from which we derive two advantages; 1. that of showing, that the object is not to be relinquished; and 2. that of enlightening government, as to its true interest.  The Count de Vergennes is absolutely for it; but it is not in his department.  Calonne is his friend, and in this instance his principle seems to be, Amica veritas, sed magis amicus Plato.  An additional hope is founded in the expectation of a change of the minister of finance.  The present one is under the absolute control of the Farmers General.  The committee’s views have been somewhat different from mine.  They despair of a suppression of the Farm, and therefore wish to obtain palliatives, which would coincide with the particular good of this country.  I think, that so long as the monopoly in the sale is kept up, it is of no consequence to us, how they modify the pill for their own internal relief:  but, on the contrary, the worse it remains, the more necessary it will render a reformation.  Any palliative would take from us all those arguments and friends, that would be satisfied with accommodation.  The Marquis, though differing in opinion from me on this point, has, however, adhered to my principle of absolute liberty or nothing.  In this condition is the matter at this moment.  Whether I say any thing on the subject to Mr. Jay, will depend on my interview with the Count de Vergennes.  I doubt whether that will furnish any thing worth communicating, and whether it will be in time.  I therefore state thus much to you, that you may see the matter is not laid aside.

I must beg leave to recommend Colonel Humphreys to your acquaintance and good offices.  He is an excellent man, an able one, and in need of some provision.  Besides former applications to me in favor of Dumas, the Rhingrave of Salm (the effective minister of the government of Holland, while their two ambassadors here are ostensible), who is conducting secret arrangements for them with this court, presses his interests on us.  It is evident the two governments make a point of it.  You ask, why they do not provide for him themselves.  I am not able to answer the question, but by a conjecture, that Dumas’s particular ambition prefers an appointment from us.  I know all the difficulty of this application, which Congress has to encounter.  I see the reasons against giving him the primary appointment at that court, and the difficulty of his accommodating himself to a subordinate one.  Yet I think something must be done in it, to gratify this court, of which we must be always asking favors.  In these countries, personal favors weigh more than public interest.  The minister who has asked a gratification for Dumas, has embarked his own feelings and reputation in that demand.  I do not think it was discreet, by any means.  But this reflection might perhaps aggravate a disappointment.  I know not really what you can do:  but yet hope something will be done.  Adieu, my Dear Sir, and believe me to be

yours affectionately,