[TO M. LIMOZIN.]
Paris, July 30, 1788.
Sir,—I know nothing myself of the person who was the subject of your letter of the 27th, except a mere slight personal acquaintance. But I have been told that he has been very unsuccessful in commerce, and that his affairs are very much deranged. I own I wish to see the beef-trade with America taken up by solid hands, because it will give new life to our Northern States. In general, they do not know how to cure it. But some persons of Massachusetts have not very long ago brought over packers and picklers from Ireland, and the beef cured and packed by them has been sent to the East Indies and brought back again, and perfectly sound. We may expect the art will spread. Is the Irish beef as good as that of Hamburg? If I had supposed Irish beef could have been got at Havre, I would not have sent to Hamburg for beef. I suppose that which came for me cannot be introduced.
You have heard of the great naval victory obtained by the Russians under command of Admiral Paul Jones, over the Turks commanded by the Captain Pacha. We cannot see as yet, whether this will hasten peace. The Swedish fleet having saluted instead of attacking the Russian, makes us suspect these movements of the King of Sweden may be a mere piece of hectoring to frighten Russia from the purpose of sending her fleet round, if he can do it without actually entering into the war. He is paid by the Turks. Nothing else new. I am, Sir, with great esteem, your most obedient, humble servant.
[TO JAMES MADISON.]
Paris, July 31, 1788.
Dear Sir,—My last letters to you were of the 3d and the 25th of May. Yours from Orange, of April the 22d, came to hand on the 10th instant.
My letter to Mr. Jay, containing all the public news that is well authenticated, I will not repeat it here, but add some details in the smaller way, which you may be glad to know. The disgrace of the Marquis de la Fayette, which at any other period of their history would have had the worst consequences for him, will, on the contrary, mark him favorably to the nation, at present. During the present administration, he can expect nothing; but perhaps it may serve him with their successors, whenever a change shall take place. No change of the Principal will probably take place before the meeting of the States General; though a change is to be wished, for his operations do not answer the expectations formed of him. These had been calculated on his brilliancy in society. He is very feebly aided, too. Montmorin is weak, though a most worthy character. He is indolent and inattentive, too, in the extreme. Luzerne is considerably inferior in abilities to his brother, whom you know. He is a good man, too, but so much out of his element, that he has the air of one huskanoyed. The Garde des sceaux is considered as the Principal's bull dog, braving danger like the animal. His talents do not pass mediocrity. The Archbishop's brother, and the new minister Villedeuil, and Lambert, have no will of their own. They cannot raise money for the peace establishment the next year, without the States General; much less if there be war; and their administration will probably end with the States General.
Littlepage, who was here as a secret agent for the King of Poland, rather overreached himself. He wanted more money. The King furnished it, more than once. Still he wanted more, and thought to obtain a high bid by saying he was called for in America, and asking leave to go there. Contrary to his expectation, he received leave; but he went to Warsaw instead of America, and from thence to join the[H] * * * * I do not know these facts certainly, but recollect them, by putting several things together. The King then sent an ancient secretary here, in whom he had much confidence, to look out for a correspondent, a mere letter writer for him. A happy hazard threw Mazzei in his way. He recommended him, and he is appointed. He has no diplomatic character whatever, but is to receive eight thousand livres a year, as an intelligencer. I hope this employment may have some permanence. The danger is, that he will overact his part.