is more credited to-day than it was yesterday. If
it takes place, he will retain his popularity with the nation, as the
members of the States will not think it important to set themselves
against it, but on the contrary, will be willing that he should continue
on their side, on his retirement. The run on the _caisse d'escompte_
continues. The members of the States admit, that Mr. Necker's departure
out of office will occasion a stoppage of public payments. But they
expect to prevent any very ill effect, by assuring the public against
any loss, and by taking immediate measures for continuing payment. They
may, perhaps, connect these measures with their own existence, so as to
interest the public in whatever catastrophe may be aimed at them. The
gazettes of France and Leyden accompany this. During the continuance
of this crisis and my own stay, I shall avail myself of every private
conveyance to keep you informed of what passes.

I have the honor to be, with the most perfect esteem and respect, Sir,
your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CCIX.--TO JOHN JAY, June 29, 1789

TO JOHN JAY.

Paris, June 29, 1789.

Sir,

My letter of the 25th gave you the transactions of the States General to
the afternoon of that day. On the next, the Archbishop of Paris joined
the _Tiers_, as did some others of the Clergy and _Noblesse_. On the
27th, the question of the St. Domingo deputation came on, and it was
decided that it should be received. I have before mentioned to you the
ferment into which the proceedings at the _seance royale_ of the 23rd
had thrown the people. The soldiery also were affected by it. It began
in the French guards, extended to those of every other denomination
(except the Swiss), and even to the body-guards of the King. They began
to quit their barracks, to assemble in squads, to declare they would
defend the life of the King, but would not cut the throats of their
fellow-citizens. They were treated and caressed by the people, carried
in triumph through the streets, called themselves the soldiers of the
nation, and left no doubt on which side they would be, in case of a
rupture. Similar accounts came in from the troops in other parts of the
kingdom, as well those which had not heard of the _seance royale_, as
those which had, and gave good reason to apprehend that the soldiery,
in general, would side with their fathers and brothers, rather than with
their officers. The op