As your Rules are, in general, very good, I shall take the liberty to adopt one in mentioning the receipt of your favor of the 18th. Instant which reached me the 24th. This delay I understand was owing to a mistake of the Post master at Joigny, who instead of forwarding the Letters for St. Florentin as directed, returned them to Paris. By this means we were twice as long in receiving our letters as we otherwise might have been.—

It is currently reported here that M. Necker is out of place & every body seems to lament this Change. I have seen his Memoire which is in my opinion well written, and has, at least, the appearance of conscious rectitude.

When I supposed the junction of Holland in the present War to be advantageous to us, I did not reflect that our supplies might in some measure be interrupted by the loss of their Islands in the West Indies, but I am now sensible that unless, as you justly observe, that country makes great exertions it will rather be an advantage to G. Britain than otherwise. But then, my dear Friend, their Proximity to that Island must, in some measure, oblige them to be watchful, in order to prevent the ruin of their subjects.

Can you tell me whether Mr. Thompson (Secretary to Congress) has or had a Nephew in France. I am told that there was a young Gentleman of that name, & claiming to be his Nephew, who resided some time ago at Tonerre. He is since as I am informed gone into Spain, with a design of entering into the service of that Country. If he is really the Nephew of Mr. Thompson, I think he would serve to more advantage in America. I have just receivd a Letter from Mayo, which mentions that Fouke has been very sick but has quite recovered. Make him Compliments and tell him how happy I am to hear of his recovery. Mayo, I find continues his Intention of going to the Spaw, can you tell what disorder he has, as I cannot suppose that he takes this Trip altogether for Pleasure. The Pacquet Boat does not I imagine pass as usual between Holland & Great Britain. I ask this question as I have some thought of going to London (if your Grandfather should think such a step prudent) where I have some business. I am my Dr. Franklin Yours sincerely