You will excuse me, my dear Franklin, if an itch for writing and a desire of enquiring into the truth of the unfortunate affair of the Hillsborough (N. C—a) induces me to break in upon your Time, which from appearances is fully taken up. How then was this unlucky affair? Is it as bad as is represented, or is it one of those events which can not be attended by any bad Consequences. Smallwood and De Kalb are said to be amongst the slain, which circumstance leads me to suppose the action to have been obstinate and rather bloody, as General officers seldom fall in trifling engagements. But supposing the loss to be as great as Lord Cornwallis makes it, Gates I hope has Men enough to prevent his further progress and deprive him of that advantage which he might expect to derive from his success. North Carolina does not appear to be an object of any consequence to the British it may be a loss to us but can not be of much advantage to them as their forces will be consequently more divided. But lest I should tire you upon this subject, you will give me leave to enquire after the amusements of Paris. They I suppose are not the same in Winter, as in Summer—for la promenade sur le boulevard is I suppose not practicable, at this season, upon account of the excessive Cold.—Apropos of Cold—I took the liberty of inquiring in a former Letter what were the cloathes generally worn in the winter months. As the French are extremely exact, with regard to the minutiae of dress, I begged you to be particular with respect to those parts which depend upon Fashion—The mourning upon account of the death of Prince Charles of Lorrain is I suppose almost, if not quite, past and le monde appears, once more, in fancy colours—the conclusion of mourning must be an agreeable circumstance for those, who are not fond of being seen too often in the same dress.

My acquaintance in Paris I hope are all well—Foulke I find has been indisposed with an inflamation of his Lungs—does he wench as much as ever, or has he really become studious. You have not I suppose received any reinforcements of American Travellers, by the late arrivals. If you should know of any Vessels destined for our Port, and should have leisure enough to write me a few Lines I will thank you for the information. Adieu my dear Temple—Be good enough to make my most respectful Compliments to your Grandfather, and beleive me to be

Yours affectionately