Considering the phrase as figurative, I believe it
expresses the distress of his heart. Indeed, he has made no secret of
his individual opinion. In the mean time, the Principal goes on with
a firm and patriotic spirit in reforming the cruel abuses of the
government, and preparing a new constitution, which will give to this
people as much liberty as they are capable of managing. This, I think,
will be the glory of his administration, because, though a good theorist
in finance, he is thought to execute badly. They are about to open a
loan of one hundred millions to supply present wants, and it is said,
the preface of the _Arret_ will contain a promise of the convocation of
the States General during the ensuing year. Twelve or fifteen Provincial
Assemblies are already in action, and are going on well: and I think,
that, though the nation suffers in reputation, it will gain infinitely
in happiness under the present administration. I enclose to Mr. Jay a
pamphlet, which I will beg of you to forward. I leave it open for your
perusal. When you shall have read it, be so good as to stick a wafer in
it.
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