United States--History--Revolution, 1775-1783; Jay, John, 1745-1829
Summary
Begins to think of returning to America with his family, though the
youngest children are just beginning to reap advantages from their travels. Preferred
Italy and finds Germany "tame." The commonest items in New York are luxuries on the
Continent. Europe is divided into two parties, those trying to reap the advantages of
the Revolution and those trying to arrest them. The Church is trying to regain its lost
influence, and is supported by many who fear melioration of government will destroy
Christianity. The English system is greatly favored in Europe, where it is considered as
encouraging monopoly under pretense of liberality and freedom. England's objects are to
preserve monopolies and aristocracy and therefore to avoid war and revolution. The King
and Dauphine are unpopular in France and there is a powerful party in favor of are
public. If the King yields he will become a pageant as in England. The latter might risk
war rather than see France firmly in Africa. Is convinced that Napoleon's success lay in
the slowness of Germans; Italians would have beaten him had they not wished a change of
masters. Riots occurred during a recent celebration of the Reformation. Regrets that
America does not make greater show of naval force. If illiberals of Europe gain
ascendancy we will struggle for existence. Thinks England now at work in Southern states
to separate the Union; their rise depends on our downfall. Discusses the Anti-Union
party in Carolina, agrees on states' rights question. On slavery, would we not react the
same were property and life in jeopardy? Quotes a South Carolina paper that the Union
can be divided into five parts; this is English, not American idea. One work nearly
finished, another in progress. Now has the means of doing something else and hopes to
leave off writing as he never liked it except as are source against
poverty.
