PARIS, January 6, 1788.
SIR,--I have never expressed an objection to the part of your plan
relative to the theatre. The utility of this in America is a great
question on which I may be allowed to have an opinion; but it is not
for me to decide on it, nor to object to the proposal of establishing
one at Richmond. The only objection to your plan which I have ever
made, is that contained in my letter to you. I feared it was too
extensive for the poverty of the country. You remove the objection by
observing, it is to extend to several States. Whether professors
itinerant from one State to another may succeed, I am unable to say,
having never known an experiment of it. The fear that these professors
may be disappointed in their expectations, has determined me not to
meddle in the business at all. Knowing how much people going to America
overrate the resources of living there, I have made a point never to
encourage any person to go there, that I may not partake of the censure
which may follow their disappointment. I beg you, therefore, not to
alter your plan in any part of it on my account, but permit me to
pursue mine of being absolutely neutral. Monsieur de La Luzerne and the
Marquis de La Fayette, know too much of the country themselves to need
any information from me, or any reference to my opinion; and the
friendly dispositions which they have towards you, will insure you
their good offices. Convinced of the honesty of your intentions and of
your zeal, I wish you every possible success, and shall be really happy
to see your plan answer your expectations. You have more courage than I
have, to take upon yourself the risk of transplanting and contenting so
many persons. I beg you to be assured of the sincerity of the esteem
with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient, and most
humble servant.