I am very happy when I think of the encouragement which you have given me to address you under this appellation. Your friendship I reckon indeed one of the distinctions of my life. I frequently receive great pleasure from the accounts of you which Dr. Rush and Mr. Vaughn Send me. But I receive much greater pleasure from seeing your own Hand. I have lately been favoured with two letters which have given me this pleasure, the last of which acquaints me that my name has been added to the number of the corresponding members of the Pensilvania Society for abolishing the Nego Slavery of which you are President, and also brought me a pamphlet containing the Constitution and the laws of Pensilvania which relate to the object of the Scoiety. I hope you and the Society will accept my thanks and believe that I am truly Sensible of the honour done me. As for any Services I can do they are indeed but Small; for I find that, (far from possessing in the decline of life your vigour of body and mind) every kind of business is becoming more and more an incumbrance to me. At the same time the calls of business increase upon me as you will learn in some measure   from the Report at the end of the Discourse which you will receive with this letter.

A similar institution to yours for abolishing the Negro Slavery is just formed in London, and I have been desired to make one of the acting Committee, but I have beg’d to be excused. I have sent you some of their papers. I need not say how earnestly I wish success to such institutions. Something perhaps will be done with this view by the Convention of Delegates. This convention, consisting of many of the first men in respect of wisdom and influence in the united states may be a most august and venerable Assembly. May God guide their deliberations. The happiness of the world depends in some degree on their result. I am waiting with impatience for an account of it.

In this part of the world there is a Spirit rising which must in time produce great effects. I refer principally to what is now passing in Holland, Brabent and France. This Spirit originated in America, and should it appear that it has there terminated in a State of Society more favourable to peace, virtue, Science, and liberty (and consequently to human happiness and dignity) than has ever yet been known, infinite good will be done. Indeed a general fermentation Seems to be taking place thro’ Europe. In consequence of the attention created by the American war, and the dissemination of writing explaining the nature and end of civil government, the minds of men are becoming more enlighten’d, and the silly despots of the world are likely to be forced to respect human rights and to take care not to govern too much lest they should not govern at all.

You are acquainted with Mr. Paradise. He is Sailed with his family for Virginia where he is the proprietor of a good estate. His accomplishments as a Scholar and his excellent principles as a citizen must make him useful there, and I hope also happy.

During the course of last Spring and Summer I was frequently fearing that my health was declining. In order to recover it I have Spent near two months in Seabathing and dissipation at East Bourn in Sussex; and I hope that I have gained Some recruit of Spirits for another winter. Be so good as to deliver my kind respects to Mr. Vaughn when you see him. I am much in his debt for two agreeable letters; and I hope soon to write to him. He is, I doubt not, useful where he is; but as we have Mrs. Vaughn with us, we are in hopes he will not be long absent.

Last night the Gazette told us that Turkey has declared war against Russia. It has also told us that the King of Prussia having enter’d Holland with his army and taken possession of Utrecht and many other towns, has reinstated the Stadholder in all his honours and powers. But at the sametime   preparations for war by pressing sailors, fitting regiments, creating Admirals &c. shew that our ministers expect that the French will interpose and that they are determined to join the King of Prussia in supporting the Stadholder against his constituents. With all the best wishes I am most affectionately and respectfully Yours