Paris, October 15, 1787.
My Dear Hamilton:
While you have been attending your most important Convention, debates
were also going on in France respecting the constitutional rights, and
matters of that kind. Grave reforms are taking place at court. The
parliaments are remonstrating, and our provincial assemblies begin to
pop out. Amidst many things that were not much to the purpose, some
good principles have been laid out; and, although our affairs have
a proper arrangement, the nation will not in the last be the loser.
The prime minister is a man of candor, honesty, and abilities. But
now the rumor of war sets us a-going. Not that France is wishing for
it, and Great Britain ought to be satisfied with an advantageous
treaty of commerce, and the profit of hers and Prussia’s treachery in
Holland. But, while I consider the madness of the Turks, the movements
of the Imperial Court, the folly of his Prussian Majesty, the late
catastrophe in Holland, and the cry of England for war, I hardly think
that the peaceful dispositions of this ministry--and, they say, of
Mr. Pitt--will be able to extinguish a fire that is catching in every
corner of Europe. It would be consistent with my inclination and best
views that America be engaged in an active co-operation. But as I do
not think it consistent with her interest, I have taken the liberty
to express my ideas in an official letter to Mr. Jay, to whom I refer
you. It seems to me, that a friendly, helping neutrality, would be
useful to France, profitable to the United States, and perfectly safe
on the footing of the treaties. Should America be forced to war, I wish
it would be for the last campaign--time enough to occupy Canada and
Newfoundland. But I see no inconvenience in privateering with French
letters of marque.
Inclosed is the journal of a preliminary assembly in Auvergne. I am
returning there as soon as we have done some arrangements respecting
American commerce, which will result on as good footing in this kingdom
as it is for the moment possible. The ministry are more favorably
disposed.
I hope you will be satisfied with Count de Maurice and the Countess
de Brehan, his sister-in-law. I beg leave to introduce them both to
you and Mrs. Hamilton, to whom I offer my most affectionate regards.
Remember me to the rest of the family and all friends. My best
compliments wait on Gen. Schuyler and the doctor. Adieu, my good
friend. The post is going to town. I have only time to tell that I am
ever
Your most affectionate friend,
La Fayette.