I did myself the Pleasure of writing to you pr. Mr. Carmichael; since which, I have not heard from you in Return, but flatter myself there may be a Letter on the Way. Come when it may, it will be truly acceptable.—Since your Departure my chief Pleasure is in conversing with Mr. Rittenhouse on Philosophical Subjects. This Gratification, however, I but seldom enjoy. Both he & myself are so closely engaged in public Business as to leave little Time for those agreeable Enquiries.—He is certainly a very able, friendly & communicative Philosopher—He is an Honour to his Country as a Man & as a Man of Science— I am sure you will join me in this Opinion.—As to Politics & News I trouble you not with them—you have enough on those Subjects from all Quarters.—I only say we [torn: go?] on—ever keeping in View the main & ultimate [torn: object?] vizt. Liberty & Independence to the rising Generation—But I will not enter into so large a Field. I only wish the Continuance of your Friendship & Esteem, which I shall always endeavour to deserve.

Being my dear Sir with all affection & Regard.—Your Friend & humble servt