Thomas (1743-1826). Autograph letter signed (“Th:Jefferson”), Paris, 24 December 1784, to François Jean de Beauvoir, Marquis de Chastellux (1734-1788). 3 pages, 4to, integral transmittal leaf addressed in his hand, a few minor marginal tears, else fine. Thomas Jefferson lauds Chastellux’s published accounts of his travels in the United States, “The most flattering account of America that had ever been written.” Jefferson delicately tactfully confronts a troublesome issue concerning certain passages in Chastellux’s privately printed Voyage…de Newport a Philadelphie: “When I was in Philadelphia in the winter of 1782. 1783, a gentleman [probably James Madison]…told me with much concern that you had written a book of journals and had a few copies printed, which had not only given great offence, but had very much lessened the public opinion of your talents . I think I need not tell you how deeply I felt this. He repeated to me perhaps half a dozen passages from your Voiage de Newport a Philadelphie , and contained strictures on some of the ladies…The circumstances noted, the not intending they should be public, the conversations I had with you at Monticello…furnished me just ground enough to make my friend suppose that the passages…must not undo the public opinion of you. I heard much afterwards of these same passages…A twelvemonth after this…is in the last winter 1783. 1784. Mr. Marbois shewed me the book itself. I never was so astonished. I found it the most flattering account of America that had ever been written. I found indeed the passages which had been quoted; and…that there were in the whole book but about eight of these which could give offence to any body, and that the malice and curiosity of the world had immediately fished out these from those who were possessed of the book…knew not one word else of what was in it, but formed a general opinion that the whole was…a collection of personal strictures and satyre.” “I observed to Monsr. Marbois that it was much to be wished that you would let us strike out these passages, and translate and publish the work. He thought with me that it would be very pleasing to the Americans and valuable to yourself…He said he would write to you on the subject…but my appointment to come here prevented my doing it. I do not know that you have any occasion to set any value on the opinions of my countrymen. But you must allow myself to do it… It is irksome to us to have your worth mistaken; and it is much our wish to set it in it’s just point of view. This would be done effectually by translating and publishing the book, having first struck out the passages which gave offence and which were of the least importance of any in it. A preface might admit the former existence of such passages, justify their insertion in what was intended for the eye of a dozen friends only, & equally justify their omission when the work is offered to the public. Perhaps you would permit to be added a translation of your letter to Mr. [Madison] on the probable influence of the revolution on our manners and laws, a work which I have read with great pleasure and wish it could be given to my countrymen. Be so good as to reflect on these things and let them be the subject of our next conversation…” When Chastellux published the full edition of his travels in 1786 ( Voyage de M. le Marquis de Chastellux dans l’Amérique Septentrioale Dans les années 1780, 1781 & 1782 ) at Jefferson’s suggestion, the author greatly softened the tone of (or deleted) the offending passages, most of which concerned his observations of women, including a passage describing Philip Schuyler’s wife, Catherine Van Rensselaer. Chastellux’s account of his travels in America, considered his most popular and enduring work, is prized among historians for his observations of American society and culture at the close of the War of American Independence. Published in Papers, 7:580-582.
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