7505. REVOLUTION (French), Famine and.—
We have had such a winter here as is
not on record. The mercury was 18½° below
freezing on Reaumur's scale, and I think it was
nearly two months varying between that and
zero. It gave occasion for a display of the
benevolent character of this nation, which, great
as I had thought it, went beyond my expectations.
There seems to be a very general apprehension
of the want of bread this spring.
Supplies are hoped from our country, and indeed
they have already reduced the price of
flour at Bordeaux from 36l. to 33l. the barrel.—
To Count de Moustier. Washington ed. ii, 590.
(P.
March. 1789)
