s best actions are exciting against
him a host of enemies, particularly the reduction of the pensions, and
reforms in other branches of economy. Some think the other ministers
are willing he should stay in, till he has effected this odious, yet
necessary work, and that they will then make him the scape-goat of the
transaction. The declarations too, which I send you in my public
letter, if they should become public, will probably raise an universal
cry. It will all fall on him, because Montmorin and Breteuil say,
without reserve, that the sacrifice of the Dutch has been against their
advice. He will, perhaps, not permit these declarations to appear in
this country. They are absolutely unknown; they were communicated to me
by the Duke of Dorset, and I believe no other copy has been given here.
They Till be published doubtless in England, as a proof of their
triumph, and may thence make their way into this country. If the
Premier can stem a few months, he may remain long in office, and will
never make war if he can help it. If he should be removed, the peace
will probably be short. He is solely chargeable with the loss of
Holland. True, they could not have raised money by taxes, to supply the
necessities of war; but could they do it were their finances ever so
well arranged? No nation makes war now-a-days, but by the aid of loans;
and it is probable, that in a war for the liberties of Holland, all the
treasures of that country would have been at their service. They have
now lost the cow which furnishes the milk of war. She will be on the
side of their enemies, whenever a rupture shall take place; and no
arrangement of their finances can countervail this circumstance.

I have no doubt, you permit access to the letters of your foreign
ministers, by persons only of the most perfect trust. It is in the
European system, to bribe the clerks high, in order to obtain copies of
interesting papers. I am sure you are equally attentive to the
conveyance of your letters to us, as you know that all are opened that
pass through any post-office of Europe. Your letters which come by the
packet, if put into the mail at New York, or into the post-office at
Havre, wear proofs that they have been opened. The passenger to whom
they are confided, should be cautioned always to keep them in his own
hands, till he can deliver them personally in Paris.

I have the honor to be, with very sincere esteem and respect, dear Sir,
your most obedient, and