I wrote to our bankers on account of this error, and desired to know whether, after receiving the money necessary for the captives, they were in condition to furnish two hundred and fifty-four thousand,livres for the officers.  They answered me by sending the money, and the additional sum of twenty-six thousand livres, to complete the business of the medals.  I delivered the bills to Messrs. Grand and company, to negotiate and pay away; and the arrears to the officers, to the first day of the present year, are now in a course of payment.  While on this subject, I will ask that an order may be forwarded to the bankers in Holland to furnish, and to Mr. Grand to pay, the arrearages which may be due on the first of January next.  The money being in hand, it would be a pity that we should fail in payment a single day, merely for want of an order.  The bankers further give it as their opinion, that our credit is so much advanced on the exchange of Amsterdam, that we may probably execute any money arrangements we may have occasion for, on this side the water.  I have the honor to send you a copy of their letter.  They have communicated to me apprehensions, that another house was endeavoring to obtain the business of our government.  Knowing of no such endeavors myself, I have assured them that I am a stranger to any applications on the subject.  At the same time, I cannot but suspect that this jealousy has been one of the spurs, at least, to the prompt completion of our loan.  The spirited proceedings of the new Congress in the business of revenue, has doubtless been the principal one.

An engagement has taken place between the Russian and Swedish fleets in the Baltic, which has been not at all decisive, no ship having been lost on either side.  The Swedes claim a victory, because they remained in the field till the Russians quitted it.  The latter effected a junction soon after with another part of their fleet, and being now about ten ships strongest, the Swedes retired into port, and it is imagined they will not appear again under so great disparity; so that the campaign by sea is supposed to be finished.  Their commerce will be at the mercy of their enemies:  but they have put it out of the power of the Russians to send any fleet to the Mediterranean this year.

A revolution has been effected very suddenly in the bishoprick of Liege.  Their constitution had been changed by force, by the reigning sovereign, about one hundred years ago.  This subject had been lately revived and discussed in print.  The people were at length excited to assemble tumultuously.  They sent for their Prince, who was at his country-seat, and required him to come to the town-house to hear their grievances.  Though in the night, he came instantly, and was obliged to sign a restitution of their ancient constitution, which took place on the spot, and all became quiet without a drop of blood spilt.  This fact is worthy notice, only as it shows the progress of the spirit of revolution.