Were I less persuaded of the extent of your Friendship, I should begin with making many Apology’s for my not having sooner acknowledg’d your favour of March 10. I am likewise indebted to you for another of the 3 Inst.—I rejoice much to hear you are recovering fast: By your Acct: & by what I have heard from the Chevr: Lambert, you have made a narrow Escape. Take good Care of yourself now you are getting better; Life is not so long but what one may very well see it out, without having too much of it. You are not of a strong Constitution & therefore in order to appear on the Stage as long as those who are, you should be un peu plus Sage qu’eux. This Word Sage comprehands a great deal, & I am sure you will apply it properly.—The pretty Ladies of St: Florentin will not perhaps thank me for giving this Friendly advice, mais je ne veux pas perdre mon ami pour leurs beaux yeux.—

You seem desirous of writing to your Friends in America, if you will send your Letters to me, I will forward them (with great Pleasure) with our Dispatches.

There are at present several good Opportunities. The first is Col: Laurens who will leave this in a week or ten Days & go directly to America in a stout Vessel: but this is entre nous. The Active, Capt. Barnes, will soon sail from Nantes; & there are two or more Vessels at L’Orient which will not tarry.

There are now very fresh Accts: from our Country, the last inform’d us of Col: Tarleton’s being defeated by Morgan, & looking 4 or 5 hundred Men, &ca. &ca: In general Things wore a good Appearance.

There has been lately much talk of a Peace, but I much fear so desirable an Event is not near: At least we must fight out this Campaign: Upon the Fate of which I can assure you much Depends!

adieu &ca.— My Grandfather makes you his Compliments