I did not receive, Monsieur and dear colleague, your letter and the package that you were so kind as to send me until a while ago, and then I was a little sick from overworking this autumn. I am feeling much better now and I am profiting from the occasion provided by M. Wildman to write you a little note.

I have no doubt that the Parliament, better enlightened about the interests of the British nation, will return to gentler ways; and that a new praise will be added to your honor, stressing that you greatly contributed to re-establishing union between the mother country and its North American colonies. I read with great pleasure in an English Gazette that Pennsylvania named you once again its representative at the British court. I must protest, however: how can you believe that the disputes of your compatriots do not interest me, even though I was born under a monarchical government? You have seen in our various conversations, which I always recall with pleasure, that I do not value liberty any the less, and that consequently I take the greatest interest in "The Struggle of your worthy Americans for their Liberty." I was enthralled by the wisdom, the moderation, and at the same time the resolve which characterized the advice of the Philadelphia committee to its constituents, and the arguments of M. Dickenson seemed to me victorious for his cause. M. de Malesherbes is so overwhelmed by his affairs that I have not yet been able to see him to pass on all your messages to him. At the moment he is the idol in Paris and the Nation; he will be elected to the Académie Française on the 12th of this month, replacing an academician, M. Du Pré de St. Maur, dead for some time, and his election will be unanimous or by acclamation. Enclosed are the speeches that he gave upon his reinstatement and on another occasion. Forgive me, I cannot tell you any more, I must finish by assuring you of the sincere and tender friendship which you have inspired in me, and with which I will be for all my life, no matter where you are living, Monsieur and dear colleague, Your very humble and obedient servant