PARIS, September 24, 1787.
SIR,--The times are now so critical, that every day brings something
new and important, not known the day before. Observing the wind still
unfavorable, I am in hopes the packet may not sail to-morrow, and that
this letter may be at Havre in time for that conveyance. Mr. Eden has
waited on Count Montmorin to inform him, officially, that England must
consider its convention with France, relative to the giving notice of
its naval armament, as at an end, and that they are arming generally.
This is considered here as a declaration of war. The Dutch ambassador
told me yesterday, that he supposed the Prussian troops probably in
possession of the Hague. I asked him if it would interrupt the course
of business, commercial or banking, in Amsterdam; and particularly,
whether our depot of money there was safe. He said, the people of
Amsterdam would be surely so wise as to submit, when they should see
that they could not oppose the Stadtholder; therefore he supposed our
depot safe, and that there would be no interruption of business. It is
the hour of the departure of the post; so I have only time to add
assurances of the respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be,
Sir, your most obedient humble servant.