I send you some pamphlets &c. I wish devoutly I could add happy news to the little cargo. But this is not the country of wisdom. To a wise man like you I need say no more. I am sufficiently disposed to think that the West India intercourse is only held out upon, to serve as a concession at treating, that may save a dearer gift. Certainly we are not sulky; we are rather bigotted, hard, and like men who expected more return from your side; and a disappointment in this particular does not favor the growth of liberal principles.

As to ministerial politics, you will find all I have said proved by a little more time. You are enough used to court events to know that when casual instruments have served a turn, they are discarded unless they become devoted instruments. The matter will soon I believe ripen to that stage of it, and we shall soon see which sort of sense and which sort of ambition preponderates in a certain breast. The worst sort of the latter ought to be checked by any degree of the former. In short, firm as things look, they are not yet so. A plan for a certain object is among the papers I send. Had the matter come to a balance I believe the proposer would have joined against the closest, because a place durante bene placito is not like a place quam diu se bene gesserit. But it was far from a balance and therefore the effort was par maniere d’acquis and left to itself and to others. I believe ambition would always make it eligible to have the plan succeed.

Ld. L— is in town, in high spirits, and well received every where, He comes in favor of the Irish Republic.

Dr. Bancroft will give you a paper from me of Dr. Priestley’s.

The public business which I have, added to private domestics, nearly overcome me. But zeal and a willing mind supply strength. It however prevents my writing as, and when, I wish.

Yet I hope to write to you once more before you commit yourself to the sea. In the mean time let me adjure you by every consideration that can affect the mind of a man of philanthropy and extensive views, to perfect your life and your art of virtue. In my opinion your being the author of the greatest revolutions in the world is a satisfaction not in the smallest degree comparable to that which you may anticipate, as likely to follow, from the latter work particularly, well treated by you. I burn for your fame and ability to do something of the kind myself. I begin to know more of my unhappy fellow creatures. My respect is not increased, but I feel a pity for them that is inexpressible, and that if I was sure of succeeding, would lead me almost to attempt any thing. I will not yet suffer myself to despair, but in the mean time I cannot but sigh. I know that man would bear happy condition, but he will not elect it, without infinite pains, and the revolutions of time will always be apt to undo the little that is well done. I know this, and I do not despair, probably because I am not wise, and have not been enough disappointed. I am, ever yours, and as much as man can be to man Your devoted, grateful and affectionate My best affection to your grandson, who I trust is recovered and vigorous. If he is not the Sea will restore him. God bless him