Peter Thompson

"Chapter 12 Something’s Missing: Bloch’s Unfinished Project of Humanity" published on 21 Nov 2023 by Brill.

This chapter describes Jefferson and Short’s divergent reactions to the manners of an ancien regime France personified for each man in their shared relationship with the aristocratic La Rochefoucauld family. It argues that Jefferson drew from his observation of the freedom of expression enjoyed by women within French culture a definition of moral hazard and an idealization of virtuous republican marriage. It demonstrates Short’s greater tolerance of French manners and the consequent difficulty he faced in trying to convince Jefferson, and his friends, that his head had not been turned. It describes Short’s relationships with women in Paris and encountered during his Grand Tour, contrasting these with the experiences of young Americans abroad.

This chapter describes Short’s relationship with French aristocrat Duchess Rosalie de La Rochefoucauld, which was, from 1795, open knowledge and involved cohabitation. The chapter traces both the origin of the affair and Short’s ultimate decision to renounce Rosalie’s declarations of love by returning to the United States. The chapter discusses Short’s view of a prospective marriage and permanent residence in France in the context of his relationship with other members of the La Rochefoucauld family and his search for Jefferson’s approval. The chapter shows Rosalie extending a substantial loan to Short to induce him to stay and describes her view of the life they might have lived together.

This chapter analyzes Short’s diplomatic activity as charge d’affaires in France, Resident Minister in Holland, and seconded diplomat in Spain between 1789 and 1795. It argues that Short played a significant role in the negotiation of loans in Holland for the purpose of repaying the US debt to France. It discusses the background and consequences of Short’s decision to withhold debt repayments from France’s Jacobin ministry. It details the nature and significance of Short’s feud with Gouverneur Morris. It pictures Short being caught between two masters (Jefferson and Hamilton) and drawn into partisan politics in the United States via the Giles Resolutions of 1793. It describes Short’s frustration with Jefferson’s reluctance to exert influence on his behalf and contributes to an understanding of the emergence of a professional US diplomatic establishment.