about
eight o'clock
By earliest morning the whole world of Paris seemed to be taking its way to Versailles . Mr. Jefferson , having presented Calvert with the billet reserved for Mr. Short -LRB- the secretary being absent at The Hague -RRB- , and Mr. Morris being provided for through the courtesy of the Duchesse d'Orléans , the three gentlemen left the Legation at six in the morning in Mr. Jefferson 's coach . The grand route to Versailles was thronged with carriages and vehicles of every description , and the dust , heat , and confusion were indescribable . On their arrival , which was about eight o'clock , being hungry and thirsty , the gentlemen repaired to a café , where they had an indifferent breakfast at a table d'hôte , about which were seated several gloomy-looking members of the tiers . After the hasty meal they made their way as quickly as possible to the hôtel of Madame de Tessé in the rue Dauphine , where they were awaited . Madame de Tessé , Monsieur de Lafayette 's aunt , was , as Mr. Morris laughingly styled her , `` a republican of the first feather , '' and it was with the most enthusiastic pleasure that she welcomed the Ambassador from the United States and his two friends on that day which she believed held such happy auguries for the future of her country . A numerous company had already assembled at her invitation and were viewing the ever-increasing crowds in the streets from the great stone balcony draped with silken banners and rich velvet hangings .