f our treaty with France, which will now come into
view, in all their consequences, and in consequences very advantageous
to the one, and injurious to the other country. I suggest these doubts,
on a supposition that our magazines are not prepared for war, and in
the opinion that provisions for that event should be thought of.

The enclosed letter from Mr. Dumas came to me open, though directed to
you. I immediately waited on the ambassadors, ordinary and
extraordinary, of Holland, and the envoy of Prussia, and prayed them to
interest themselves to have his person, his family and his goods
protected. They promised me readily to do it, and have written
accordingly; I trust it will be with effect. I could not avoid
enclosing you the letter from Monsieur Bouebe, though I have satisfied
him he is to expect nothing from Congress for his inventions. These are
better certified than most of those things are; but if time stamps
their worth, time will give them to us. He expects no further answer.
The gazettes of Leyden and France to this date accompany this, which
will be delivered you by the Count de Moustier, Plenipotentiary from
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 JAMES MADISON.

PARIS, October 8, 1787.

DEAR SIR,--The bearer hereof, the Count de Moustier, successor to
Monsieur de La Luzerne, would, from his office, need no letter of
introduction to you or to anybody. Yet I take the liberty of
recommending him to you, to shorten those formal approaches, which the
same office would otherwise expose him to, in making your acquaintance.
He is a great enemy to formality, etiquette, ostentation and luxury. He
goes with the best dispositions to cultivate society, without poisoning
it by ill example. He is sensible, disposed to view things favorably,
and being well acquainted with the constitution of England, her manners
and language, is the better prepared for his station with us. But I
should have performed only the lesser, and least pleasing half of my
task, were I not to add my recommendations of Madame de Brehan. She is
goodness itself. You must be well acquainted with her. You will find
her well disposed to meet your acquaintance, and well worthy of it. The
way to please her, is to receive her as an acquaintance of a thousand
years standing. She speaks little English. You must teach her more, and
learn