[TO MR. CUTTING.]
Paris, November 3, 1788.
Dear Sir,—I have now the honor to acknowledge your favors of the 30th of September, 5th, 6th, 7th and 17th of October, which I should have done sooner, but that there was no new occurrence well ascertained and worth communicating. I think it now pretty certain that an alliance is entered into between England, Prussia, and Sweden, to which Holland is to accede, so as to make it quadruple. The Prussian army is on its march towards Holstein, under the command of Prince Frederick of Brunswick; a poor head. There is also said to be an army of 60,000 Prussians in Silesia, ready to overawe Poland, should it take side with Russia. Of this last fact, however, I am not sure. It would seem, then, as if Prussia meant to enter into the war, or is it only to induce Denmark to withdraw and leave Russia and Sweden to fight their own battles? If it does not produce this effect, will England lie by, and only engage in case France should move? These are points uncertain as yet. One thing is certain: that this country will make no move which may engage her in war, till after her Etats Genereux. The Notables meet on Thursday next, to decide on the form of composing and calling the Etats Genereux. What will be their form, cannot yet be foreseen; much less what they will do. They will undoubtedly give money to the government, but probably for a short time, and make it the price of some concessions from the King for limiting his own rights, and enlarging those of the nation. They will surely provide for the regular convocation of the States General in future. Other things talked of, are a bill of rights, habeas corpus civil list, and a negative at least on legislative acts. The kingdom has been in the most perfect tranquillity since the announcing the States General for January. I doubt, however, the possibility of convoking them so soon.
Prince Henry of Russia arrived here the day before yesterday. Remarkable deaths are the Marshal de Biron and Marquis de Chastellux.
Nobody wishes more sincerely than I do to see the States, individually as well as collectively, extricate themselves from their debts. But having, in the letters I formerly gave you for South Carolina, said as much on that subject as prudence would permit me, I am afraid to add anything more. I thank you for your information on the subject of the whale fishery. After the hint I gave you, you would not expect to see the Arret of September 26th. I cannot now explain it to you, nor tell you with certainty in what form it will finally rest as to us. I am, with very great esteem, dear Sir, your most obedient humble servant.
[TO MR. DUMAS.]
Paris, November 3, 1788.
Dear Sir,—I have duly received your favors of the 10th and 23d of October, and sincerely sympathize with you in your sufferings, without being able to relieve them. Nor can I even conjecture what Congress will decide as to the Brussels proposition. I should be puzzled myself to suggest anything better at this moment.
You have doubtless heard that North Carolina has thought it best to propose amendments to the new Constitution before acceding to it. She has no disposition to separate from the Union, even if no amendments be made, as she has not come to a negative decision, but left the matter open. So many States have desired alterations, that I suppose those will be made in which almost all have agreed. A bill of rights will comprehend most of them. In the meantime, the new government will go on.