PARIS, August 15, 1787.
SIR,--An American gentleman leaving Paris this afternoon to go by the
way of L'Orient to Boston, furnishes me the rare occasion of a
conveyance, other than the packet, sure and quick. My letter by the
packet informed you of the bed of justice, for enregistering the stamp
tax and land tax. The parliament, on their return, came to an _Arretee_
(a resolution) which, besides protesting against the enregistering, as
done by force, laid the foundation for an _Arret de defence_ (an act)
against the execution of the two new laws. The question on the final
_Arret_ was adjourned to the day before yesterday. It is believed they
did not conclude on this _Arret_, as it has not appeared. However,
there was a concourse of about ten thousand people at the parliament
house, who, on their adjournment, received them with acclamations of
joy, loosened the horses of the most eminent speakers against the tax
from their carriages, and drew them home. This morning, the parliament
is exiled to Troyes. It is believed to proceed, principally, from the
fear of a popular commotion here.
The officer, charged by this court to watch the English squadron, which
was under sailing orders, returned about a week ago, with information
that it had sailed, having shaped its course westwardly. This is
another step towards war. It is the more suspicious, as their minister
here denies the fact. Count Adhemar is here from London, by leave from
his court. The Duke of Dorset, the British ambassador here, has lately
gone to London on leave. Neither of these ambassadors has the
confidence of his court, on the point of abilities. The latter merits
it for his honesty. The minister of the British court, resident here,
remains; but Mr. Eden, their ambassador to Spain, under pretence of
taking this in his route, is in truth their _factotum_ in the present
emergency. Nothing worth noting has occurred since my last, either in
the Dutch or Austrian Netherlands.
I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
your most obedient, and most humble servant.