country not altogether useless.  I consider as no small advantage, the resuming the tone of mind of my constituents, which is lost by long absence, and can only be recovered by mixing with them; and shall, particularly, hope for much profit and pleasure, by contriving to pass as much time as possible with you.  Should you have a trip to Virginia in contemplation, for that year, I hope you will time it so as that we may be there together.  I will camp you at Monticello, where, if illy entertained otherwise, you shall not want books.  In firm hope of a happy meeting with you in the spring, or early in summer, I conclude, with assurances of the sincere esteem and attachment, with which I am, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CLXIX.—­TO A. DONALD, November 18,1788

TO A. DONALD.

Paris, November 18,1788.

Dear Sir,

Often solicited by persons on this side the water, to inquire for their friends in America, about whose fate they are uncertain, I can only hand on their requests to my friends in America.  The enclosed letter from, the Chevalier de Sigougne desires some inquiry after his brother, whom he supposes to have settled at Todd’s Bridge.  As this is within your reach, I must refer the request to your humanity, and beg of you, if you can hear of him, you will be so good as to give me an account of him, returning me the enclosed letter at the same time.

The campaign between the Turks and Russians has been tolerably equal.  The Austrians have suffered through the whole of it.  By the interposition of Prussia and England, peace is likely to be made between Russia, Denmark, and Sweden.  This is a proof that England does not mean to engage in the war herself.  This country will certainly engage herself in no manner, externally, before the meeting of her States General.  This assembly has been so long disused, that the forms of its convocation occasion difficulty.  The Notables have been convened to prescribe them, and they are now in session.  I am in hopes this will end in giving a good degree of liberty to this country.  They enjoy, at present, the most perfect tranquillity within; their stocks, however, continue low, and money difficult to be got for current expenses.  It is hoped, that Mr. Necker’s talents and popularity, with the aid of a National Assembly, will extricate them from their difficulties.  We have been daily expecting to hear of the death of the King of England:  our last news is of the 11th, when he was thought in the utmost danger.  This event might produce a great change in the situation of things:  it is supposed Mr. Fox would come into place, and he has been generally understood to be disposed for war.  Should the King survive, I think the continuance of peace more probable at present, than it has been for some time past.  Be so good as to contrive the enclosed letter, by a very safe conveyance.  Remember me in the most friendly terms to Dr. Currie, and be assured yourself of the esteem and attachment, with which I am.  Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,