Inclosed are four letters we have lately received for you from different Directions.

You have probably heard of the appointment of Mr. Jefferson in Conjunction with Mr.Adams and my Grandfather, for making Treatys of Commerce with all the European Powers. Mr. Jefferson is arrived and has brought with him, I think, three and twenty Commissions, of which some are for making Supplementary Treatys with those Nations with whom we are already connected. It seems as if Congress intended these three Gentlemen as a Committee for transacting all their Foreign Concerns, for in their Instructions there is a great Deal of Matter extraneous to the forming Commercial Treaty’s: of this Nature I think the inclosed Resolution which tho’ intended originally for our Minister at Madrid, seems now to become a part of the Duties of the new Commission. I send it you however (not officially) that you may see (?) whether anything can be done for (?) the Affair. In which Case I think you should lose no time in       Congress has thought proper to appoint Col. Humphreys one of the Aid de Camp to Genl. Washington secretary to the new Commission; this was rather thought singular by most of our Sensible Men (Mr. Morris and Mr. Jefferson entre autres). We were both, you and myself, mentioned, but it seems Genl. Washington on his Return Home had left his 3 Aids as a Legacy to Congress and they had promised to provide for them; and having made Registers of two, they thought they could not do better than make the third a Secy of Legation. It is to be hoped we shall have two of the New Regiments they are raising for the “defence” of the Frontier. Cela me paroit très naturel(?). My Grandfather is more surprised? at this neglect of me and of his Recommendation than I am myself: I had long been desirous of going to America to make myself a little known there, and he now seems inclined to permit me: but previous to my making that Voyage I have got him to consent to my going for a few Weeks to England, to visit my Father, and settle with him some Family Concerns. For which Purpose I shall probably set off the day after tomorrow; if I can in any Way be serviceable to you there, or elsewhere, pray command me freely. You may direct for me at Gov. Franklins, No. 28 Norton Street. Marylebone.

I learn from Mr. Jefferson, and from the Records of Congress, that great Reforms have been proposed in the Civil List; among them were the following, that the Offices of Chargé des Affaires at the Court of Madrid, whose Salary is 1144 (?) Dollars, and Agent at the Hague, 920 doll. be discontinued. But Congress came to no Resolution on the Subject. They have resolved however, That from the 1st Day of Augt. 1784, the Salary of a Minister of the United States at a foreign Court shall not exceed 9000 Dollars per Annum. And they have also reduced the Salary of Secretary of a Legation, to 15.000 Liv. (?)

This would be another essential            which would be to reduce the Price of House Rent, Provisions and other Articles of Expence at the several Courts

You have heard I suppose of Mr Jay’s being nominated Secy for Foreign Affairs. I hardly think he will accept of the Appointment; it will not be a means of providing for a growing Family. The Salary proposed by Mr Howell is 3,000 Dollars per Annum!

Congress have adjourned till 1 Novr. leaving a Committee of the States to sit during their Recess. Mr Morris is about leaving his Department, and three Commissioners are appointed in his Stead. This I think is all that is new from our Country, as to answers to our Letters we have none.

I shall not certainly leave Europe without giving you timely Notice, offering you my best Services and requesting Letters of Introduction to some of your Friends. Adieu, my dear Sir, believe me with sincere and great Esteem Your’s most affectionately