gned. The
Archbishop of Thoulouse is appointed _ministre principale_, and his
brother, Monsieur de Brienne, minister of war, in the place of Monsieur
de Segur. The department of the Comptroller has had a very rapid
succession of tenants. From Monsieur de Calonnes it passed to Monsieur
de Forqueux, from him to Villedeuil, and from him to Lambert, who holds
it at present, but divided with a Monsieur Cabarrus, (whom I believe
you knew in Spain,) who is named _Directeur du tresor_ _royal_, the
office into which M. Neckar came at first. I had the honor to inform
you, that before the departure of the Count de Luzerne to his
government in the West Indies, I had pressed on him the patronage of
our trade with the French islands; that he appeared well disposed, and
assured me he would favor us as much as his instructions, and the laws
of the colonies, would permit. I am in hopes these dispositions will be
strengthened by his residence in the islands, and that his acquaintance
among the people there, will be an additional motive to favor them.
Probably they will take advantage of his appointment, to press
indulgences in commerce with us. The ministry is of a liberal
complexion, and well disposed to us. The war may add to the motives for
opening their islands to other resources for their subsistence, and for
doing what may be agreeable to us. It seems to me, at present, then,
that the moment of the arrival of the Count de La Luzerne, will be the
moment for trying to obtain a freer access to their islands. It would
be very material to do this, if possible, in a permanent way, that is
to say, by treaty. But I know of nothing we have to offer in
equivalent. Perhaps the payment of our debt to them might be made use
of as some inducement, while they are so distressed for money. Yet the
borrowing the money in Holland will be rendered more difficult by the
same event, in proportion as it will increase the demand for money by
other powers.

The gazettes of Leyden and France to this date are enclosed, together
with some pamphlets on the internal affairs of this country.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble servant.

TO CHARLES THOMPSON.

PARIS, Sept. 20, 1787.

DEAR SIR,--Your favor of April the 28th did not come to my hands till
the first instant. Unfortunately, the box of plants, which were a day
too late to come by the April packet, missed