PARIS, October 9, 1787.
SIR,--I have duly received your favor with my account balance 160_l._
7_s._, which shall be paid to your order. I observe it is supposed with
you that the differences between the courts of London and St. Cloud are
nearly settled. But be assured on the contrary, that no accommodation
is expected, and that war is as certain as it can be, without being
actually commenced or declared. There remains, indeed, a possibility of
preventing it, but it is very feeble. This court would be disposed to
do it, but they believe that of London decided on war. We cannot
foresee the moment it will commence, but it is not distant, according
to present appearances. M. de Suffrein is appointed to command on the
Ocean, and M. Albert de Rion on the Mediterranean.
I have the honor to be, with much respect, Sir, your most obedient
humble servant.