appearance in the country from which I write, we must conclude that its tragedy is wound up.  The triumph appears complete, and tranquillity perfectly established.  The numbers who have emigrated are differently estimated, from twenty to forty thousand.  A little before I left Paris, I received a piece of intelligence, which should be communicated, leaving you to lay what stress on it, it may seem to deserve.  Its authenticity may be surely relied on.  At the time of the late pacification, Spain had about fifteen ships of the line nearly ready for sea.  The convention for disarming did not extend to her, nor did she disarm.  This gave inquietude to the court of London, and they demanded an explanation.  One was given, they say, which is perfectly satisfactory.  The Russian minister at Versailles, getting knowledge of this, became suspicious on his part.  He recollected that Spain, during the late war, had been opposed to the entrance of a Russian fleet into the Mediterranean, and concluded, if England was not the object of this armament, Russia might be.  It is known that that power means to send a fleet of about twenty-four ships into the Mediterranean this summer.  He sent to the Count de Montmorin, and expressed his apprehensions.  The Count de Montmorin declared, that the object of Spain in that armament was totally different; that he was not sure she would succeed; but that France and Spain were to be considered as one, and that the former would become guarantee for the latter, that she would make no opposition to the Russian fleet.  If neither England nor Russia be the object, the question recurs, Who is it for?  You know best, if our affairs with Spain are in a situation to give jealousy to either of us.  I think it very possible, that the satisfaction of the court of London may have been pretended or premature.  It is possible also, that the affairs of Spain in South America may require them to assume a threatening appearance.  I give you the facts, however, and you will judge whether they are objects of attention or of mere curiosity.

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

Th:  Jefferson.

P. S. I enclose herewith an extract of a letter from the Count de Vergennes to the French ambassador at the Hague, which will make a remarkable chapter in the history of the late revolution here.  It is not public, nor should be made so by us.  Probably those who have been the victims of it, will some day publish it.

LETTER CXXX.—­TO MR. DUMAS, March 29, 1788

TO MR. DUMAS.

Amsterdam, March 29, 1788.

Sir,