bottom, enemy goods. The same rule has
been adopted by the treaty of armed neutrality between Russia, Sweden,
Denmark, Holland and Portugal, and assented to by France and Spain.
Contraband goods, however, are always excepted, so that they may still
be seized; but the same powers have established that naval stores are
not contraband; and this may be considered now as the law of nations.
Though England acquiesced under this during the late war, rather than
draw on herself the neutral powers, yet she never acceded to the new
principle, and her obstinacy on this point, is what has prevented the
late renewal of her treaty with Russia. On the commencement of a new
war, this principle will probably be insisted on by the neutral powers,
whom we may suppose to be Sweden, Denmark, Portugal, America, and
perhaps Spain. Quere; if England will again acquiesce. Supposing these
details might be useful to you, I have taken the liberty of giving
them, and of assuring you of the esteem with which I am, Sir, your very
humble servant.

TO MONSIEUR LIMOZIN.

PARIS, September 22, 1787.

SIR,--I must trouble you with another letter to Mr. Jay, to be
delivered to Monsieur Bourgoin on board the packet, which I hope will
not be sailed before it gets to your hands, as the letter is of extreme
importance. It is to inform Congress that official advice is just
received here that the Prussian troops entered the territory of Holland
on the 15th instant; that most of the principal towns had submitted,
that Utrecht was evacuated by the Rhingrave de Salm, and Woerden
capitulated, so that Amsterdam remained without defence. M. de St.
Priest had stopped at Antwerp and waited further orders. We know also,
that the first division of the Russian army has passed the Borysthenes
into the Polish Ukraine, and is marching towards the frontiers of
Turkey. War then is well kindled in those two quarters. Monsieur
Cabarus is arrived at Paris, but will not accept the appointment
offered him unless they will adopt his plans. On this there is
hesitation; so that it is not certain he will come in.

I have received your favor of the 20th, and shall make proper use of
its contents. Should the packet be sailed, I will pray you to send my
letter by the first of the vessels which you mention bound for
Philadelphia. I am, with great esteem, Sir, your most obedient humble
servant.

TO JOHN JAY.

PARIS, September 24, 1787.

SIR,--The times are now so cr