Letter, 1788 December 8, Paris, [France] to [William Short], n.p.

Abstract

Mentions the extreme cold in Paris; reports on public reactions to the Notables' "treasonable vote against the people," including "sketches of what should be a bill of rights"; stock prices are rising and are accompanied by increased costs of corn and flour in France and abroad; Pierre Louis de Chastenet, Comte de Puysegur has replaced the Count de Bryenne after the latter's retirement;Mme. de Chambonois died of smallpox; reports that the King of England's disease "was a lunacy" and that the British are expected to establish a regency; passes on political news from the United States, including that "industry and economy begin to take place of the idleness and extravagance which had succeeded the close of the war"; John Jay and Henry Knox are rumored to be candidates for vice president; Jefferson claims the states seem willing to amend the Constitution with a bill of rights, the process for which Jefferson explains, but they worry about losing the power to tax.