of the Clergy, however, call themselves the Chamber of the Clergy, and pretend to go on with business.  I found the streets of Versailles much embarrassed with soldiers.  There was a body of about one hundred horse drawn up in front of the Hotel of the States, and all the avenues and doors guarded by soldiers.  Nobody was permitted to enter but the members, and this was by order of the King; for till now, the doors of the common room have been open, and at least two thousand spectators attending their debates constantly.  They have named a deputation to wait on the King, and desire a removal of the soldiery from their doors, and seem determined, if this is not complied with, to remove themselves elsewhere.

Instead of being dismayed with what has passed, they seem to rise in their demands, and some of them to consider the erasing every vestige of a difference of order, as indispensable to the establishment and preservation of a good constitution.  I apprehend there is more courage than calculation in this project.  I did imagine, that seeing that Mr. Necker and themselves were involved as common enemies in the hatred of the aristocrats, they would have been willing to make common cause with him, and to wish his continuance in office; and that Mr. Necker, seeing that all the trimming he has used towards the court and Nobles has availed him nothing, would engage himself heartily and solely on the popular side, and view his own salvation in that alone.  The confidence which the people place in him, seems to merit some attention.  However, the mass of the common chamber are absolutely indifferent to his remaining in office.  They consider his head as unequal to the planning a good constitution, and his fortitude to a co-operation in the effecting it.  His dismission is more credited to-day than it was yesterday.  If it takes place, he will retain his popularity with the nation, as the members of the States will not think it important to set themselves against it, but on the contrary, will be willing that he should continue on their side, on his retirement.  The run on the caisse d’escompte continues.  The members of the States admit, that Mr. Necker’s departure out of office will occasion a stoppage of public payments.  But they expect to prevent any very ill effect, by assuring the public against any loss, and by taking immediate measures for continuing payment.  They may, perhaps, connect these measures with their own existence, so as to interest the public in whatever catastrophe may be aimed at them.  The gazettes of France and Leyden accompany this.  During the continuance of this crisis and my own stay, I shall avail myself of every private conveyance to keep you informed of what passes.

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

Th:  Jefferson.

LETTER CCIX.—­TO JOHN JAY, June 29, 1789