for them, as it gives them time to put their house in order.  The English papers tell you the King is well; and even the English ministry say so.  They will naturally set the best foot foremost; and they guard his person so well, that it is difficult for the public to contradict them.  The King is probably better, but not well, by a great deal. 1.  He has been bled, and judicious physicians say, that in his exhausted state, nothing could have induced a recurrence to bleeding, but symptoms of relapse. 2.  The Prince of Wales tells the Irish deputation, he will give them a definitive answer in some days; but if the King had been well, he could have given it at once. 3.  They talk of passing a standing law, for providing a regency in similar cases.  They apprehend then, they are not yet clear of the danger of wanting a regency.

4.  They have carried the King to church; but it was his private chapel.  If he be well, why do not they show him publicly to the nation, and raise them from that consternation into which they have been thrown, by the prospect of being delivered over to the profligate hands of the Prince of Wales.  In short, judging from little facts, which are known in spite of their teeth, the King is better, but not well.  Possibly he is getting well, but still time will be wanting to satisfy even the ministry, that it is not merely a lucid interval.  Consequently, they cannot interrupt France this year in the settlement of her affairs, and after this year it will be too late.

As you will be in a situation to know when the leave of absence will be granted me, which I have asked, will you be so good as to communicate it, by a line, to Mr. Lewis and Mr. Eppes?  I hope to see you in the summer, and that if you are not otherwise engaged, you will encamp with me at Monticello for a while.

I am, with great and sincere attachment, Dear Sir, your affectionate friend and servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER, CXCII.—­TO THOMAS PAINE, March 17,1789

TO THOMAS PAINE.

Paris, March 17,1789.

Dear Sir,

My last letter to you extended from December the 23rd to January the 11th.  A confidential opportunity now arising, I can acknowledge the receipt of yours of January the 15th, at the date of which you could not have received mine.

You knew, long ago, that the meeting of the States is to be at Versailles, on the 27th of April.  This country is entirely occupied in its elections, which go on quietly and well.  The Duke d’Orleans is elected for Villers Cotterets.  The Prince of Conde has lost the election he aimed at; nor is it certain he can be elected any where.  We have no news from Auvergne, whither the Marquis de la Fayette is gone.  In general, all the men of influence in the country are gone into the several provinces, to get their friends elected, or be elected themselves.  Since my letter to you, a tumult arose in Bretagne,