PARIS, February 12, 1788.
SIR,--I am very sensible of the honor you propose to me, of becoming a
member of the society for the abolition of the slave trade. You know
that nobody wishes more ardently to see an abolition, not only of the
trade, but of the condition of slavery; and certainly, nobody will be
more willing to encounter every sacrifice for that object. But the
influence and information of the friends to this proposition in France
will be far above the need of my association. I am here as a public
servant, and those whom I serve, having never yet been able to give
their voice against the practice, it is decent for me to avoid too
public a demonstration of my wishes to see it abolished. Without
serving the cause here, it might render me less able to serve it beyond
the water. I trust you will be sensible of the prudence of those
motives, therefore, which govern my conduct on this occasion, and be
assured of my wishes for the success of your undertaking, and the
sentiments of esteem and respect, with which I have the honor to be,
Sir, your most obedient humble servant.