Although I have not yet succeeded in obtaining any satisfaction concerning the request you have made on behalf of the department of war, I shall nonetheless pursue my inquiries and keep you informed.

I have just received assurance that next week significant progress will be made in choosing and formally appointing a minister to the United States, to be sent at winter's end to represent this republic. The most likely appointee (between us) is the son of an ambassador who is currently quite close to you.1

Concerning finances, I am beginning, sir, to be short of cash—in dire straits even—not only because the time is fast approaching for various bills to be presented, but also because I have already paid several of the most urgent. I am, moreover, six weeks in advance for your household here, which is being run with scrupulous thriftiness; indeed, you will be pleased when you see the accounts, whether your excellency prefers to put off examining them until your return or deems it more appropriate for us to send them to Paris. In the meantime, I must beg you, sir, to establish a line of credit with your bankers in Amsterdam so that I can draw advances as urgent needs dictate.2 The need is exacerbated by the fact that (between us) the bank has for the first time been slow to honor a withdrawal I made in early October against the account in Passy, of 112 ½ Louis d’Or, to cover the last six months of my modest salary this year. The banker says this is because drafts are often held back for several weeks before being honored. Meanwhile, I find this most inconvenient and distressing.

Mr. Jay3 has gone on a trip to Amsterdam while awaiting news from Paris.

All the books in need of binding have been bound and you will find them in their proper place in their sanctuary, where nobody sets foot except to give it an occasional airing. Return here soon, sir, to enjoy the promise presented you each new day when you arise. As for peace, we here think it neither imminent nor desirable as yet. With sincere respect I remain, sir, your very humble and very obedient servant