The Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, vol. 2 - Online Library of ...

Online Library of Liberty: The Diary and Letters of Gouverneur Morris, vol. 2
speedily be placed in a most perilous situation. The fate of Moreau’s army is, I
suppose, by this time decided.
“While I was at the Baron de Groshlaer’s a gentleman came in who, the Baron tells
me, is one of the most intelligent men in Vienna. Shortly after I turned the
conversation on Hungarian wines, expressing my wish to get some of the different
kinds. He told me that it was extremely difficult, and mentioned, among other things,
to show the want of good faith among the Hungarian nobles in their commercial
dealings, that they had made formerly large consignments of wine which they called
Tokay, to Vienna, but it was put into casks under size, contained a great many
pebbles, and consisted in general of wines from the neighborhood of Tokay of inferior
quality. On the whole, it seems unlikely that I shall be able to accomplish my object in
that respect, which is to me of no consequence; but it is of much consequence to the
country whose immorality has deprived it of a great resource.
“Call in the evening on M. de Thugut, and mention some things to him which had
occurred to me. He tells me that the Emperor has left the conduct of military affairs to
the Archduke, wherefore he declines entering into the consideration of some points,
but says in general that the Prince de Condé would not, he thinks, go at the head of a
forlorn hope into Franche Comté. He acknowledges that the Low Countries may be
repossessed this winter, but is apprehensive of Maestricht. He does not duly consider
that this citadel would, from the moment the Imperial army should arrive at Liège, be
in the middle of an enemy’s country. He is looking forward to another campaign, and
seems to think that the Directory, grounding themselves on their former declaration,
will insist on holding the annexed territory and so justify Great Britain in continuing
the war. I think he will be mistaken, and, pressed by the incumbent danger, they will
at last make such offers as will perplex greatly the British administration should they
be rejected.”
“After dinner [October 23d] I visit at the English minister’s. Here I see several of my
acquaintance. The Prince of Würtemberg makes up to me, and from what he says I
conclude that his agent or envoy for making the match between him and the Princess
Royal of England has told him that I was well received at St. James’s. I learn at
Madame Arnstein’s that Monsignor Alberoni is expected in a day or two. He brings,
they say, the declaration of a religious war by the Pope against France. Visit the
Baronne de Groshlaer. The Baron carelessly says that he thinks the world must take
refuge in America. I understand much more than is expressed, but may be mistaken;
answer as carelessly that it is a very good country, but afterwards we are a little more
particular, he in questions, I in giving information, mais il n’y a rien encore qui tire à
conséquence. The Sardinian minister sends word that his supper is postponed for this
evening. I learn afterwards that it is on account of the King of Sardinia’s death; an
apoplectic fit has taken him out of all worldly trouble.”
“This morning [October 26th] Sir M. Eden presents me to the Empress. She speaks a
little to Colonel Hope, who is presented at the same time, a few words to me, and has
a long conversation with Sir M. Eden, who leans quietly against the wall. She seems
to be a good sort of little woman, but in the course of her conversation she shows
about the eyebrow something which bespeaks high spirit. She has the Austrian
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