She is
capricious, like her brother, and governed by him; devoted to pleasure
and expense; and not remarkable for any other vices or virtues.
Unhappily the King shows a propensity for the pleasures of the table.
That for drink has increased lately, or at least it has become more
known.
For European news in general, I will refer you to my letter to Mr. Jay.
Is it not possible, that the occurrences in Holland may excite a desire
in many of leaving that country, and transferring their effects out of
it, and thus make an opening for shifting into their hands the debts
due to this country, to its officers, and Farmers? It would be surely
eligible. I believe Dumas, if put on the watch, might alone suffice; but
he surely might, if Mr. Adams should go when the moment offers. Dumas
has been in the habit of sending his letters open to me, to be forwarded
to Mr. Jay. During my absence, they passed through Mr. Short's hands,
who made extracts from them, by which I see he has been recommending
himself and me for the money-negotiations in Holland. It might be
thought, perhaps, that I have encouraged him in this.
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