PARIS, September 9, 1787.
SIR,--The affairs of Holland, though at one moment they had threatened
a war, had got into a hopeful train of accommodation, when all of a
sudden a war is kindled between the Russians and Turks. The latter have
imprisoned the Russian Ambassador resident with them, which you know is
their manner of declaring war; and though no news of actual hostilities
is yet arrived, every body considers them as inevitable. In the present
state of Europe, a spark dropped anywhere must kindle the whole. The
only thing to be hoped is that the advance of the season may prevent
the other powers from being drawn into the vortex of hostilities, till
the next spring. But this cannot be depended on. Government here would
still wish for peace, and may see disagreeably the publication of any
opinion unfriendly to their wish. I will beg of you, therefore, to make
use of this for your own information only, and that of the persons
concerned in our commerce from your port. My duty leads me to care of
them, and my desire to give no offence makes me wish to give no further
alarm. I make the same communication to the ports of Nantes, L'Orient,
and Havre. I am, with much esteem, Sir, your most obedient humble
servant.