War in Europe is at a standstill; France does not interfere as she awaits the assembling of the States-general. While the King wished to call a number of commons equal to the nobles and clergy combined, the nobles and clergy protest against this; this will place the people on the side of the King. Speculates on what reforms will be proposed by States-general; fears that tendency will be to demand t oo much at one time, thereby terrifying the court. Newest arret on importation of fish oils excludes all foreign oils including American oils. This will be changed in a later arret, but France is anxious to insure that British oils do not enter as American products. Asks permission to return to America to attend to private affairs. Mr. Short can take his place and diplomatic interchange continued by his appointment to the temporary post of Secretary of Legation. Postscript notes that the corn crop in France was poor and famine is expected. Will American merchants send what grain they can spare for French markets?
Subjects
United States--History--1783-1865; Jay, John, 1745-1829