There are other references to Jefferson gaining French Citizenship, but researches done in French historical records have not confirmed it. Some argued against Jefferson’s candidacy for President saying he was “too French” to be President of the United States.
The case for James Madison is clear; however. Writing in 1793 to French interior minister Jean-Marie Roland, Madison enthusiastically accepting French citizenship, said: The “artifical boundaries of nations,” he wrote, could not divide the “great family” of mankind.
This is detailed in Richard Brookner’s book, “James Madison” starting on page 112.
The foreign-born Hamilton also received French citizenship. While Hamilton was never President, it was this possibility that prompted the Constitution’s exception for “citizens at the time of adoption” in Article II.
Trouble with false rumors is that they can get widely spread, and thereafter widely quoted. This is exactly the trap Jeff fell into with his quote of Nathan Dane.
That there is no confirmation in French Historical records ought to demonstrate conclusively the falsity of the claim.
Some argued against Jefferson’s candidacy for President saying he was “too French” to be President of the United States.
Political enemies often seize upon anything which they believe might have some traction with the public.
The case for James Madison is clear; however. Writing in 1793 to French interior minister Jean-Marie Roland, Madison enthusiastically accepting French citizenship, said: The “artifical boundaries of nations,” he wrote, could not divide the “great family” of mankind.
Yes, i'm aware of that letter from Madison accepting honorary French Citizenship and expressing his "citizen of the world" wishful thinking. But the fact remains, Madison did not swear allegiance to the French Government, and was regarded by no-one as a French or even a Dual citizen.
The assertion that he was, is a deliberate attempt to blur the fact that "dual citizen" is a 20th creation that has no valid counterpart in the early 19th century.
The foreign-born Hamilton also received French citizenship. While Hamilton was never President, it was this possibility that prompted the Constitution’s exception for “citizens at the time of adoption” in Article II.
Honorary French citizenship. It has the same legal force as proclaiming everyone "Irish" on St. Patrick's day. It is a celebratory gesture of no legal weight or consequence.
And it is deceitful to portray it as anything else.