I have just received your kind Letter of the 14th past, which gave me great Pleasure as it inform’d me of your Welfare. You complain with reason of my being a bad Correspondent. I confess I have long deserv’d that Character. If you keep my old Letters, as I think you once told me you did, you will find in one of July 17. 1767. the best Apology I could then make for that Fault, and I cannot now make a better. I must therefore refer you to it. Only requesting that you would ascribe my Neglect of Writing to any Cause rather than to a Diminution of that tender affectionate Regard I always had and still retain for you.

I hoped for Repose when I solicited my Recall from France; but I have not met with it, being as much engag’d in Business as ever. I enjoy however, a good Share of Health, (the Stone excepted) as does all this Family, who join with me in best Wishes of Happiness to you and yours. I am ever, my dear Niece Your affectionate Uncle