on whatever so
painful as a total privation of everything which must necessarily
follow the living so far beyond our income. What is to extricate us I
know not, whether law, or loss of credit. If the sources of the former
are corrupted, so as to prevent justice the latter must supply its
place, leave us possessed of our infamous gains, but prevent all future
ones of the same character.

Europe is in a moment of crisis. The innovations by their sovereign in
the Austrian Netherlands have produced in the people a determination to
resist. The Emperor, by disavowing the concessions made by his
governors to quiet the people, seemed to take up the gauntlet which
they had thrown. Yet it is rather probable he will recede, and all be
hushed up there. The Dutch parties are in a course of hostilities which
it will be difficult to suspend. A war would have been begun before
this, between this country on one side, and England and Prussia on the
other, had the parties been in a condition for war. Perhaps England
might have raised supplies, but it would be on a certainty of being
crushed under them. This country would find greater difficulty. There
is, however, a difference in her favor which might reduce her on a
level with England: that is, that it would be a popular war here, and
an unpopular one in England. Probably the weakness of the two countries
will induce them to join in compelling a suspension of hostilities, and
to make an arrangement for them, or if they cannot agree in that, they
will spin the matter into length by negotiation. In fact, though both
parties are arming, I do not expect any speedy commencement of
hostilities. I am, with very great respect and esteem, Sir, your most
obedient, and most humble servant.

TO DR. DAVID RAMSAY.

PARIS, August 4, 1787.

DEAR SIR,--I have to acknowledge the receipt of your favors of November
8 and April 7, and the pleasure to inform you that the translation of
your book sells well, and is universally approved. Froulle will send
you some copies of it, by the first opportunity. I am happy to hear you
are occupied on the general history. It is a subject worthy your pen. I
observe Stockdale in London has printed your work and advertised it for
sale. Since I wrote to you on the subject of rice, I have had an
opportunity of examining the rice-fields of Lombardy, and having
committed my observations to writing, in a letter to Mr. Drayton, as
President of the Agricultural Societ