ly into two
parts, according to the protestant faith. Having seen by a letter you
wrote him, that you were in want of a pair of spectacles, I undertook
to procure you some, which I packed in a box of books addressed to Mr.
Wythe, and of which I beg your acceptance. This box lay forgotten at
Havre the whole of the last winter, but was at length shipped, and I
trust has come to hand. I packed with the spectacles three or four pair
of glasses, adapted to the different periods of life, distinguished from
each other by numbers, and easily changed. You see I am looking forward
in hope of a long life for you; and that it may be long enough to carry
you through the whole succession of glasses, is my sincere prayer.
Present me respectfully to Mrs. Bellini, assure her of my affectionate
remembrance of her, and my wishes for her health and happiness; and
accept yourself very sincere professions of the esteem and attachment
with which I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER CXLVIII.--TO JAMES MADISON, July 31, 1788

TO JAMES MADISON.

Paris, July 31, 1788.

Dear Sir,

My last letters to you were of the 3rd and the 25th of May. Yours from
Orange, of April the 22nd, came to hand on the 10th instant.

My letter to Mr. Jay containing all the public news that is well
authenticated, I will not repeat it here, but add some details in the
smaller way, which you may be glad to know. The disgrace of the Marquis
de la Fayette, which, at any other period of their history, would have
had the worst consequences for him, will, on the contrary, mark him
favorably to the nation, at present. During the present administration,
he can expect nothing; but perhaps it may serve him with their
successors, whenever a change shall take place. No change of the
Principal will probably take place, before the meeting of the States
General; though a change is to be wished, for his operations do not
answer the expectations formed of him. These had been calculated, on his
brilliancy in society. He is very feebly aided too. Montmorin is weak,
though a most worthy character. He is indolent and inattentive too,
in the extreme. Luzerne is considerably inferior in abilities to his
brother, whom you know. He is a good man too, but so much out of his
element, that he has the air of one _huskanoyed_. The _Garde des Sceaux_
is considered as the Principal's bull-dog, braving danger like the
animal. His talents do not pa