PARIS, September 22, 1787.
SIR,--I must trouble you with another letter to Mr. Jay, to be
delivered to Monsieur Bourgoin on board the packet, which I hope will
not be sailed before it gets to your hands, as the letter is of extreme
importance. It is to inform Congress that official advice is just
received here that the Prussian troops entered the territory of Holland
on the 15th instant; that most of the principal towns had submitted,
that Utrecht was evacuated by the Rhingrave de Salm, and Woerden
capitulated, so that Amsterdam remained without defence. M. de St.
Priest had stopped at Antwerp and waited further orders. We know also,
that the first division of the Russian army has passed the Borysthenes
into the Polish Ukraine, and is marching towards the frontiers of
Turkey. War then is well kindled in those two quarters. Monsieur
Cabarus is arrived at Paris, but will not accept the appointment
offered him unless they will adopt his plans. On this there is
hesitation; so that it is not certain he will come in.
I have received your favor of the 20th, and shall make proper use of
its contents. Should the packet be sailed, I will pray you to send my
letter by the first of the vessels which you mention bound for
Philadelphia. I am, with great esteem, Sir, your most obedient humble
servant.