Emperor of Austria recovered, but his life is not the subject of much
hope. If matters continue as at present, it is possible that a continuation of the war
will become unlikely. English King has passed from madness to imbecility and melancholy.
In France a few minor riots occurred, but a recent riot in Paris resulted in the death
of 100 at the hands of the troops. In the States-general the only members of the
nobility which show any liberality are those from the vicinity of Paris; the rural
nobility give indications of a firm intention to tyrannize the people. As to the
representatives of the clergy, the ecclesiastical elections have returned the lower
orders of the clergy, the sons of peasants. The continuance of civil order depends on
approval of equal taxation. Necker claims that the freeports of Bayonne and L'Orient
result in a loss of 600,000 livres in duties to the crown and asks for the cancellation
of United States privileges. Jefferson states he doesn't think the privileges are worth
a cent to the United States. If the closing of the freeports has not been officially
communicated by Moustier, he will attempt to obtain some statement from
Montmorin.
Subjects
United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Format
correspondence
Genre
correspondence
Date
1789 May 09
Physical Description
7
Note
The entire content of the original has been digitized.