pts: while they
are proceeding on the other hand, to reform their expenses far beyond
what they had promised. It is said these reformations will amount to
eighty millions. Circumstances render these measures more and more
pressing. I mentioned to you in my last letter, that the officer
charged by the ministry to watch the motion of the British squadron, had
returned with information that it had sailed westwardly. The fact was
not true. He had formed his conclusion too hastily, and thus led the
ministry into error. The King of Prussia, urged on by England, has
pressed more and more the affairs of Holland and lately has given to the
States General of Holland four days only to comply with his demand.
This measure would, of itself, have rendered it impossible for France
to proceed longer in the line of accommodation with Prussia. In the
same moment, an event takes place, which seems to render all attempt at
accommodation idle. The Turks have declared war against the Russians,
and that under circumstances which exclude all prospect of preventing
its taking place. The King of Prussia having deserted his ancient
friends, there remain only France and Turkey, perhaps Spain also,
to oppose the two empires, Prussia and England. By such a piece of
Quixotism, France might plunge herself into ruin with the Turks and
Dutch, but would save neither. But there is certainly a confederacy
secretly in contemplation, of which the public have not yet the smallest
suspicion; that is between France and the two empires. I think it
sure that Russia has desired this, and that the Emperor, after some
hesitation, has acceded. It rests on this country to close. Her
indignation against the King of Prussia will be some spur. She will
thereby save her party in Holland, and only abandon the Turks to that
fate she cannot ward off, and which their precipitation has brought on
themselves, by the instigation of the English ambassador at the Porte,
and against the remonstrances of the French ambassador. Perhaps this
formidable combination, should it take place, may prevent the war of the
western powers, as it would seem that neither England nor Prussia would
carry their false calculations so far, as, with the aid of the Turks
only, to oppose themselves to such a force. In that case, the Patriots
of Holland would be peaceably established in the powers of their
government, and the war go on against the Turks only, who would probably
be driven from Europe. This n