When I wrote you from Rome I think I mentioned my intentions of visiting Naples & its environs—You will, therefore, no doubt, be surprized to receive a Letter from me dated at Lyons. I was induced to change my route, & return into France by the way of Genes & Livourne, as I was informed that the country thro which I was to pass to go to Naples, was at this season of the year, generally unhealthy, & the Air extremely infectious. I shall stay here but few days & then intend to descend the Rhosne to Avignon from thence I mean to visit Toulon & Marseilles & make a small tour into Languedor, of the riches of which province I have heard so much, that I think it would be a pity to approach Paris without first seeing some parts of it.

My frequent change of Place, since I have left Paris, makes me a perfect stranger to every thing that has happened in the political world since the capture of the Comte de Grasse. I was told at Genes that Mr. Fox had left the Ministry, & that another person in that line was dead—What these changes will produce time must discover—I am only apprehensive that British obstinacy may oblige us, & our Allies, to secure to ourselves a lasting peace by her entire Ruin.

The number of Americans at Paris is I suppose nearly the same as when I left it. Foulke has I imagine by this time left France, unless he should have changed his intentions. If Mrs. Montgomery & Mrs. Wright should be still at Paris, I will beg you to make them my compliments. As Mrs. Montgomery talked of changing her lodgings when I was at Paris I am prevented writing her by an ignorance of her Address—Mayo’s & Griffiths are also unknown to me I will thank you if you will apologize to them for me. You will excuse the trouble I am giving you & in begging your Grandfather to accept my most respectful Compliments believe me to be as ever Sincerely Yours