I have a long time been disabled from Writing to my dear Friend, by a severe Fit of the Gout, or I should sooner have return’d my Thanks for her very kind Present of the Portrait, which she has herself done me the honour to make of me. It is allow’d by those who have seen it to have great Merit as a Picture in every Respect; but what particularly endears it to me, is the Hand that drew it. Our English Enemies when they were in Possession of this City and of my House, made a Prisoner of my Portrait, and carried it off with them, leaving that of its Companion, my Wife, by itself, a kind of Widow: You have replac’d the Husband; and the Lady seems to smile, as well pleased.

It is true, as you observe, that I enjoy here every thing that a reasonable Mind can desire; a Sufficiency of Income, a comfortable Habitation of my own building, having all the Conveniencies I could imagine; a dutiful and affectionate Daughter to nurse and take care of me, a number of promising Grandchildren, some old Friends still remaining to converse with, and more Respect, Distinction and public Honours than I can possible merit; yet all do not make me forget Paris and the nine Years Happiness I enjoy’d there, in the sweet Society of a People, whose Conversation is instructive, whose Manners are highly pleasing, and who above all the Nations of the World, have in the greatest Perfection the Art of making themselves belov’d by Strangers. And now, even in my Sleep I find, that the Scenes of all my pleasant Dreams are laid in that City, or in its Neighbourhood.

I like much young M. Dupont. He appears a very sensible and valuable Man, and I think his Father will have a great deal of Satisfaction in him.

Please to present my Thanks to Mr. Lavoisier for the Nomenclature Chimique he has been so good as to send me, (It must be a very useful Book) and assure him of my great and sincere Esteem and Attachment. My best Wishes attend you both, and I think I cannot wish you and him greater Happiness than a long Continuance of the Connexion.

With great Regard and Affection, I have the honour to be, my dear Friend, Your much obliged and most obedient humble Servant