October 14

[In an October 14, 1787 letter to Charles-Guillaume-Frédéric Dumas, I argued that the primary duty of government leaders is to inform the minds of the public and faithfully follow the people's collective will.]

I sincerely sympathise with you in your sufferings. Though forbidden by my character, to meddle in the internal affairs of an allied State, it is the wish of my heart that their troubles may have such an issue, as will secure the greatest degree of happiness to the body of the people; for it is with the mass of the nation we are allied, and not merely with their governors. To inform the minds of the people, and to follow their will, is the chief duty of those placed at their head. What party in your late struggles was most likely to do this, you are more competent to judge than I am.