Your letters always make me happy. That which Dr. Bancroft brought me has given me great pleasure. I rejoyce to find that the united States are not in that confusion and distress which we are led to believe here. For the Sake of the world I wish them all possible prosperity.

I cannot Sufficiently thank you for the present you have Sent me of Mr. Neckar’s book on the administration of the Finances of France. It contains a great deal of important information, and gratifies highly my curiosity. I wish the Sentiments in the Chapter on war could be impress’d on the hearts of all the potentates in the world. We are just now alarmed here by the news that a war must take place on the Continent. I have hitherto been disposed to admire the Emperor; but I now execrate his conduct. Perhaps, however, this is a false alarm; and he will take more time for consideration before he Suffers his ambition to involve Europe in blood.

The danger of a pirated Edition has obliged me to publish in this country my Tract on the American Revolution. The instructive and Striking pleasantry in the Testament of M. Fortune Ricard which you have been so good as to Send me by Mr. Jackson, has determined me to make a translation of it an Appendix to this publication. This, I hope, you will not disapprove. It conveys Sentiments which I have endeavoured to inculcate, in a way that is more likely to make an impression and to be remember’d than any Serious reasonings. I have left out a line or two in a few places, and I have added a few Short notes and remarks; particularly, those at the beginning of the Fables. One of the passages which I have omitted Seemed of a nature rather too light for Such a publication as mine, and the other passages I either did not understand, or they alluded to customs in France which I could not explain. I have Sent you four copies; one of which I wish to be presented to Mr. Franklin, your Grandson; one to Mr. Jefferson, and one to Mr. Adams, with my best respects. I should have desired the Abbe Morellet to accept of a copy; but I am afraid of making this parcel too burdensome, and he has already done me the honour of accepting the first edition. When you See him be so good as to deliver to him my very respectful remembrances.

Your favourite and mine and the favourite of all that conversed with her; I mean, Miss Georgiana Shipley, is now Mrs. Hare, and resides at Aix la Chapelle, Mr. Hare having been obliged to quit this country for debt. You probably know what inexpressible trouble this has given to the excellent Bishop and his family.

We talk of little here at present besides the propositions for establishing a perfect reciprocity in trade between this Kingdom and Ireland. These propositions have produced a violent clamour; and there is Some danger that the ministry will be overthrown by them. It is obvious, that this gives little room for hoping that a liberal plan will be adopted with respect to the commerce of America.

Mrs. Price desires me to put you in mind of her by presenting to you her best respects. She is miserably shatter’d by the Palsy, but retains perfectly her senses and recollection. I live in a constant State of apprehension and anxiety about her. I hope your Sad malady does not grow worse. May a life so distinguished and useful be continued as happy as possible. With invariable regard and affection I am ever yours