Marie Jacinthe de Botidoux to Martha Jefferson Randolph
editorial note
The text that follows is part of what Botidoux referred to as one of her “journal” letters. The Editors have broken this manuscript, which spans nearly three months, into sections dated as Botidoux dated them, and grouped each transcription together with its translation. Unless otherwise noted, Botidoux’s original punctuation and spelling have been retained. Links to navigate from one dated section to another appear below.
To “journal” beginning 4 Feb. 1790To previous “journal” entry 8 Feb. 1790To next “journal” entry 1 Mar. 1790
15 fevrier [1790]=
j’ai revu il signor Mais helas Mon ancienne Conquête étoit partie, ainsi je n’ai pu executer Mes projets. nous avons dance fait Les folles Lui il étoit violon pour prix de sa Complaisance je Lui ai fait une Malhonnêteté, nous voulions valser jenny et Moi et Comme il ne jouoit pas Les valses aussi Vite que je Le voulois je L’ai fait prier par Mr Dublanc de se reposer. il nous regalées vers La soir de quelques entrechats (Car il dance.) Malheureusement je n’y ai fait attention qu’a La fin mais Cependant j’en ai vu assez pour juger de sa Légéreté et de sa grace==
editors’ translation
15 February [1790]=
I saw il signor again but, alas, my old conquest was gone, so that I could not carry out my plans. We danced, were silly, and he played the violin. In payment for his kindness I was mean to him. Jenny and I wanted to dance, but because he was not playing the waltzes as quickly as I wished, I had Mr Dublanc ask him to give himself a rest. Toward evening he treated us with a few entrechats (for he dances). Unfortunately I only paid attention at the end, but I still saw enough to appreciate his light step and gracefulness==
To next “journal” entry 1 Mar. 1790