8784. VERGENNES (Count de), Monarchist.—
Vergennes is a great minister in
European affairs, but has very imperfect ideas
of our institutions, and no confidence in them.
His devotion to the principles of pure despotism
randers him unaffectionate to our governments.
But his fear of England makes him value us
as a make-weight. He is cool, reserved in political
conversations, but free and familiar on
other subjects, and a very attentive, agreeable
person to do business with. It is impossible
to have a clearer, better organized head, but
age has chilled his heart.—
To James Madison. Washington ed. ii, 108.
Ford ed., iv, 366.
(P.
1787)
