I was leaving for Passy, when my wife became so ill that she had to take to her bed. She has had barely two days a week of passable health; this has prevented me from seeing you for a long time. I impatiently await replies from Dijon and Nantes.

Here is a letter that I just received, which was so sealed up that I was unable to open the first envelope without ripping the second. I don't have M. Thomson's address to forward it to him. I entrust you with forwarding it, or with having my servant do it upon his return. I wish you a good day, perfect health, and good news; and I reiterate the assurance of my inviolable devotion