PARIS, June 14, 1787.
SIR,--I arrived at this place three days ago, and avail myself of the
first possible moment of acknowledging the receipt of your favors of
the 5th and 7th of June. The letters they accompanied for Mr. Jay shall
be sent by the packet, which sails the 25th instant, and by a
passenger. My letters from America are none later than the 24th of
April. The disturbances in the Eastern States were entirely settled. I
do not learn that the government required any capital punishments. We
promise ourselves good from the Convention holding at Philadelphia. It
consists of the ablest men in America. It will surely be the instrument
of referring to Congress the regulation of our trade. This may enable
them to carry into effect a general impost which one or two obstinate
States have so long prevented. Between six and seven hundred thousand
acres of land are now surveyed into townships, and will be immediately
sold. The backwardness of the States to bring money into the public
treasury has increased rather than diminished. This has prevented the
treasury board from remitting any money to this place for some time
past, and Mr. Grand has given me notice that their funds in his hands
are exhausted, and himself considerably in advance. This renders it
necessary for us to suspend all draughts on him until he shall have
received supplies from the Board of Treasury, to whom I write to press
remittances. The moment we shall have wherewithal to answer your
accustomary draughts, I will exercise the pleasing office of giving you
notice of it. Indeed, I perceive by the papers that Mr. Adams is gone
over to Holland. I am not without hopes that his object may be to
procure supplies of money, and that your exertions joined with his may
give relief to us all. I have no answer from Congress on the subject
which has been thought of between us. I am afraid we may consider the
refusal of the impost as an answer. I am exceedingly anxious to see the
turn the affairs of your country may take. It will surely be seen soon
whether for the better or worse. I wish nothing may be gathering in the
horizon to obscure the prospects of the patriotic party. My prayers for
their prosperity are warm, as are the sentiments of personal esteem and
respect with which I have the honor to be, Sir, your most obedient, and
most humble servant.