4117. JEFFERSON (Thomas), Offices held by.—[further continued]
The President[Washington]
observed, that though I had unfixed
the day on which I had intended to resign,
yet I appeared fixed in doing it at no great
distance of time; that in this case, [258]
he could
not but wish that I would go to Paris; that
the moment was important; I possessed the
confidence of both sides, and might do great
good; that he wished I could do it, were it
only to stay there a year or two. I told him
that my mind was so bent on retirement that
I could not think of launching forth again in
a new business; that I could never again
cross the Atlantic; and that as to the opportunity
of doing good, this was likely to be
the scene of action, as Genet was bringing
powers to do the business here; but that I
could not think of going abroad. He replied
that I had pressed him to remain in the public
service, and refused to do the same myself.
I said the case was very different; he
united the confidence of all America, and
was the only person who did so; his services,
therefore, were of the last importance; but
for myself, my going out would not be noted
or known. A thousand others could supply
my place to equal advantage, therefore I felt
myself free.—
The Anas. Washington ed. ix, 133.
Ford ed., i, 217.
(Feb. 20, 1793)
