His Excy: J. Jay Esqr:

I am honour’d with your Excellency’s Letter of the 1st: Inst. The kind Expressions it contains are very flattering to me. It shall ever be my Study as it has already been my Inclination to merit the Friendship of one, for whom I have long since had greatest venneration & to whose Services America is so much indebted.

I send by the return of the Courier every thing your Excy: wrote to me for. (The Watch & Chain excepted) I have deviated from your Order in some Particulars, by the advice of the Lady who was so obliging as to assist me in making the Purchases. The deviations however are not considerable & I hope will meet with your & Mrs: Jay’s approbation. I have augmented a little the quantity of Fringe Edging, the Lady above mentioned, having calculated that 28 Yards would not be sufficient for the 120: of Ruffles, which the Muslin will make; & she recommends the Edging to be put on loosely, or else it will be apt to Break.—As to the Gauze Handkerchiefs with Border suitable to the Shoes, It is so long since that Conformity is out of Fashion here that none were to be had but of the most ordinary sort.—Those I send are therefore of the latest Taste.

I shall go to Town this afternoon & endeavour to purchase the Repeater & Chain, which If I can find to my liking, shall be sent by a Spanish Gentleman, who has the honour of being acquainted with your Excellency, & who setts off this Night for Madrid, from Prince [Masseranor’s]. His Name is I think M. Fabre. A Packet from Col. Laurens & a Letter from Mr: Deane accompany this.

Please to make my Respectful Compliments to Mrs: Jay & believe me to be &ca. &ca.