s will necessarily connect you in
acquaintance; but I beg leave to present him to you, on account of
his personal as well as his public character. You will find him open,
communicative, candid, simple in his manners, and a declared enemy to
ostentation and luxury. He goes with a resolution to add no aliment
to it by his example, unless he finds that the dispositions of our
countrymen require it indispensably. Permit me, at the same time, to
solicit your friendly notice, and through you, that also of Mrs. Jay, to
Madame la Marquise de Brehan, sister-in-law to Monsieur de Moustier. She
accompanies him, in hopes that a change of climate may assist her feeble
health, and also, that she may procure a more valuable education for
her son, and safer from seduction, in America than in France. I think
it impossible to find a better woman, more amiable, more modest, more
simple in her manners, dress, and way of thinking. She will deserve the
friendship of Mrs. Jay, and the way to obtain hers, is to receive her
and treat her without the shadow of etiquette.

The Count d'Aranda leaves us in a day or two. He desired me to recall
him to your recollection, and to assure you of his friendship. In a
letter which I mean as a private one, I may venture details too minute
for a public one, yet not unamusing, or unsatisfactory. I may venture
names too, without the danger of their getting into a newspaper. There
has long been a division in the Council here, on the question of war
and peace. Monsieur de Montmorin and Monsieur de Breteuil have been
constantly for war. They are supported in this by the Queen. The King
goes for nothing. He hunts one half the day, is drunk the other, and
signs whatever he is bid. The Archbishop of Toulouse desires peace.
Though brought in by the Queen, he is opposed to her in this capital
object, which would produce an alliance with her brother. Whether the
Archbishop will yield or not, I know not. But an intrigue is already
begun for ousting him from his place, and it is rather probable it will
succeed. He is a good and patriotic minister for peace, and very capable
in the department of finance. At least he is so in theory. I have heard
his talents for execution censured.

Can I be useful here to Mrs. Jay or yourself, in executing any
commissions, great or small? I offer you my services with great
cordiality. You know whether any of the wines of this country may
attract your wishes. In my tour, last spring, I vi