An English Nobleman, Lord Cholmondely, lately returning from Italy, called upon me here at the time when we receiv’d the News of the first Resolutions of the House of Commons relating to America. In Conversation he said that he knew his Friend Lord Shelburne had a great Regard for me; that it would be pleasing to him to hear of my Welfare and to receive a Line from me, of which he, Lord Cholmondeley should like to be the Bearer; adding that if there should be a Change of Ministry, he believ’d Lord Shelburne would be employ’d. I thereupon wrote a few Lines, of which I enclose a Copy. This Day I receiv’d an Answer, which I also enclose, together with another Letter from Mr Laurens. They both, as your Excellency will see, recommend the Bearer, Mr Oswald, as a very honest sensible Man. I have had a little Conversation with him. He tells me, that there has been a Desire of making a separate Peace with America, and of continuing the War with France and Spain; but that now all wise People give up that Idea as impracticable, and it is his private Opinion that the Ministry do sincerely desire a General Peace, and that they will readily come into it, provided France does not insist upon Conditions too humiliating for England, in which case she will make great and violent Efforts rather than submit to them, and that much is still in her Power, &c.— I told the Gentleman, that I could not enter into Particulars with him but in concert with the Ministers of this Court, and I propos’d introducing him to your Excellency, (after communicating to you the Letters he had brought me) in case you should think fit to see him; with which he appear’d to be pleas’d. I intend waiting on you to-morrow, when you will please to acquaint me with your Intentions, and favour me with your Counsels.— He had heard nothing of Forth’s Mission, and imagines the Old Ministry had not acquainted the New with that Transaction. Mr Laurens came over with him in the same Pacquet-Boat, and went from Ostend to Holland. With great Respect I am, Sir, Your Excellency’s most obedient and most humble Servant,