Though our correspondence be interrupted by the most unhappy of all events, and your mind must be wholly occupied with things of infinitely greater moment than any thing that I can write to you about, you are never long out my thoughts; and I still flatter myself with the idea of seeing you once more. The late news from America has contributed very much to give me this hope, as it must, I think, convince the most sanguine, that the war cannot be continued without disgrace and ruin. Still, however, I feel deeply for what your poor country has suffered, and now suffers; and I have passed many an anxious and melancholy hour since this unnatural war began.
I shall continue to trouble you with such of my publications as I think you may now and then look into. With this you will receive two volumes of Metaphysics; and I hope you have received my 3d volume on air. I have almost materials enow for another volume, but as they do not relate to air principally, I shall change my title, and begin a new work. To be informed by yourself only that you are well, and in tolerable spirits, would give me great pleasure. I am, Dear Sir, most sincerely yours,