Philadelphia June 1798.


This Country is preparing for War with France. & it
is a circumstance worthy observation, how suddenly
a whole Nation can change their Sentiments with thier
Politics. The different light in which the English &
French were viewed, – even when we first arrived in
ninety six, – & that in which they are now respectively
held, fills me with astonishment. & though I have
seen this in its progress yet, so violently does the tide
now flow in favor of the English Nation & against the
French, – that there are moments when I think Magic-
art must have worked it. In truth I believe that
the insolence of the French themselves have affected it.
Others have only availed themselves of the opportunities
offered. The Dispatches from the three American
Commissioners, now at Paris, have given ostensibly
the death blow to the French interest here for the moment.
Volunteer Regiments have been raised with the
most astonishing celerity, every Man of an age to inlist
is a Soldier, – & a very fine appearance they make. General
Washington has allowed himself to be named, by the
President, Commander in Chief, & in consequence broke
the resolution he had formed, at retirement, never