From John Jay to Rufus King, 14 November 1797
To Rufus King
Albany 14 Novr. 1797
Dear Sir
Since my last of the 7th. Inst:1 I have been favd. with your’s of the 9th. Septr.2 with the two Pamphlets which you was so obliging as to send with it, and for which accept my thank’s. The one by Mr. Burke I have read, and find Remarks in it which will deserve attention—The other I had seen—
A late arrival has brought Intelligence of the Explosion at Paris— it opens a wide Field for Speculation and Conjecture— It is difficult for a demoralised People to have any stable Government— human Laws can reach only a small Portion of human actions. I am anxious to know how our Com[missione]rs. have been recieved. to me it does not appear certain that the new Revolution will injure us: but the cloud is too thick to be penetrated— It seems that France is to be purified by Fire; if so, she is not yet ready to leave the Furnace. we hear that Ld. Malmsbury has returned to England; and yet I should not be surprized if something like a Peace should be patched up this winter between France and Austria— I suspect the Emperors Resources to be exhausted so much, as that it will not be in his power to provide for the Expence of such a campaign next Year as would become his Dignity and Interests—but this is all Guess work—
Benson is here, and means to remain here— he is better, but not well; and I fear his future Days will be passed in a kind of middle State between sick & well—3
Tichenor is Governor of Vermont, and it is said will do his best to fœderalize it— The cause of good Governmnt. gradually gains Ground, and the Clergy very generally promote it— Remember me to our Friends Trumbull and Gore— Yours Sincerely
John Jay
The Honb. Rufus King Esqr.
ALS, NHi: King (EJ: 00707).
2. RK to JJ, 9 Sept., above.
3. Egbert Benson was serving on the St. Croix boundary commission (1796–98). It met in Boston in 1797, then adjourned until 1798, pending completion of relevant surveys. He did attend the 1798 session at Providence. See , 1: 1–43.