I received with great Pleasure your favour by M. Gerard of the 16 Sept. last.—The Bust, as I have wrote you before, did not go with the Chevr de la Luzerne, my Correspondent at L’Orient, not being able to find room for it on board the Frigate in which he went. It has been ever since lying at L’Orient,—but I hope you will now receive it, having given Orders for it to be put on board the Alliance.

It gives me infinite Satisfaction, to hear that my Father enjoys his Health. I have never wrote to him since I left Philada: for several Reasons. I certainly might have done it without injuring the American Cause, but I thought it might give Suspicions: and I was desirous of avoiding them. I have not however been exempt;—but they have as yet had none Effect.

You mention having sent me by Mr. Gerard, a Box of Squirrel Skins, they are not yet come to hand,—I have received however a few you sent in a Paper, which are considerably damaged by the Worms. Even if I receive the Box (which you say does not contain more than 84) I shall not have enough to compleat the lining of a Coat. I pray you therefore to continue sending me more, from time to time as you may receive & have convenient Occasions for Paris. Accept my sincere Thanks for those you have already been so good as to send me.

By my Grandfathers Permission, I have wrote to Mr Williams, to request him to send you by the first safe Opportunity, every thing you mention to me in your Letter. I am in hopes he will be able to get them time enough to send by the Alliance.

The Cotton I wrote for, was for my Grandfather, who had promised to give some to a Lady of his Acquaintance, a very great Spinner. She desired it might be of the finest & unspun. Twenty Pound was the Quantity I wrote for. My Grandfather desires you will send it by the first good Opportunity.

I have not time to make of this a long Letter, as was at first my Intention. Mr Brown of South Carolina, who does me the favour to take Charge of it, has just now sent me Word, that he intends calling here in few Minutes so that I can only add my Love to sweet Chidren & affectionate Compliments to those Friends who do me the favour to remember me. I am ever, my Dear Madam, most sincerely, Your affectionate Nephew