and treat her without the shadow of
etiquette.

The Count d'Aranda leaves us in a day or two. He desired me to recall
him to your recollection, and to assure you of his friendship. In a
letter which I mean as a private one, I may venture details too minute
for a public one, yet not unamusing, or unsatisfactory. I may venture
names, too, without the danger of their getting into a newspaper. There
has long been a division in the Council here, on the question of war
and peace. Monsieur de Montmorin and Monsieur de Breteuil have been
constantly for war. They are supported in this by the Queen. The King
goes for nothing. He hunts one half the day, is drunk the other, and
signs whatever he is bid. The Archbishop of Thoulouse desires peace.
Though brought in by the Queen, he is opposed to her in this capital
object, which would produce an alliance with her brother. Whether the
Archbishop will yield or not, I know not. But an intrigue is already
begun for ousting him from his place, and it is rather probable it will
succeed. He is a good and patriotic minister for peace, and very
capable in the department of finance. At least, he is so in theory. I
have heard his talents for execution censured. Can I be useful here to
Mrs. Jay or yourself, in executing any commissions, great or small? I
offer you my services with great cordiality. You know whether any of
the wines in this country may attract your wishes. In my tour, last
spring, I visited the best vineyards of Burgundy, Cote-rotie,
Hermitage, Lunelle, Frontignan, and white and red Bordeaux, got
acquainted with the proprietors, and can procure for you the best crops
from the vigneron himself. Mrs. Jay knows if there is anything else
here, in which I could be useful to her. Command me without ceremony,
as it will give me real pleasure to serve you, and be assured of the
sincere attachment and friendship, with which I am, dear Sir, your most
obedient, and most humble servant.

TO MONSIEUR LE COMTE DE MOUSTIER.

PARIS, October 9, 1787.

Mr. Jefferson has the honor of presenting his respects to Monsieur le
Comte de Moustier, and of taking leave of him by letter, which he is
prevented doing in person, by an unexpected visit to Versailles to-day.
He will hope to have the pleasure of sometimes hearing from him, and
will take the liberty occasionally, of troubling him with a letter. He
considers the Count de Moustier as forming, with himself, the two end
links of that chain