Your past life having been constantly and happily employed in the promotion of every species of useful knowledge, the present period of it might Justly absolve you from all future cares, but as I am convinced your desire to good will never cease but with your existence, I shall make no apology for troubling you with the following request.

Having long entertained a high opinion of the utility of bathing, I am very desirous of seeing the practice of it brought into general use in this country, and for this purpose I mean to have a building erected where the different kinds of baths may be commodiously united, in a late French periodical publication I read an account of the Russian vapour baths, which appear to me the most simple in their construction, as well as efficacious in their operations of any I have ever seen or heard of before—As you have no doubt seen this account and are very probably acquainted with Dr. Sanches the author, you will be able to give me your opinion of these baths in so satisfactory a Manner as to determine me in my plan of building—but shou’d you continue in the resolution we hear you entertain of returning to America, you will then be able to add this to the many real improvements with which you enriched your native country—wou’d to heaven it was sensible of the advantages you have procured it, and was making a wise use of the freedom and Independence it has obtained—but I must stop here, and only beg leave to add my best wishes for the continuance of your health, with an Assurance that I am with every sentiment of unfeigned esteem and respect Dear Sir your Most Obedient Humble Servant