PARIS, Oct. 27, 1787.
SIR,--When I had the honor of addressing you on the 8th instant, the
appearances of war were such, that no one would have been surprised to
hear that hostilities were actually commenced at sea. The preparations
were pushed with such vivacity on the part of England, that it was
believed she had other objects in view than those she spoke out.
However, having protected by her countenance the establishment of the
Stadtholder by the Prussian troops, and completely detached the Court
of Berlin from that of Versailles, she made a proposition to the latter
to disarm, which was agreed to. Mutual declarations for this purpose
were signed last night at Versailles, of which I have now the honor to
enclose you copies.
Commissaries are to be appointed on each side to see that the disarming
takes place. The Count de Moustier having been detained at Brest a
fortnight by contrary wind, and this continuing obstinately in the same
point, admits a possibility that this letter may yet reach Brest before
his departure. It passes through the post office and will be opened and
read of course. I shall have the honor of addressing you more fully a
week hence by a private hand. I have now that of assuring you of the
sincerity of that esteem and respect with which I have the honor to be,
Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant.