Thomas Jefferson to Abigail Adams, August 30, 1787
Paris Aug. 30. 1787.
Dear Madam
I have omitted writing sooner to you in expectation that Colõ Smith would have taken
this in his route: but receiving now information from him that he embarks from Lisbon, I
avail myself of the opportunity by mr̃ Payne of thanking you for the disbursements you
were so kind as to make for my daughter in London, and of stating to you our accounts as
follows.
which balance I will beg the favor of Col o. Smith to pay you and to debit me with.
I am afraid, by the American papers, that the disturbances in Massachusets are not yet
at an end. mr̃ Rucker who is arrived here, gives me a terrible account of the luxury of
our ladies in the article of dress. he sais that they begin to be sensible of the excess
of it themselves, and to think a reformation necessary. that proposed is the adoption of
a national dress. I fear however they have not resolution enough for this. I rejoice in
the character of the lady who accompanies the Count de Moustier to America, and who is
calculated to reform these excesses as far as her example can have weight. simple beyond
example in her dress, tho neat, hating parade & etiquette, affable, engaging,
placid, & withal beautiful, I cannot help hoping a good effect from her example. she
is the Marquise de Brehan, sister in law to the Count de Moustier, who goes partly on
account of a feeble health, but principally for the education of her son (of 17. years
of age) which she hopes to find more masculine there & less
exposed to seduction. 2 the Count de
Moustier is of a character well assorted to this. nothing niggardly, yet orderly in his
affairs, genteel but plain, loving society upon an easy not a splendid tone, unreserved,
honest, & speaking our language like a native. he goes with excellent notions &
dispositions, and is as likely to give satisfaction as any man that could have been
chosen in France. he is much a whig in the politics of his own country. I understand
there is a possibility that Congress will remove to Philadelphia.— my daughter talks of
you often & much, still fancies she is to pay you the visit she promised. in the
mean time she is very contented in the Convent with her sister. 3 both join me in compliments to mrs̃ Smith and in
assurances to yourself of the attachment & respect which I have the honour to
proffer for them as well as for, dear Madam, your most obedient & most humble
servant
Th: Jefferson