As a young Man just coming into Life, I cannot refrain from giving you Some Advice, as I take an Interest in the Welfare of your family—

You must have already observed that the Influence of your Grandfather is very small; from several Circumstances that have lately happened—and it is thought that there will be a Motion to recall him, as it is assumd that he is unfit to discharge the Letter of his appointment from bodily Infirmities—some private Letters from public people in Europe, mention this—

If you mean to run the Career you have already commenced, you must make Friends for yourself—at present you have but few.—Those you have met since in france, are your greatest Enemies, & will lay every Obstacle in the Way of your Preferment—This is unfortunate, as I think you might have attached them to You—

I mention these Circumstances to You as I think it will put you on your Guard [?] you to set more prudently—this is [symbol] the more necessary, as there are several Persons now in Europe, who will, it is imagined, take a very active part in the Politics of this Country, on their Return, & in whom the public will place great Confidence—

The Marquis de Fayette’s unwearied Exertions for your Grandfather, has inpered him, as they led People to suspect that he meant only to retain a Man, that was perfectly subservient to his Court—

I shall make no Apology for this Letter, as My Intimacy with your father intitles me to give Advice to his Son.

Make friends of every American, for in Republican Governments, you have many to please—

I am with sincerity your Friend