confidence
of his court, on the point of abilities. The latter merits it for his
honesty. The minister of the British court, resident here, remains; but
Mr. Eden, their ambassador to Spain, under pretence of taking this
in his route, is in truth their _fac-totum_ in the present emergency.
Nothing worth noting has occurred since my last, either in the Dutch or
Austrian Netherlands.

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

Th: Jefferson.

LETTER XC.--TO JOHN ADAMS, August 30, 1787

TO JOHN ADAMS.

Paris, August 30, 1787.

Dear Sir,

Since your favor of July the 10th, mine have been of July the 17th,
23rd, and 28th. The last enclosed a bill of exchange from Mr. Grand, on
Tessier, for L46. 17s. 10d. sterling, to answer General Sullivan's bill
for that sum. I hope it got safe to hand, though I have been anxious
about it, as it went by post, and my letters through that channel
sometimes miscarry.

From the separation of the _Notables_ to the present moment, has been
perhaps the most interesting interval ever known in this country.
The propositions of the government, approved by the _Notables_, were
precious to the nation, and have been in an honest course of execution,
some of them being carried into effect, and others preparing. Above all,
the establishment of the Provincial Assemblies, some of which have begun
their sessions, bid fair to be the instrument for circumscribing the
power of the crown, and raising the people into consideration. The
election given to them, is what will do this. Though the minister, who
proposed these improvements, seems to have meant them as the price
of the new supplies, the game has been so played, as to secure the
improvements to the nation, without securing the price. The _Notables_
spoke softly on the subject of the additional supplies. But the
parliament took them up roundly, refused to register the edicts for the
new taxes, till compelled in a bed of justice, and suffered themselves
to be transferred to Troyes, rather than withdraw their opposition. It
is urged principally against the King, that his revenue is one hundred
and thirty millions more than that of his predecessor was, and yet he
demands one hundred and twenty millions further. You will see this well
explained in the '_Conference entre un Ministre d'etat et un Conseiller
au parliament,_' which I send you with some small pamphlets. In