self kindle at the reflection, to make that journey; but
circumstances will oblige me to postpone it at least. We are here
under a most extraordinary degree of cold. The thermometer has been ten
degrees of Reaumur below freezing: this is eight degrees of Fahrenheit
above zero, and was the degree of cold here in the year 1740. The long
continuance of this severity, and the snow now on the ground, give
physical prognostications of a hard winter. You will be in a privileged
climate, and will have had an enviable escape from this. The _Notables_
are not yet separated, nor is their treasonable vote against the people
yet consolidated; but it will be. The parliament have taken up the
subject, and passed a very laudable vote in opposition. They have made
it the occasion of giving sketches of what should be a bill of rights.
Perhaps this opposition of authority may give the court an option
between the two. Stocks are rising slowly, but steadily. The loan of
1784 is at thirteen loss; the _caisse d'escompte_, four thousand and
seventy-five. The Count de Bryenne has retired, and M. de Puysegur
succeeded to his place. Madame de Chambonois (sister of M. de Langear)
is dead of the small-pox. Pio is likely to receive a good appointment in
his own country, which will take him from us. Corn is likely to become
extremely scarce in France, Spain, and England. This country has offered
a premium of forty sous the quintal on flour of the United States,
and thirty sous the quintal on our wheat, to be brought here between
February and June.

General Washington writes me, that industry and economy begin to take
place of that idleness and extravagance which had succeeded the close
of the war. The Potomac canal is in great forwardness. J. M. writes me
word, that Mr. Jay and General Knox are talked of in the Middle States
for Vice-Presidents, but he queries whether both will not prefer their
present births. It seems agreed, that some emendations will be made to
the new constitution. All are willing to add a bill of rights; but they
fear the power of internal taxation will be abridged. The friends of
the new government will oppose the method of amendment by a federal
convention, which would subject the whole instrument to change, and they
will support the other method, which admits Congress, by a vote of two
thirds, to submit specific changes to the Assemblies, three fourths of
whom must concur to establish them.

The enclosed letter is from Palle