es, you are apprized of. That of partitioning the country into a
number of subordinate governments, under the administration of
Provincial Assemblies, chosen by the people, is a capital one. But to
the delirium of joy which these improvements gave the nation, a strange
reverse of temper has suddenly succeeded. The deficiencies of their
revenue were exposed, and they were frightful. Yet there was an
appearance of intention to economise, and reduce the expenses of
government. But expenses are still very inconsiderately incurred, and
all reformation in that point despaired of. The public credit is
affected; and such a spirit of discontent has arisen, as has never been
seen. The parliament refused to register the edict for a stamp tax, or
any other tax, and call for the States General, who alone, they say,
can impose a new tax, They speak with a boldness unexampled. The King
has called them to Versailles to-morrow, where he will hold a _lit de
justice_, and compel them to register the tax. How the chapter will
finish, we must wait to see. By a vessel lately sailed from Havre to
New York, I have sent you some more livraisons of the Encyclopedie,
down to the 22d inclusive. They were in a box with Dr. Currie's, and
addressed to Mr. Madison, who will forward them to Richmond. I have
heard you are in the Assembly. I will beg the favor of you, therefore,
to give me, at the close of the session, a history of the most
remarkable acts passed, the parties and views of the House, etc. This,
with the small news of my country, crops and prices, will furnish you
abundant matter to treat me, while I have nothing to give you in
return, but the histories of the follies of nations in their dotage.
Present me in respectful and friendly terms to Mrs. Monroe, and be
assured of the sincere sentiments of esteem and attachment with which I
am, dear Sir, your friend and servant.

TO THE HONORABLE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY.

PARIS, August 5, 1787.

GENTLEMEN,--In my last of June 17, 1787, I had the honor of
communicating to you the information I had received from Mr. Grand,
that your funds here were out, and he considerably in advance. I took
occasion to mention to him the paragraph in your letter of February 17,
wherein you were so kind as to say your attention should be immediately
turned to the making a remittance. However, I understood soon after
that he had protested a draught of Mr. Carmichael's, as also a smaller
one of five hu