I have the honour to acquaint your Excellency, that I have at length obtain’d and yesterday receiv’d the Permission of Congress to return to America. As my Malady makes it impracticable for me to pay my Devoirs at Versailles personally, may I beg the Favour of you, Sir, to express respectfully for me to his Majesty the deep Sense I have of all the inestimable Benefits his Goodness has conferr’d on my Country; a Sentiment that it will be the Business of the little Remainder of Life now left me, to impress equally on the Minds of all my Countrymen. My sincere Prayers are, that God may shower down his Blessings on the King, the Queen, their Children, and all the Royal Family to the latest Generations. Permit me at the same time to offer you my thankful Acknowledgments for the Protection and Countenance you afforded me at my Arrival, and your many Favours during my Residence here, of which I shall always retain the most grateful Remembrance.

My Grandson would have had the honour of waiting on you with this Letter, but he has been some time ill of a Fever.

With the greatest Esteem and Respect, and best Wishes for the constant Prosperity of yourself and all your amiable Family, I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant