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Marbois, promoted to the Intendancy of Hispaniola, which office is next to that of Governor. He becomes the head of the civil, as the Governor is of the military department.
I am much pleased with Otto s appointment; he is good hu mored, affectionate to America, will see things in a friendly light when they admit of it, in a rational one, always, and will not pique himself on writing every trifling circumstance of irritation to his court. I wish you to be acquainted with him, as a friendly inter course between individuals who do business together, produces a mutual spirit of accommodation useful to both parties. It is very much our interest to keep up the affection of this country for us, which is considerable. A court has no affections ; but those of the people whom they govern, influence their decisions, even in the most arbitrary governments.
The negotiations between the Emperor and Dutch, are spun out to an amazing length. At present there is no apprehension but that they will terminate in peace. This court seems to press it with ardor, and the Dutch are averse, considering the terms cruel and unjust, as they evidently are. The present delays, therefore, are imputed to their coldness and to their forms. In the mean time, the Turk is delaying the demarcation of limits be tween him and the Emperor, is making the most vigorous prepara tions for war, and has composed his ministry of warlike characters, deemed personally hostile to the Emperor. Thus time seerns to be spinning out, both by the Dutch and Turks, and time is wanting for France. Every year s delay is a great thing for her. It is not impossible, therefore, but that she may secretly encourage the delays of the Dutch, and hasten the preparations of the Porte, while she is recovering vigor herself, also, in order to be able to present such a combination to the Emperor as may dictate to him to be quiet. But the designs of these courts are unsearchable. It is our interest to pray that this country may have no continental war, till our peace with England is perfectly settled. The mer chants of this country continue as loud and furious as ever against the Jlrret of August, 1784, permitting our commerce with their islands to a certain degree. Many of them have actually aban doned their trade. The ministry are disposed to be firm ; but there is a point at which they will give way : that is, if the cla mors should become such as to endanger their places. It is evi dent that nothing can be done by us, at this time, if we may hope it hereafter. I like your removal to New York, and hope Con gress will continue there, and never execute the idea of building their Federal town. Before it could be finished, a change of members in Congress, or the admission of new States, would re-
