e, with sentiments of the most profound esteem and
respect, your Excellency's most obedient, and most humble servant.

[Illustration: John Jay
Photogravure from the Original Painting by Stuart and Trumbull]

TO THE HON. JOHN JAY.

PARIS, November 7, 1787.

SIR,--By a letter of the 2d instant, from the Count de Moustier, I
perceive he is still at Brest. The wind has been now near a month in
the south-western quarter, and if it remains there a few days longer,
my despatches by the packet may reach you as soon as those by Monsieur
de Moustier. This being the last post which can reach the packet,
should she sail on the 10th, I avail myself of it to inform you of the
only circumstance, since the date of my letters delivered to Mr.
Stuart, worth your knowledge; that is the appointment of the Chevalier
de La Luzerne, Ambassador to the Court of London. This fortunate issue
of those expectations which made him unwilling to return to America,
together with the character of his successor, will, I hope, render it
pleasing to Congress that his return was not too much pressed. He would
have gone back with dispositions toward us very different from those he
will carry for us to the Court of London. He has been constantly
sensible that we wished his return, and that we could have procured it,
but that we did not wish to stand in the way of his promotion. He will
view this as in some measure the effect of our indulgence, and I think
we may count on his patronage and assistance wherever they may be
useful to us. I have the honor to be, with sentiments of the most
perfect esteem and respect, Sir, your most obedient, and most humble
servant.

TO JOHN ADAMS.

PARIS, November 13, 1787.

DEAR SIR,--This will be delivered you by young Mr. Rutledge. Your
knowledge of his father will introduce him to your notice. He merits it
moreover, on his own account.

I am now to acknowledge your favors of Oct. the 8th and 26th. That of
Aug. 25th was duly received, nor can I recollect by what accident I was
prevented from acknowledging it in mine of Sept. the 28th. It has been
the source of my subsistence hitherto, and must continue to be so, till
I receive letters on the affairs of money from America. Van Staphorsts
and Willinks have answered my drafts. Your books for the Marquis de La
Fayette are received here. I will notify it to him, who is at present
with his Provincial Assembly in Auvergne.

Little is said lately of the