I have nothing material to write to you respecting public affairs, but I cannot let Mr. Adams who will see you go without a line, to enquire after your welfare, to inform you of mine, and to assure you of my constant respect and attachment.

I think with you that our quaker article is a good one and that men will in time have sense enough to adopt it, but I fear that time is not yet come.

What would you think of a proposition, if I should make it of a family compact between England France and America? America would be as happy as the Sabine Girls, if she could be the means of uniting in perpetual peace her father and her husband. What repeated follies are these repeated Wars. (You do not want to conquer and govern one another, why then should you continually be employed in injuring and destroying one another)? How many excellent things might have been done to promote the internal welfare of each Country; What Bridges roads canals and other usefull public works, and institutions tending to the common felicity might have been made and established with the money and men foolishly spent during the last seven centuries by our mad wars in doing one another mischief. You are near neighbours and each have very respectable qualities. Learn to be quiet and to respect each others rights. You are all Christians. One is the most Christian King, and the other defender of the faith. Manifest the propriety of these titles by your future conduct. By this says Christ shall all men know that ye are my Disciples if ye Love one another. Seek peace and ensu[r]e it. Adieu yours most affectionately