Since my last, which was of Jan. 29. I have had the great Pleasure of receiving your of Oct. 10. 85. by which I learnt that yourself and the good Family continu’d well. The Vessel from Havre, after a long Passage of about 12 Weeks arrived at last with all my Things in pretty good Order, and sundry Parcels of Books, &c from you, when I had almost given over all Hopes of seeing them ever again: So that I now find myself happily situated in my own House, surrounded by my Offspring, with all my Playthings and Amusements about me, and my Malady not augmented, but still continuing tolerable.

I have drawn upon you lately for 1754 10 Tournois in favour of Ross and Vaughan. My former Drafts since my Arrival here, were for 200 Sterling, 3110 Livres tournois, and 500 Sterling. I hope now to receive from your Account compleating the last Year, and that you have been paid my Dividend on my Stock in the Funds.

I suppose my Grandson will write to you by this Conveyance, tho’ he is now very busy in preparing to settle on his Farm, which is a very good One, about 16 Miles from this Town, Water Carriage to his Door, very convenient for bringing his Produce to Market. Benjamin is at College, and applies close to his Studies. He presents his Respects.

I rejoice to hear that the Emperor and the Dutch have accommodated their Differences. Long may the Peace of Europe continue! For I am of Opinion that there never was a bad Peace, or a good War. And I think your Minister, who is so expert in composing Quarrels and preventing Wars, the great Blessing of this Age. The Devil must send us three or four Heroes, before he can get as much Slaughter of Mankind done as that one Man has prevented.

I do not understand how Caliostro was involved in the Affair of the Cardinal, and have some Curiosity to know his History when it shall be develop’d.

The English Papers, not only sent me gratis, as you observe to Algiers, but they are sending all the United States to Destruction: By their Account you would think we are in the utmost Distress, in Want of every thing, all in Confusion, no Government, and wishing again for that of England. Be assured, my Friend, that these are all Fictions, mere English Wishes, not American Realities. There are some few Faults in our Constitutions, which is no wonder, considering the stormy Season in which they were made, but these will soon be corrected. And for the rest, I never saw greater and more indubitable Marks of public Prosperity in any Country. The Produce of our Agriculture bears a good Price, and is all paid for in ready hard Money, all the labouring People have high Wages, every body is well cloth’d and well-lodg’d, the Poor provided for or assisted, and all Estates in Town and Country much increas’d in Value. As to wishing for the English Government we should as soon wish for that of Morocco.

Be so good as to forward the Letters you will receive herewith, and charge me with the Expence. My Love to all the good Family and believe me every, my dear Friend, Yours most affectionately