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Subject Area: Political Theory
Topic: The American Revolution and Constitution

THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE TO JOHN ADAMS. - John Adams, The Works of John Adams, vol. 8 (Letters and State Papers 1782-1799) [1853]

Edition used:

The Works of John Adams, Second President of the United States: with a Life of the Author, Notes and Illustrations, by his Grandson Charles Francis Adams (Boston: Little, Brown and Co., 1856). 10 volumes. Vol. 8.

Part of: The Works of John Adams, 10 vols.

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THE MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE TO JOHN ADAMS.

Paris, 12 October, 1787.

My Dear Friend,—

Amidst the bustling of interior and foreign affairs, I am glad to find an opportunity to remind you of me, which may be free from the rogueries of English and French post-offices. I have been some time in Auvergne, attending a preliminary assembly in that my province, the journal of which I have once directed and am now again sending to you, although it contains nothing interesting. My stay in Paris is but short, and I am returning again to Auvergne for five weeks. Letters that would arrive after the 23d instant, and before the 15th of December, could not probably be delivered into my hands.

A new regulation had been framed to fix the functions of the assemblies, and those of the intendants. It had also been directed that the printing of our journals be submitted to certain formalities. Complaints have been made about all that; and we are going to obtain conditions much more favorable.

The affairs of this country, considered in a constitutional light, are mending fast. The minds of the nation have made a great progress. Opposition is not, of course, free from party spirit. Many things are done or said, which are not much to the purpose; but while desultory expeditions are rambling about, the main body moves slowly on the right road. This country will, within twelve or fifteen years, come to a pretty good constitution, the best perhaps that can be framed, but one. May that one, the only one truly consistent with the dignity of man, be forever the happy lot of the sons of America! But I think a representation will be obtained in France, much better than the one now existing in England.

You know as much of the present politics, and even more, than I do. I cannot bear the thought of the late transactions in Holland. This ministry have been most completely taken in; deceived also they have been with respect to Ottoman affairs. I am afraid England will cheat them too, under the appearance of negotiations. We are, however, making ready for war, and as the prime minister is a man of genius, and of very brilliant as well as sound parts, I think that, if once launched, he will act vigorously. He can borrow money. The only thing is to know on what conditions; but it matters not with respect to the operations. And the more they will afterwards want taxes, the sooner we get a national assembly.

I have been thinking what our trans-Atlantic country ought to do, in case there is a war. To take a part in it, is very brilliant, but, in my humble opinion, ought not to be the plan. America may favor her allies as far as a friendly, helping neutrality can go, but not farther. Circumstanced as she is, a war would lay her under great expense with little profit. Such a neutrality as I point out to myself, will be beneficial to her. But it appears to me that will be time to insist with England for a restoration of the forts. Should they make war with France, it seems to me that they cannot, for the sake of those forts, risk to quarrel with the United States.

I hear that the convention have finished their business, but do not know the result, and am very anxiously waiting.

Adieu, my dear sir; my best respects wait on Mrs. Adams and the rest of the family. Madame de Lafayette is still in the country. Most affectionately and respectfully

Yours,

Lafayette.