smitted. I shall immediately represent to
Count Bernstorff, that the demand for our prizes can have no connection
with a treaty of commerce; that there is no reason why the claims of
our seamen should await so distant and uncertain an event; and press the
settlement of this claim.

This country still pursues its line of peace. The ministry seem now all
united in it; some from a belief of their inability to carry on a war;
others from a desire to arrange their internal affairs, and improve
their constitution. The differences between the King and parliaments
threaten a serious issue. Many symptoms indicate that the government has
in contemplation some act of highhanded authority. An extra number of
printers have for several days been employed, the apartment wherein they
are at work being surrounded by a body of guards, who permit no body
either to come out or go in. The commanders of the provinces, civil and
military, have been ordered to be at their stations on a certain day
of the ensuing week. They are accordingly gone: so that the will of the
King is probably to be announced through the whole kingdom on the same
day. The parliament of Paris, apprehending that some innovation is to
be attempted, which may take from them the opportunity of deciding on it
after it shall be made known, came last night to the resolution of
which I have the honor to enclose you a manuscript copy. This you will
perceive to be, in effect, a declaration of rights. I am obliged to
close here the present letter, lest I should miss the opportunity of
conveying it by a passenger who is to call for it. Should the delay of
the packet admit any continuation of these details, they shall be the
subject of another letter, to be forwarded by post. The gazettes of
Leyden and France accompany this.

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

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXXXV.--TO THE COUNT DE MOUSTIER, May 17, 1788

TO THE COUNT DE MOUSTIER.

Paris, May 17, 1788.

Dear Sir,

I have at length an opportunity of acknowledging the receipt of your
favors of February, and March the 14th, and congratulating you on your
resurrection from the dead, among whom you had been confidently entombed
by the news-dealers of Paris. I am sorry that your first impressions
have been disturbed by matters of etiquette, where surely they
should least have been expected to occur. The