I am, with a lively esteem, Dear Sir,

your sincere friend and servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CLVIII.—­TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, February 9, 1786

TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.

Paris, February 9, 1786.

Dear Sir,

The Mr. John Ledyard, who proposes to undertake the journey through the northern parts of Asia and America, is a citizen of Connecticut, one of the United States of America.  He accompanied Captain Cook in his last voyage to the northwestern parts of America, and rendered himself useful to that officer, on some occasions, by a spirit of enterprise which has distinguished his whole life.  He has genius, and education better than the common, and a talent for useful and interesting observation.  I believe him to be an honest man, and a man of truth.  To all this, he adds just as much singularity of character, and of that particular kind too, as was necessary to make him undertake the journey he proposes.  Should he get safe through it, I think he will give an interesting account of what he shall have seen.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of sincere esteem and respect,
Dear Sir,

your most obedient

and most humble servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CLIX.—­TO MONSIEUR HILLIARD d’AUBERTEUIL, Feb. 20, 1786

TO MONSIEUR HILLIARD d’AUBERTEUIL.

Paris, February 20, 1786.

Sir,

I have been honored with your letter, and the books which accompanied it, for which I return you my hearty thanks.  America cannot but be flattered with the choice of the subject, on which you are at present employing your pen.  The memory of the American Revolution will be immortal, and will immortalize those who record it.  The reward is encouraging, and will justify all those pains, which a rigorous investigation of facts will render necessary.  Many important facts, which preceded the commencement of hostilities, took place in England.  These may mostly be obtained from good publications in that country.  Some took place in this country.  They will be probably hidden from the present age.  But America is the field where the greatest mass of important events were transacted, and where, alone, they can now be collected.  I therefore much applaud your idea of going to that country, for the verification of the facts you mean to record.  Every man there can tell you more than any man here, who has not been there:  and the very ground itself will give you new insight into some of the most interesting transactions.  If I can be of service to you, in promoting your object there, I offer myself freely to your use.  I shall be flattered by the honor of your visit here, at any time.  I am seldom from home before noon; but if any later hour should suit you better, I will take care to be at home, at any hour and day, you will be pleased to indicate.