an still leave it on such a footing, as to be put into motion
the moment the money can be paid. And even when the leave of Congress
shall be received, I will not make use of it, if there is any thing
of consequence which may suffer; but would, postpone my departure till
circumstances will admit it. But should these be as I expect they will,
it will be vastly desirable to me to receive the permission immediately,
so that I may go out as soon as the vernal equinox is over, and be sure
of my return in good time and season in the fall. Mr. Short, who had had
thoughts of returning to America, will postpone that return till I come
back. His talents and character allow me to say, with confidence, that
nothing will suffer in his hands. The friendly dispositions of Monsieur
de Montmorin would induce him readily to communicate with Mr. Short in
his present character; but should any of his applications be necessary
to be laid before the Council, they might suffer difficulty: nor could
he attend the diplomatic societies, which are the most certain sources
of good intelligence. Would Congress think it expedient to remove the
difficulties, by naming him secretary of legation, so that he would act
of course as _charge des affaires_ during my absence? It would be just,
that the difference between the salary of a secretary and a secretary of
legation should cease, as soon as he should cease to be charged with the
affairs of the United States; that is to say, on my return: and he would
expect that. So that this difference for five or six months would be an
affair of about one hundred and seventy guineas only, which would be not
more than equal to the additional expense that would be brought on him
necessarily by the change of character. I mention these particulars,
that Congress may see the end as well as beginning of the proposition,
and have only to add, 'their will be done.' Leave for me being obtained,
I will ask it, Sir, of your friendship, to avail yourself of various
occasions to the ports of France and England to convey me immediate
notice of it, and relieve me as soon as possible from the anxiety of
expectation, and the uncertainty in which I shall be. We have been in
daily expectation of hearing of the death of the King of England. Our
latest news are of the 11th. He had then been despaired of for three or
four days; but as my letter is to pass through England, you will have
later accounts of him than that can give you. I send you