ve little hope
that war could be avoided. In this situation, the Turks have declared
war against the Russians. This, I think, renders a general war
inevitable. Perhaps the European powers may take this winter to
determine which side each shall take. There is a possibility that an
alliance between France and the two empires may induce England and
Prussia to tread back their steps. In that case, the Patriotic party in
Holland will be peaceably placed at the head of their government. The
Turks will be driven out of Europe, their continental possessions
divided between Russia and the Emperor, and perhaps their islands and
Egypt allotted to France. These events seem possible at present. * * * *

TO THE HONORABLE THE COMMISSIONERS OF THE TREASURY.

PARIS, September 18, 1787.

GENTLEMEN,--Congress having thought proper, by their vote of July the
18th, to entrust me to take measures for the redemption of our captives
at Algiers, and to desire you to furnish the money necessary, it is
proper to state to you some data whereby you may judge what sum is
necessary. The French prisoners, last redeemed by the order of
Mathurins, cost somewhat less than four hundred dollars: but the
General of the order told me, that they had always been made to pay
more for foreign prisoners than their own. The smallest sum then, at
which we can expect ours, including redemption, clothing, feeding, and
transportation, will be five hundred dollars each. There are twenty of
them. Of course, ten thousand dollars is the smallest sum which can be
requisite. I think a larger sum should be set apart, as so much of it
as shall not be wanting for the prisoners, will remain for other uses.
As soon as you shall have notified me that the money is ready, I will
proceed to execute the order of Congress. I must add the injunctions of
the General of the Mathurins, that it be not made known that the public
interest themselves in the redemption of these prisoners, as that would
induce the Algerians to demand the most extravagant price. I have the
honor to be, with sentiments of the most profound respect, Gentlemen,
your most obedient, and most humble servant.

TO JOHN JAY.

PARIS, September 19, 1787.

SIR,--My last letters to you were of the 6th and 15th of August; since
which, I have been honored with yours of July the 24th, acknowledging
the receipt of mine of the 14th and 23d of February. I am anxious to
hear you have received that also of May