I planned to write you every one of the past few days, Monsieur and dear colleague, to tell you about a memoir that I read at a public session for the re-opening of the Academy, on the shape of lightning rods or thunderbolt guards, but despite my plans, it proved impossible. However, I believe that M. Dubourg has written you about it. Two things made me decide to read it: one was the necessity of making better known in this country, by a public lecture, the necessity and advantages of these lightning rods; and the other was to dissipate all the illusions which might remain in people's minds concerning their shape. But I will write you more about it at length. This letter is only to inform you that you will be receiving very soon the package containing M. de Buffon's bird engravings, which left here already quite a while ago. You will find in this box the memoirs of my brother, about which I had the honor of telling you. I also put two or three more inside for M. Walsh, which I ask you to pass along to him. I took the liberty of recommending M. Desdouaires to you recently, by a letter which I entrusted him to give you; he is going to England to do some teaching. He is an honest gentleman, and I would be obliged if you could, if possible, be of help to him.

I owe you a thousand thanks for all that you kindly did on behalf of my relative, M. Stanley. He would not stop telling me, on the different occasions that I saw him, about your obliging care and all the services you had done him. Adieu, Monsieur and dear colleague. Pardon me if I leave you so abruptly. It is very much against the wishes of my heart, I assure you, but I am afraid the post will leave without taking my letter. Be assured of all the sentiments that attach me to you for life