will be the modifications. Considerable interval having taken place
since any popular execution, the aristocratic party is raising its head.
They are strengthened by a considerable defection from the patriots,
in consequence of the general suppression of the abuses of the 4th of
August, in which many were interested. Another faction too, of the most
desperate views, has acquired strength in the Assembly, as well as out
of it. These wish to dethrone the reigning branch, and transfer the
crown to the Duke d'Orleans. The members of this faction are mostly
persons of wicked and desperate fortunes, who have nothing at heart
but to pillage from the wreck of their country. The Duke himself is as
unprincipled as his followers; sunk in debaucheries of the lowest kind,
and incapable of quitting them for business; not a fool, yet not head
enough to conduct any thing. In fact, I suppose him used merely as a
tool, because of his immense wealth, and that he acquired a certain
degree of popularity by his first opposition to the government, then
credited to him as upon virtuous motives. He is certainly borrowing
money on a large scale. He is in understanding with the court of London,
where he had been long in habits of intimacy. The ministry here are
apprehensive, that that ministry will support his designs by war. I have
no idea of this, but no doubt, at the same time, that they will furnish
him money liberally to aliment a civil war, and prevent the regeneration
of this country.

It was suggested to me, some days ago, that the court of Versailles
were treating with that of London, for a surrender of their West India
possessions, in consideration of a great sum of money to relieve their
present distress. Every principle of common sense was in opposition
to this fact; yet it was so affirmed as to merit inquiry. I became
satisfied the government had never such an idea; but that the story
was not without foundation altogether; that something like this was in