ent, the air of a mediator. This is necessary to justify a breach
with the Porte. He has his eye at the same time on Germany, and
particularly on Bavaria, the Elector of which has, for a long time,
been hanging over the grave. Probably, France would now consent to the
exchange of the Austrian Netherlands, to be created into a kingdom for
the Duke de Deuxports, against the electorate of Bavaria. This will
require a war. The Empress longs for Turkey, and viewing France as her
principal obstacle, would gladly negotiate her acquiescence. To spur on
this, she is coquetting it with England. The King of Prussia, too, is
playing a double game between France and England. But I suppose the
former incapable of forgiving him, or of ever reposing confidence in
him. Perhaps the spring may unfold to us the final arrangement which
will take place among the powers of this continent.

I often doubt whether I should trouble Congress or my friends with
these details of European politics. I know they do not excite that
interest in America, of which it is impossible for one to divest
himself here. I know, too, that it is a maxim with us, and I think it a
wise one, not to entangle ourselves with the affairs of Europe. Still,
I think, we should know them. The Turks have practiced the same maxim
of not meddling in the complicated wrangles of this continent. But they
have unwisely chosen to be ignorant of them also, and it is this total
ignorance of Europe, its combinations and its movements, which exposes
them to that annihilation possibly about taking place. While there are
powers in Europe which fear our views, or have views on us, we should
keep an eye on them, their connections and oppositions, that in a
moment of need, we may avail ourselves of their weakness with respect
to others as well as ourselves, and calculate their designs and
movements, on all the circumstances under which they exist. Though I am
persuaded, therefore, that these details are read by many with great
indifference, yet I think it my duty to enter into them, and to run the
risk of giving too much, rather than too little information. I have the
honor to be, with perfect esteem and respect, dear Sir, your most
obedient and most humble servant.

P. S. The resolution of Congress, relative to the prize money received
here, speaks of that money as paid to me. I hope this matter is
properly understood. The treasury board desired me to receive it, and
apply it to such and suc