It rejoiced me much to learn by your kind letter of February last, which I received about ten days since, that you are still in the land of the living; and that you are snug at Bath, the very place that I think gives you the best chance of passing the evening of life agreeably. I too am got into my niche, after being kept out of it 24 years by foreign employments. ’Tis a very good house that I built so long ago to retire into, without being able till now to enjoy it. I am again surrounded by my friends, with a fine family of grand children about my knees, and an affectionate good daughter and son-in-law to take care of me. And after fifty years public service, I have the pleasure to find the esteem of my country with regard to me undiminished; the late re-election of me to the Presidentship, notwithstanding the different parties we are split into, being absolutely unanimous. This I tell to you, not merely to indulge my own vanity, but because I know you love me, and will be pleased to hear of whatever happens that is agreeable to your friend.

I find Mr. Anstey, whom you recommend to me, a very agreeable sensible man, and shall render him any service that may lie in my power. I think you for the New Bath Guide: I had read it formerly, but it has afforded my fresh pleasure.

Your newspapers, to please honest John Bull, paint our situation here in frightful colours, as if we were very miserable since we broke our connection with him. But I will give you some marks by which you may form your own judgment. Our husbandmen, who are the bulk of the nation, have had plentiful crops, their produce sells at high prices and for ready hard money: wheat for instance at 8s. a 8s. 6d. per bushel. Our working people are all employed and get high wages, are well fed and well clad. Our estates in houses are trebled in value by the rising of rents since the revolution. Buildings in Philadelphia increase amazingly, besides small towns arising in every quarter of the country. The laws govern, justice is well administered, and property as secure as in any country on the globe. Our wilderness lands are daily buying up by new settlers, and our settlements extend rapidly to the westward. European goods were never so cheaply afforded us, as since Britain has no longer the monopoly of supplying us. In short all among us may be happy, who have happy dispositions, such being necessary to happiness even in paradise.

I speak these things of Pennsylvania, with which I am most acquainted: as to the other States, when I read in all the papers of the extravagant rejoicings every 4th of July, the day on which was signed the declaration of Independence, I am convinced that none of them are discontented with the revolution. Adieu! my dear friend! and believe me ever with sincere esteem and affection, yours most truly,