I did not receive, Monsieur, the letter that you did me the honor of writing, until long after its date, April 21. This is why I did not thank you earlier for this token of your affection, and for all the efforts you have made to oblige me. Please accept my thanks now, as well my apologies for all the embarrassment that my indiscretion has caused you. Allow me to suggest that it would be better to send the roe bucks in the spring rather than in autumn, since the voyages are ordinarily easier in this first season, and since the animals will have more time to adjust to the climate before the harsh cold comes. When you send them to me, please let me know what their diet is, and how to care for them. M. le Veillard kindly offers to reimburse the expenses that they will have cost at Versailles. But I do not know how I will ever be able to make up, Monsieur, for all I will owe you for such a beautiful present—and one which will have given you such trouble. If I can somehow be of service to you in this country, I ask for your command, and that you be assured of the pleasure I will take in satisfying your wishes.

My grandfather is very grateful to you for remembering him, and asks me to assure you of his esteem and affection. It is with the same sentiments that I have the honor of being, Monsieur, your very humble and obliged servant.