I have to acknowledge the Reception of your favor of the 26 past; which having so long delayed, I need not now inform you that the report relative to Mr. Necker’s Dismission was well founded. This change will not perhaps be unfavourable for our Country. I cannot help saying thus much to my Friend. I know he will excuse my being more particular.

I have made Enquiries concerning the Nephew of Mr. Thompson, but they have not been attended with Success. I cannot think there is such a Person in France; nor suppose any Person desirous of entering into the Spanish Service. I do not see Mayo so often as I could wish; he is a very worthy young Man and I could wish to cultivate his Friendship, but the great distance between us, and my Secretarial Functions, are Obstacles to our being often together. I know not whether he is decided in his Intention of going to Spa. It is probable his staying there some time might be of service to him. His principal Complaint is in his Eyes: But (entre nous) his whole Constitution seems to be in a weak State. And I think the sooner he changes the Air of the Palais Royale, the better.

A propos of the Palais Royale, the night before last, the whole of that magnificent Building the Opera was consum’d by Fire. Luckily it commenced when the Spectacle was finish’d otherwise hundreds of Lives would have been lost: and perhaps among the Number those of my Grandfather and self. For we were both there, and when we got into the Carriage the House was on fire. None of the surrounding Buildings are the least damaged; not even the dwelling of the Duke de Chatres, which you know is adjoining to it. The lives lost are hitherto only known to amount to nine; among which were two figure Dansers the rest Workmen.

This Conflagration might have been prevented had the Reservoirs on the Top of the Building been filled with water. But such is in general the Negligence of the Servants of a Society, that there was not a drop of water in them: And thus the lives of thousands of valuable Citizens were exposed!

The Packet Boat passes between England and Ostend. You know what Difficulties Americans are exposed to in England, you are therefore the best Judge whether it is proper for you to go there at this Time. My Grandfather declines advising you.

May not your Interest in America suffer if you take such a step? I am yours etc.