ts which will be under their
deliberation. He explained the situation of the finances at his
accession to office, the expenses which their arrangement had rendered
necessary, their present state with the improvements made in them, the
several plans which had been proposed for their further improvement, a
change in the form of some of their taxes, the removal of the interior
Custom-houses to the frontiers, and the institution of Provincial
Assemblies. The Assembly was then divided into committees, with a prince
of the blood at the head of each. In this form they are to discuss
separately the subjects which will be submitted to them. Their decision
will be reported by two members to the minister, who, on view of the
separate decisions of all the committees, will make such changes in his
plans, as will best accommodate them to their views, without too much
departing from his own, and will then submit them to the vote (but
I believe not to the debate) of the General Assembly, which will
be convened for this purpose one day in every week, and will vote
individually.

The event (C)f the Count de Vergennes'death, of which I had the honor to
inform you in a letter of the 14th instant, the appointment of the Count
Montmorin, and the propriety of my attending at his first audience,
which will be on the 27th, have retarded the journey I had proposed a
few days.

I shall hope, on my return, to meet here new powers for the consular
convention, as, under those I have, it will be impossible to make the
changes in the convention, which may be wished for.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most perfect esteem and
respect, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servant,

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER LII.--TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE, February 28, 1787

TO THE MARQUIS DE LA FAYETTE.

Paris, February 28, 1787.

Dear Sir,

I am just now in the moment of my departure. Monsieur de Montmorin
having given us audience at Paris yesterday, I missed the opportunity
of seeing you once more. I am extremely pleased with his modesty, the
simplicity of his manners, and his dispositions towards us. I promise
myself a great deal of satisfaction in doing business with him. I hope
he will not give ear to any unfriendly suggestions. I flatter myself I
shall hear from you sometimes. Send your letters to my hotel as usual,
and they will be forwarded to me. I wish you success in your meeting.
I should form better hopes of it, if it