I believe it is as much my Fault as yours that there has been so long a Space in our Correspondance therefore I have no complaint to make.—

There was a small sum which I was long since to have remitted the Doctor for and of Mr Austin, I think it was 270 l.t., it has been regularly passed to his Credit against some other small matters, tho’ I have forgotten to remit it, & as it stands in and I suppose it is not now necessary, the sum being trifling.—Franks is by this Time at Brest I think him an agreable young Fellow & thank you for introducing him to me.—Mr Dean has several Times pressed me to take Mr Montfort into my Counting House, Although I did not absolutely decline I did not agree to do so principaly because I thought it would be taking away a good assistant from you, & as you may remember I wrote you on the subject at the Time; as Mr Dean has not lately said anything more about the affair, & as it is necessary for me to know whether any Expectations are formed or not, I wish you to say first whether the Doctor has any objection to sparing Mr Montfort, & if not, whether he wishes to come; in the latter Case Montfort may write me a Line and I will give him an answer.

Mr Barclay I suppose has been some time in Paris, I wish you would let me know what are his Intentions in respect to Consuls in different Ports; I confined my offer of Service to him to those of Commercial Nature, acting on a principle which I believe the Doctor approves,—that of never soliciting public Employ.

This is a critical moment for Persons in the american Trade & a Fortune may be made by a lucky or lost by a false step, My plan is to act prudently, & not to let a flattering Prospect deceive me into anything which an unexpected political Event may render ruinous; but I should wish notwithstanding to know all the motions of the different Courts which may guide my Judgment as to a cessation or continuation of hostilities. I wish you to understand that I ask the knowledge of no secrets confidentialy confided to you, but you may serve me greatly by giving me early the knowledge of what every body must know at last: Before I quit the subject give me leave to thank you for the Communication of Mr de Vergennes Letter about Cornwallis’ affair.

I hear Mr de Vergennes is to be promoted to the Place of Mr de Maurepas. Is it true? I am my dear Billy most sincerely and affecty Yours