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 12 Mar. 1790To previous “journal” entry 27 Mar. 1790To next “journal” entry 9 Apr. 1790
29 Mars [1790]—
C’est une affaire de Consequence actuellement que La plaisante[rie] que j’ai faite. il s’est trouvé Malheureusement que Mlle Denis qui avoit été au parloir a averti Miss Bath qu’on entendoit tout Ce quelle disoit ses soupirs et Même baiser sa main—Mon dieu Ma Chere a-t-elle répondu C’est qu’il faisoit Le Moineau=de maniere que Lorsque je Lui ai demandé si elle étoit Malade elle s’est imaginée que tout Le Monde devinoit de quoi il étoit question et après Le diner elle est Montée Chez elle pleurer ensuite Le Comité a decidé que C’etoit bien Mal a moi d’avoir fait une semblable plaisanterie qui pouvoit donner des soupcons & & et, j’imagine pour me punir, aucune de Ces dlles ne sont venues hier me voir (j’avois pris Medecine) et tu sais que L’usage est de faire sa visite dans une semblable occasion—pendant que j’y pense il faut que je fasse La Commission de Mde De Virieux qui m’a priée de te dire un petit mot de sa part
editors’ translation
29 March [1790]—
My bad joke has now turned out to be a serious matter. It just so happened that, unfortunately, Mlle Denis, who was in the parlor, warned Bath that one could hear everything she said, her sighs, and even the kiss on her hand. “My God, my dear!” she responded. “He was only imitating a sparrow!” So, when I asked her if she was sick, she imagined that everyone had guessed what was behind my question, and after dinner, she went up to her room and cried. Then the Committee decided that it was very bad of me to make such a joke, that it could raise suspicions, etc., etc. and, to punish me, I imagine, none of the young ladies came to see me yesterday (I had taken some medication), and you know that it is customary to pay a visit on such occasions—While I think of it, I must tell you that Mde de Virieux asked me to send you her regards
To next “journal” entry 9 Apr. 1790