I received lately your favor of the 12th Inst. and previous to it, the one you mention from M. Feuillet. I am exceedingly sorry that Gentleman, cannot compleat the Translation, as I am confident, it would have been well done; however it shall not retard the Publication of such Parts as are translated, at the Time the Original appears here, which at present is not determined; but will not be delay’d longer than is absolutely necessary for the Arrangement of the Materials. This might perhaps have been done sooner—had I been better calculated for the Business—or had not my Fortune required my attention to other Pursuits, by which it has been most materially benefitted. Notwithstanding the Opinion you entertain, that I have neglected the Publication in question, for Business less important, (which by the Way you cannot possibly be a Judge of) I can assure you I have given it all the Attention I could, consistent with the important Concerns above alluded to, in [?] which others being interested, required my first and most diligent Care. And however I may have lost something by not publishing sooner—yet it has been amply compensated by those Pursuits you judge less important. I am now almost entirely employ’d in bringing forward the English Edition—and shall not leave this ’till I have put it into such a Train as not to require my Presence;—but this will take up more time, than you are aware of—for however easy it may be to bring forward a Brochure, it is no small labour to publish a voluminous Work, and that too, to be formed out of Materials that were left in the greatest confusion! A few Months, will I hope satisfy your Impatience and the Public Curiosity.—When matters are in good train here, I shall immediately repair to Paris to forward the Translation—and you may rely on it—that at least the Life shall appear the same Day in Paris as in London—sooner I see not the necessity for, and it might expose me hereafter to some Difficulties here: as the French Edition appearing previous to the English, a Translation might be printed here to the Prejudice of my Copy.

Adieu, my dear Friend, remember me in the most affectionate Manner to Madame Le Veillard and every part of your Family and believe me as ever, and forever, sincerely yours