Having just heard of an Opportunity of conveying a letter I am unwilling to let it slip without acknowledging the receipt of thy very kind and acceptable favour dated May 8 which afforded me much pleasure on many accounts particularly to observe that old Time who is silently making depredations upon the mental and bodily powers of all other mortals seem to have passed by the habitation of my good old friend leaving him in full possession of all the Vigor of youth whilst accompanied with the mature judgment of Age. May he not Call Yet of many Years and may we live to see an End of all strife, a fair firm and honourable peace That the Christian World so Called might become so far Christian at least as to learn War no more.

I was also pleased to find thou hadst no Concern with our Neighbours but surprised at their Conduct towards thee. Am perswaded it was not with T.C.’s approbation thou knowest he is more a man of Science than business. He’s offer’d him self to be over ruled in the Conduct of that House more than seemed Consistent with his good sense and manly spirit on other occasions.

A very hansome subscription has been set on foot and a large sum raised to purchase annuities sufficient for what may be Called a genteel support and he has taken a Small house at Southgate to which he is retired with his wife, Before they went thither they spent a few weeks with us at Camberwell and seemed to bear their misfortune with becoming fortitude Yet not without sensibly feeling the situation he was fallen into with all its painful Circumstances. He spoke of thee with respect but not a word of the transaction thou mentions nor did I mention it to him.

Hearing the other day that thy old Landlady and her Daughter live in Kensington Square I went yesterday to see them. The old Lady I think looks full as well as she did 7 or 8 years ago which I noticed She said seeing me painted her up. However I found her much heartier and better than I expected her Daughter appeared to be very well and in good spirits with her three Children about her. If I can be of any Use in handing thy letters of friendship to them it will give me pleasure.

It afforded me great satisfaction to observe that thou hoped for a restoration of Peace and good will between the two Countries. I know of none so capable of Contributing to the accomplishment of so desirable so blessed a Work. I should rejoice it see it and particularly to see thee again which with the renewal of our old Connection I should esteem a great favour. And notwithstand the great loss we and may I not say the world has sustained by the death of the Marquis of Rockingham and the alterations which followed. Yet I hope but perhaps it is only the hope of Ignorance Still I would fain flatter myself that when the present Naval Campain is over a General peace will be seriously thought of and set about in earnest and if all sides are willing surely it may be effected.

I thank thee for thy kind good wishes for me and our House and am with great Esteem Dear Friend Thine very respectfully