A long and severe Indisposition has delay’d my acknowledging the Receipt of the Letter your Lordship did me the Honour of Writing to me by Mr. Fitzherbert.

You do me Justice in believing that I agree with you in earnestly Wishing the Establishment of an honourable and lasting Peace; and I am happy to be assur’d by your Lordship, that it is the real System of the Ministers with whom you are Co-operating. I know it to be the sincere Desire of the United States; and With such Dispositions on both sides, there is reason to hope that the good Work in its Progress will meet with little Difficulty. A small one has occur’d in the Commencement, with which Mr. Oswald will acquaint you. I flatter myself that means will be found on your part for removing it, and my best Endeavours in removing subsequent ones, (if any should arise) may be firmly rely’d on.

I had the Honour of being known to your Lordship’s Father. On several Occasions he manifested a Regard for me, and a Confidence in me. I shall be happy if my Conduct in the present important Business may procure me the same Rank in the Esteem of his worthy Successor. I am, with sincere Respect, My Lord, Your Lordship’s