We have a lot of bad Catholics here, who, because they missed Easter duties one year, never again dare to return to confession. I do not lose courage so easily, or else I am more attached to you than they are to the Holy See. A disheartening silence of two years has affected me markedly, but it will not prevent me from profiting by the opportunity of the Messieurs Sutton’s trip, and by all the other opportunities which present themselves, to renew myself in the honor of your remembrance, and to protest to you my unalterable devotion, which is proof against everything. Moreover, Mademoiselle Biheron has not let me forget the kindnesses that you have shown to her, for which I owe you no less gratitude than if they had been poured out directly on me, nor has she let me forget the gracious mention you deigned to make of me. I am not in the least ungrateful for it, and everything that comes from you penetrates to the depths of my heart.

Lately I have seen Monsieur Le Roy, who has made no progress at all on the revision of the translation of your works; for my part, I would have been afraid to tarnish them by bringing too heavy a hand to them, but since his hand is lacking, I am strongly tempted to undertake it; my zeal will partly make up for my weakness. If you honor me with your consent, as you flattered me with it before, do me the favor of entrusting me with whatever new material you may have to add to your works, and if you think it suitable, I will have the whole thing submitted to your inspection again before handing it over to our booksellers. I had greatly expanded my Little Code on Humanity, but I was refused the necessary permission to have it printed here, which disappointed me very much, since I was far happier with it than I was the first time; but what can be done about it?

I have sent you the volumes of the Citizen’s Ephemerides as they have appeared, and as I have found a means of getting them delivered to you. You are perhaps still missing some volumes, in which case I am ready to supply them at the first notice. But you must know that the publication of this work is always far behind, due to the constraint of the press in this good country, where one would wish that all were well, but where one fears even the shadow of a mishap.

Adieu, Monsieur, and as always, dear friend; my wife kisses and embraces you with all her heart, and she would very much like to have you here again along with Mr. Pringle, whom I beg you to assure of my respect and my devotion. I have the honor of remaining, Monsieur, with unparalleled regards, your very humble and very obedient servant