of whom three hundred and forty-four are of the Jaw.  These do not possess an influence founded in property; but in their habits of business and acquaintance with the people, and in their means of exciting them as they please.  The Cures, throughout the kingdom, form the mass of the Clergy; they are the only part favorably known to the people, because solely charged with the duties of baptism, burial, confession, visitation of the sick, instruction of the children, and aiding the poor; they are themselves of the people, and united with them.  The carriages and equipage only of the higher Clergy, not their persons, are known to the people, and are in detestation with them.  The soldiers will follow their officers, that is to say, their captains, lieutenants, and ensigns.  These are of the lower nobility, and therefore much divided.  The colonels and higher officers are of the higher nobility, are seldom with the soldiers, little known to them, not possessing their attachment.  These circumstances give them little weight in the partition of the army.

I give you these miscellaneous observations, that knowing somewhat the dispositions of the parties, you may be able to judge of the future for yourself, as I shall not be here to continue its communication to you.

In hopes to see you soon, I conclude with assurances of the perfect esteem and respect, with which I am, Dear Sir, your friend and servant,

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CCVIII.—­TO JOHN JAY, June 24,1789

TO JOHN JAY.

Sir,

Paris, June 24,1789.

My letter of the 17th and 18th instant gave you the progress of the States General to the 17th, when the Tiers had declared the illegality of all the existing taxes, and their discontinuance from the end of their present session.  The next day, being a jour de fete, could furnish no indication of the impression that vote was likely to make on the government.  On the 19th, a Council was held at Marly, in the afternoon.  It was there proposed, that the King should interpose by a declaration of his sentiments in a seance royale.  The declaration prepared by M. Necker, while it censured, in general, the proceedings both of the Nobles and Commons, announced the King’s views, such as substantially to coincide with the Commons.  It was agreed to in Council, as also that the seance royale should be held on the 22nd, and the meetings till then be suspended.  While the Council was engaged in this deliberation at Marly, the chamber of the Clergy was in debate, whether they should accept the invitation of the Tiers to unite with them in the common chamber.  On the first question, to unite simply and unconditionally, it was decided in the negative by a very small majority.  As it was known however, that some members who had voted in the negative, would be for the affirmative, with some modifications, the question was put with these