PARIS, July 2, 1787.
SIR,--On my return from a tour through the southern parts of France and
northern of Italy, I found here the present of books you had been so
kind as to send me. I should value them highly for their intrinsic
merit, but much more as coming from you. You will have seen that one of
our republics has experienced those commotions which the newspapers
have been always ascribing to all of them. I am not satisfied what has
been the cause of this, but the most probable account is, that these
individuals were of those who have so imprudently involved themselves
in debt; and that a vigorous exertion in their government to enforce
the payment of private debts, and raise money for the public ones,
occasioned the insurrection. One insurrection in thirteen States in the
course of eleven years that they have existed, amounts to one in any
individual State in one hundred and forty-three years, say a century
and a half. This will not weigh against the inconveniences of a
government of force, such as are monarchies and aristocracies. You see
I am not discouraged by this little difficulty; nor have I any doubt
that the result of our experiment will be, that men are capable of
governing themselves without a master. I have the honor to be, with
sentiments of the highest esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient,
and most humble servant.