Lafayette, Marie Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert Du Motier, marquis de, 1757-1834 to Henry Knox

Letter provides a detailed update on French politics during the build-up to the French Revolution. Says he is busy in the Assembly of the Notables and has had little time to write. Says his recent letter to Alexander Hamilton will inform Knox of circumstances in the Assembly up until Easter. Wants Knox to inform Hamilton that he does not need to keep a motion he sent to him secret as the newspapers have published it in France. Says Michel Bouvard de Fourqueux, who succeeded Charles Alexandre de Calonne, could not last long (de Calonne had been ousted as minister of finance after suggesting that all privilege be dropped and all land taxed equally while Fourqueux left office after three weeks). Says the Cardinal Étienne Charles de Loménie de Brienne, the Archbishop of Toulouse, was made President of the Royal Council of Finances and will pick a new Controller General. Lafayette claims he is "a Man of Great Virtue, and the first abilities." Believes Brienne will select a new Controller General and then become a kind of prime minister. Since writing Hamilton says the Assembly has considered several proposals for new administration of the state. Says the King suggested cutting expenses by 15 million. The Assembly countered with 50 million and Lafayette believes 40 million will be accepted. Says that there is grumbling that the Americans do not pay their debt on time.