I send you the enclosed letter in answer to mine on the proposed negotiation. It contains the conversation he heard in the cabinet. If you think proper I shall answer that there is no foundation for supposing any disagreemt between you and me, that if they wait for propositions coming from us they deceive themselves, as we are not solicitous about treating with them, and that their honor and satisfaction is their affair not ours. It seems to me that treating them cavilierly is most likely to do service by making them despair of their undertaking. I am satisfied that no principle but fear will ever operate upon them.

The two first lines of this Information joined with a Variety of Information I have recd. to the same Purpose have given me much uneasiness. Great Industry I am sure has been used to propagate this Report during my absence in Germany and it appears with Success. I beg and hope for your advice how to discover the authors and prevent the Consequences both to the public and myself. I have the honor to be Dear Sir