I have not lost sight, my dear and good Sir, of your affairs in America; the interest of your colonies would be mine because it is yours, even if it were not the interest of justice and virtue. I see with the greatest satisfaction that you are about to rejoice in a liberty born of prudence, wisdom and valor; I congratulate you and I rejoice with you. We are your friends and your allies forever, we aren’t made to imitate you, but we will never part from you. The treaty of alliance between you and us which has already been announced and will soon take effect if it has not done so already will be impervious to political events because the interests of both countries guarantee it. I will be in Paris for the first few days of next month and will fly from there to Passy to embrace you and tell you how America owes its happiness to you and how esteem, love, recognition, and admiration will erect a monument to you that will last as long as the liberty and virtue that you have established. I cannot deny, my dear and respected Doctor, that my heart is heavy at the thought of your departure, even though you must be happy to return to your celebrating homeland; if anything can console me a bit, it is the rejoicing in America and the hope that you will never forget the tenderness and respect with which I shall always remain, my dear Sir, Your very humble and very obedient servant.