I received, my dear Friend, your Favour of the 30 March, which is the only one I have had from you since you left France.— Tho hopes you have of our Affairs wearing soon a better face, gives me great Pleasure. One of the Arrangements you mentioned to be in Contemplation, was, I suppose, that of putting the Direction of our Finances into the Hands of one able Person. This is done: and I agree with every American here, that Congress could not have made a better Choice. I can assure you that I have great Expectations from this Nomination: but I conceive that the great present Derangement, will retard the Effect.

Our affairs at this Court go on as well as can be expected: America has more & more Reason every Day to be satisfied with her Alliance. Oour wants have been great, but the Liberality of this Sovereign has been equal to them: and great care should be taken on your Side the water, not to exact too much.

We have Accts. from M. de Crillon of his being in possession of the whole of the Island of Minorca except the Fort St. Philip, which he doubts not he shall soon carry. The Booty taken with the Island is esteem’d equal to that taken at St. Eustatia. M. de Guichen is return’d to Brest with the French Fleet. The Spaniards are sd. to be likewise arriv’d at Cadiz. It seems as if they went out to take an airing.

I ask Pardon for having neglected hitherto to Purchase the 4 Setts of Crayons you desired But will certainly do it the first time I go to Paris. They shall be forwarded agreable to your Directions.

Many Thanks for the several Packets of N. Papers you have sent me. Pray continue to do so. I have whenever an Opportunity offer’d from Paris, sent you some likewise, & do so now.

My Grandfather sends his Compliments. Make my Respectful Compliments to Mr. S Wharton, and believe me unalterably Your affece. Friend