fleet and the
Russian, on the Baltic, wherein they say they took one, and burned
another Russian vessel, with the loss of one on their side, and that the
victory remained with them. They say, at the same time, that their fleet
returned into port, and the Russians kept the sea; we must, therefore,
suspend our opinion till we get the Russian version of this engagement.
The Swedish manifesto was handed about to-day at Versailles, by the
Swedish ambassador, in manuscript. The King complains that Russia has
been ever endeavoring to sow divisions in his kingdom, in order to
re-establish the ancient constitution; that he has long borne it,
through a love of peace, but finds it no longer bearable: that still,
however, he will make peace on these conditions; 1. That the Empress
punishes her minister for the note he gave in to the court of Stockholm;
2. that she restore Crimea to the Turks; and 3. that she repay to him
all the expenses of his armament. The Russian force, in vessels of war
on the Black Sea, are five frigates, and three ships of the line; but
those of the line are shut up in port, and cannot come out till Oczakow
shall be taken. This fleet is commanded by Paul Jones, with the rank of
rear-admiral. The Prince of Nassau commands the galleys and gun-boats.
It is now ascertained, that the States General will assemble the next
year, and probably in the month of May. Tippoo Saib's ambassadors had
their reception to-day at Versailles with unusual pomp. The presence was
so numerous, that little could be caught of what they said to the king,
and he answered to them: from what little I could hear, nothing more
passed than mutual assurances of good will. The name of the Marechal
de Richelieu is sufficiently remarkable in history, to justify
my mentioning his death, which happened two days ago; he was aged
ninety-two years.

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 CLIII.--TO JOHN JAY, August 11, 1788

TO JOHN JAY.

Paris, August 11, 1788.

Sir,

In my letter of the last night, written in the moment of Mrs. Barclay's
departure, I had the honor of mentioning to you, that it was now pretty
certain that the States General would be assembled in the next year,
and probably in the month of May. This morning an _Arret_ is published,
announcing that their meeting is fixed on the first day of May next, of
w