I believe I have not written to you since I received your kind letters of July 26, and October 9, 1786. Such as been my continual occupation in public and private business, having the building of three houses upon my hands, that I had no time left for philosophical correspondence. I now take up my pen with the honest resolution of paying off some of my debts.

You mention that M. De Buffon avoit des douleurs semblable aux miens. I sympathise with him. Let me know in your next how he does. I do not understand these dispensations of Providence, though probably they are for the best. But it seems to me, that if you or I had the disposition of good and evil in this world, so excellent a man would not have an hour’s pain during his existence.

Your account of the progress made in the art of ballooning, by the acquisition of a tight envelope, and the means of descending and rising without throwing out ballast, or letting out air, is very pleasing. I am sorry the artists at Javelle do not continue their experiments. I always thought they were in the likeliest way of making improvements, as they were remote from interruption in their experiments. I have sometimes wished I had brought with me from France, a balloon sufficiently large to raise me from the ground. In my malady it would have been the most easy carriage for me, being led by a string held by a man walking on the ground. I should be glad to have Mr. Meunier’s work. Pray let Mr. Grand know where he may buy it for me.

It gives me pleasure to hear of the success attending the conductors at Brest and at Dijon. Time will bring them more into use, and of course make them more useful.

It is a curious fact, that of the death of so many pigeons by lightning without disturbing their position. Pray when you see M. De Malesherbes, present to him my respects. He is one of the most respectable characters of this age. Believe me ever, my dear friend, with the sincerest esteem and respect, yours most affectionately,