I received and read with the greatest Pleasure, my dear Friend, the kind Letter you were so good as to write to me with your own hand, c’est tout a fait charmante. It rejoic’d me to hear that you continu’d well with your cheres petites etoilles, and that you still have your Friends about you. I often think of the Happiness I so long enjoy’d in the sweet Society of you and them at Auteuil. When we meet in Paradise, as I trust we shall, the Pleasures of that Place will be augmented, by our Recollection of all the Circumstances of our Acquaintance here below.

You have made my Daughter very happy by the Things you sent her. They are much admir’d. I continue as well as I have been for some Years past, and if I live six Months longer, I may hope for some Leisure, so as to be able to converse more frequently by Letter with my absent Friends, having absolutely determin’d to engage no more in any public Business, after my three Years service as President shall expire.

M. Paradis, the Gentleman who will have the Honour of delivering this Letter, intends to reside some time in Paris, and acquaints me that he has ordered some Cardinals to be frequently sent to him from his Estate in Virginia, and that if any of them get to Paris alive you shall be sure to have one. He had the Pleasure of seeing you formerly with me at Passy.

Temple is at his Terre, busy with his Agriculture. Benjamin presents his Respects. Our best Wishes attend you and yours most devoutly. I am exceedingly oblig’d to the good Abbés and M. Cabanis for their Letters. The Guichets, and Nouvelle Cometologie entertain’d my Friends and me very much. I cannot write to them now, but must say with the Debtor in the Gospel, Have patience with me and I will pay you all. Adieu, my very dear Friend, and believe me ever Yours most affectionately