r officers, that is to say, their captains, lieutenants, and
ensigns. These are of the lower nobility, and therefore much divided.
The colonels and higher officers are of the higher nobility, are
seldom with the soldiers, little known to them, not possessing their
attachment. These circumstances give them little weight in the partition
of the army.

I give you these miscellaneous observations, that knowing somewhat the
dispositions of the parties, you may be able to judge of the future for
yourself, as I shall not be here to continue its communication to you.

In hopes to see you soon, I conclude with assurances of the perfect
esteem and respect, with which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCVIII.--TO JOHN JAY, June 24,1789

TO JOHN JAY.

Sir,

Paris, June 24,1789.

My letter of the 17th and 18th instant gave you the progress of the
States General to the 17th, when the _Tiers_ had declared the illegality
of all the existing taxes, and their discontinuance from the end of
their present session. The next day, being a _jour de fete_, could
furnish no indication of the impression that vote was likely to make
on the government. On the 19th, a Council was held at Marly, in the
afternoon. It was there proposed, that the King should interpose by
a declaration of his sentiments in a _seance royale_. The declaration
prepared by M. Necker, while it censured, in general, the proceedings
both of the Nobles and Commons, announced the King's views, such as
substantially to coincide with the Commons. It was agreed to in Council,
as also that the _seance royale_ should be held on the 22nd, and the
meetings till then be suspended. While the Council was engaged in this
deliberation at Marly, the chamber of the Clergy was in debate, whether
they should accept the invitation of the _Tiers_ to unite with them
in the common chamber. On the first question, to unite simply and
unconditionally, it was decided in the negative by a very small
majority. As it was known however, that some members who had voted in
the negative, would be for the affirmative, with some modifications, the
question was put with these modifications, and it was determined by a
majority of eleven members, that their body should join the _Tiers_.
These proceedings of the Clergy were unknown to the Council at Marly,
and those of the Council were kept secret from every body. The next
morning (the 20th), the members repaired to