I have received yours of the 12th. Inst. I perceive you had not then receiv’d mine of the 5th, in which I mention’d the Proposition of a Mr. Gervaise respecting a Vessel in Holland, which he thought might call for me at Havre. He talk’d of being there in a few Days, but is still here, and tells me that Vessel is not yet arrived; so I give over all Expectation from that Quarter; and I apprehend there will be too much Difficulty in the Project of obtaining the Call of a Ship from London; but your next may give me more Light. In the mean time I am preparing and packing, determin’d to get down to Havre as soon as possible, and to wait there for the first good Opportunity of departing. As to the Frigate you mention, I ought not to ask it; nor is there any reason to expect it.

I am glad the Books are likely to be soon sent, and am much oblig’d to Dr. Price for the Trouble he has taken, as well as for the Addition of his valuable Present.

The Conversations you mention respecting America, are pitiable. Those People speak what they wish. But She was certainly never in a more happy Situation. They are angry with us and hate us, and speak all manner of Evil of us; but we flourish notwithstanding. They put one in mind of a violent high Church Factor Resident sometime in Boston when I was a Boy. He had bought upon Speculation a Connecticut Cargo of Onions, which he flatter’d himself he might sell again to great Profit; but the Price fell, and they lay upon hand. He was heartily vex’d with his Bargain, especially when he observ’d they began to grow in the Store he had fill’d with them. He show’d them one Day to a Friend. Here they are says he, and they are growing too! I damn ’em every day; but I think they are like the Presbyterians; the more I curse ’em the more they grow.

Billy is got well again, and I suppose writes. My Disorder has its bad and good Days: At present I am tolerably affected by it; but sometimes the Pain is hard to bear. I wish you to buy and send me Blackrie’s Disquisition on Medicines that Dissolve the Stone. You will find it at Wilkie’s No 71 Paul’s Church Yard. I am ever, Your affectionate Uncle