of
Piedmont soon after crossing the Alps. Here they tell me there are none
nearer than Vercelli and Novara, which is carrying me almost to Milan. I
fear that this circumstance will occasion me a greater delay than I
had calculated on. However, I am embarked in the project, and shall go
through with it. To-morrow, I set out on my passage over the Alps, being
to pursue it ninety-three miles to Coni, on mules, as the snows are
not yet enough melted to admit carriages to pass. I leave mine here,
therefore, proposing to return by water from Genoa. I think it will
be three weeks before I get back to Nice. I find this climate quite
as delightful as it has been represented. Hieres is the only place in
France, which may be compared with it. The climates are equal. In favor
of this place, are the circumstances of gay and dissipated society,
a handsome city, good accommodations, and some commerce. In favor of
Hieres, are environs of delicious and extensive plains, a society more
contracted, and therefore more capable of esteem, and the neighborhood
of Toulon, Marseilles, and other places, to which excursions may be
made. Placing Marseilles in comparison with Hieres, it has extensive
society, a good theatre, freedom from military control, and the most
animated commerce. But its winter climate is far inferior. I am now in
the act of putting my baggage into portable form for my bat-mule; after
praying you, therefore, to let my daughter know I am well, and that I
shall not be heard of again in three weeks, I take my leave of you for
that time, with assurances of the sincere esteem with which I am, Dear
Sir, your friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LVI.--TO JOHN JAY, May 4, 1787

TO JOHN JAY.

Marseilles, May 4, 1787.

Sir,

I had the honor of receiving at Aix, your letter of February the 9th,
and immediately wrote to the Count de Montmorin, explaining the delay
of the answer of Congress to the King's letter, and desired Mr. Short to
deliver that answer, with my letter, to Monsieur de Montmorin, which he
informs me he has accordingly done.

My absence prevented my noting to you, in the first moment, the
revolution which has taken place at Paris, in the department of finance,
by the substitution of Monsieur de Fourqueux in the place of Monsieur
de Calonne; so that you will have heard of it through other channels,
before this will have the honor of reaching you.

Having staid at Aix long enough to prove the ine