Sentence:  When I refer you to the state of the counsels, which prevailed at the period you left this city, and add that they are now if possible in a worse <WSD>train</WSD> than ever, you will find but little ground on which the hope of a good establishment can be formed. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  State of progress, status, situation (in phrases introduced by "in a" + adjective). (18th-19th c.)