In leaving you and my other friends, to go into a part of the Country where I was totally unacquainted, I made a great sacrifice, but it was a sacrifice absolutely necessary; for if I had remained within the forge of english acquaintance till the day of Judgement, I should have known very little more of the French language than I did when I first arrived. As yet I can not say that I have made much progress—I understand & make efforts to answer common questions, which sometimes prove successful. Before I left Passy, I informed you of all I knew with respect to the family in which I was to board, I must therefore now only tell you that M. & Md. Fontaine and their connections are perfectly agreeable—the Lady is young and rather handsome than otherwise, & sufficiently tempting to make a more intimate acquaintance desirable. I have thought a good deal upon your principle of convenience, and as, in this Instance, it is strongly backed by inclination, I should be very happy if it could be brought to bear—but from the little observation I have been able to make, I think it would be a work of years, and as I have not many to throw away, I must break ground before a weaker Citidal. Husbands I find, here, as well as in other parts of France, are easy, harmless creatures, and too well bred not to be grateful for favors conferre’d. I beleive there are few instances of Infidelity occasioning a separation a mensa & toro, and it is well it is not thought a sufficient cause, as in that case, the greater part of the married Women would be divorced. The good nature and Freedom of the women, in some measure make up for their want of Beauty, and if they die not take snuff and use so much rouge, they would be, most of them, very tolerable.

I should be obliged to you, if you would inform whether Capt Jones has sailed, and I am a little dubious whether the Letters I wrote to Philada. by last Post, will get to L’Orient soon enough to go with Capt Lowder, who I understand sails under his Convoy. Be pleased to make my most respectful Compliments to your Grandfather, and remember me to Doctr Bancroft, Mr La Motte &c.

Yours affectionately