I write this to request information of you, what is necessary, right, & proper to be done by me on saturday next— You can doubtless tell, Sir, whether it is expected & wished that the whole diplomatic Corps should, be at Versailles on New-year’s day, or whether the concourse will probably be so great as that the presence of the smaller limbs of that great Body may readily be dispensed with— I wish only to regulate my conduct by the strict rules of propriety—

In case you should go, and think it expedient that I should attend; I will have the honour of calling on you at any hour you may please to name & take breakfast with you.— As I have heard it suggested, that on new Year’s day, some presents are usually expected by the Cte de Vergennes’ Servants or some body about the Court, I shall 482 wish also very much to be informed how this is, how many expectants there are, & to what amount it is customary to give every one, that I may be prepared accordingly— An Ansr. by the bearer will much oblige1

Sir / Your Most Obedt. / Hble. Servant