, is only better, in proportion as it has approached nearer to this
distribution of powers. From this, the last step is easy, to show by
a comparison of our constitutions with that of England, how much more
perfect they are. The article of Confederations is certainly worthy of
your pen. It would form a most interesting addition, to show, what has
been the nature of the Confederations which have existed hitherto, what
were their excellencies, and what their defects.

A comparison of ours with them would be to the advantage of ours,
and would increase the veneration of our countrymen for it. It is
a misfortune, that they do not sufficiently know the value of their
constitutions, and how much happier they are rendered by them, than any
other people on earth, by the governments under which they live.

You know all that has happened in the United Netherlands. You know
also that our friends, Van Staphorsts, will be among the most likely to
become objects of severity, if any severities should be exercised. Is
the money in their hands entirely safe? If it is not, I am sure you have
already thought of it. Are we to suppose the game already up, and that
the Stadtholder is to be reestablished, perhaps erected into a monarch,
without the country lifting a finger in opposition to it? If so, it is a
lesson the more for us. In fact, what a crowd of lessons do the present
miseries of Holland teach us? Never to have an hereditary officer of any
sort: never to let a citizen ally himself with kings: never to call in
foreign nations to settle domestic differences: never to suppose that
any nation will expose itself to war for us, &c. Still I am not without
hopes, that a good rod is in soak for Prussia, and that England will
feel the end of it. It is known to some, that Russia made propositions
to the Emperor and France, for acting in concert; that the Emperor
consents, and has disposed four camps of one hundred and eighty
thousand men, from the limits of Turkey to those of Prussia. This court
hesitates, or rather its Premier hesitates; for the Queen, Montmorin,
and Breteuil are for the measure. Should it take place, all may yet come
to rights, except for the Turks, who must retire from Europe, and this
they must do, were France Quixotic enough to undertake to support them.
We, I hope, shall be left free to avail ourselves of the advantages of
neutrality: and yet, much I fear, the English, or rather their stupid
King, will force us out of i