Passy, in France, 12 April, 1778.
I am so sensible of the difficulty of conveying letters safe to you,
that I am afraid to write anything more than to tell you that after all
the fatigues and dangers of my voyage and journey I am here in health.
The reception I have met in this kingdom has been as friendly, as
polite, and as respectful as was possible. It is the universal opinion
of the people here, of all ranks, that a friendship between France and
America is the interest of both countries, and the late alliance, so
happily formed, is universally popular; so much so, that I have been
told by persons of good judgment that the government here would have
been under a sort of necessity of agreeing to it, even if it had not
been agreeable to themselves. The delights of France are innumerable.
The politeness, the elegance, the softness, the delicacy, are extreme.
In short, stern and haughty republican as I am, I cannot help loving
these people for their earnest desire and assiduity to please.
It would be futile to attempt descriptions of this country, especially
of Paris and Versailles. The public buildings and gardens, the
paintings, sculpture, architecture, music, etc., of these cities have
already filled many volumes. The richness, the magnificence and splendor
are beyond all description. This magnificence is not confined to public
buildings, such as Churches, hospitals, schools, etc., but extends to
private houses, to furniture, equipage, dress, and especially to
entertainments. But what is all this to me? I receive but little
pleasure in beholding all these things, because I cannot but consider
them as bagatelles, introduced by time and luxury in exchange for the
great qualities and hardy, manly virtues of the human heart. I cannot
help suspecting that the more elegance, the less virtue, in all times
and countries. Yet I fear that even my own dear country wants the power
and opportunity more than the inclination to be elegant, soft, and
luxurious.
All the luxury I desire in this world is the company of my dearest
friend, and my children, and such friends as they delight in, which I
have sanguine hopes I shall, after a few years, enjoy in peace. I am,
with inexpressible affection
Yours, yours,