I see we are not yet decided as to public Matters; L’Invasion tire en longueur, & that will make our Spirits flag: I wished them to come forward directly, while we were all ready & in good humour—and while we recollected that the Ministry did make peace, but Buonaparte would not keep it; whilst hopes of Plunder stimulated him & his Banditti to War. Now we shall have another howl about Taxes, & high-prized Provisions; and the people who would willingly enough defend their own Coast, will hesitate when called out to assist Pichegru or Dumouriez to set up the King of France: altho’ unless he is once again set up, there will be no lasting Quiet for Europe. Something gives hopes just now of a Revolution at Paris; but those poor Creatures are so sick of all Revolutions now, & so hopeless of good Effects from any; it will be difficult to put them into Motion. See Page 211 1 of this Volume—perhaps the fancy there express’d, is going to be realized:—People like the King of France’s Letter to Buonaparte very much, & the young Princes behaviour seems pretty, & well-timed—nous vetrons: but I am impatient.

Written by Hester Lynch Thrale. Thraliana entry dated 26 August 1803.

1. 1. Page 1031 of the printed book.