The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
LAFAYETTE, MARQUIS DE / CONCERN FOR
I am in great pain for the Marquis de La Fayette. His principles, you
know, are clearly with the people; but having been elected for the
Noblesse of Auvergne, they have laid him under express instructions,
to vote for the decision by orders and not persons. This would ruin
him with the Tiers Etat, and it is not possible he could continue long
to give satisfaction to the Noblesse. I have not hesitated to press on
him to burn his instructions, and follow his conscience as the only
sure clue, which will eternally guide a man clear of all doubts and
inconsistencies. If he cannot effect a conciliatory plan, he will
surely take his stand manfully at once, with the Tiers Etat. He will
in that case be who he pleases with them, and I am in hopes that base
is now too solid to render it dangerous to be mounted on it.
to George Washington, 10 May 1789
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