PARIS, July 2, 1787.
DEAR SIR,--The reason why the receipt of your favor of May 21, has been
thus unacknowledged, was my absence on a tour round the sea-port towns,
from which I am just returned. In the meantime, the occasion of your
inquiry relative to Mr. Morris' bills has passed; nor could I now
explain the reason of their protest. I understand, however, that they
are since honored. The effect, therefore, will only be to show that
there is a limit even to his credit.
Recent appearances in Europe would seem to threaten war. On one side,
England sending a navy of observation to hover over Holland, and
Prussia an army; this country sending a navy and army to hover over the
other side of the same country; yet it is morally sure that all these
powers desire peace most ardently. It remains to see, then, whether
they mean any more than to arrange a kind of constitution which shall
be merely neutral, and to force it on the United Netherlands, as done
in the case of Geneva. I need not write you American news. You have it
of later date than I have. I shall, therefore, only add assurances of
the esteem and respect with which I am, dear Sir, your friend and
servant.