As vice president, Jefferson wanted someone to talk sense into the French before President Adams could persuade Congress to declare war on France. As Kosciuszko was already being invited by the Directory to talk about issues concerning Poland, he was the best choice for the assignment. Kosciuszko confided to one of his officers in Paris that Niemcewicz was too conspicuous and that the diplomatic overtures to France had to be made quietly. “Since Jefferson thought that I would be the most effective intermediary with France,” he told Colonel Drzewiecki, “I accepted the mission without an
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