Passy, 27 December, 1778.
Mr. Greenleaf is about to set off towards Nantes, and from thence to
Boston.
Last night I walked to Paris and saw the illumination for the birth of
the princess Maria Theresa Charlotte, Fille du Roi. Splendid indeed! My
little friend,[197] who was with me, will write you a description of
it. The military schools, the hospital of invalids, and the palace of
Bourbon were beautiful and sublime indeed; as much so as an illumination
can be. I could scarcely have conceived that an illumination could have
such an effect. I suppose the expense of this is a million of livres. As
much as I respect this country, particularly the King and royal family,
I could not help reflecting how many families in another country would
this tallow make happy for life; how many privateers would this tallow
fit out for chasing away the Jersey-men and making reprisals on
Messieurs les Anglais. But taste will have its way in this country.
The Queen and her illustrious infant are very well, and this nation is
very happy to have discovered a way by which a dauphin may come to them
next year or the year after. The King and Queen are greatly beloved
here. Every day shows fresh proofs of it. On the other side the channel
there is a King who is in a fair way to be the object of opposite
sentiments to a nation, if he is not at present. If Keppel should be
destroyed in life or reputation, I shall expect to hear that all
restraints are taken off, and passions allowed to sport themselves
without reserve. Keppel told the King he would not fight against
America; an unpardonable offense. He will be ruined if possible.
However, I think that Keppel was wrong even to accept a command against
the French. If Britain is wrong in this war against America, she is
wrong in that against the French, for France and America have the same
object in view, and no other. France is right if America is right,
because France only assisted the American cause, for which John Bull
abused and fought her. But John will come off wretchedly. He will be
beaten. He has been beaten. There have been more British men-of-war
already taken and destroyed than they lost in two former wars, and more
sailors prisoners.