I learned, my illustrious doctor, about your safe arrival in Philadelphia, the rare and distinguished welcome that you received from your compatriots, and the fortunate voyage that you had to arrive there—that is, not only did you hold up well on the voyage, but in fact your health is currently better than it was here. I learned all this good news with a surge of joy which I cannot express; surely you have been told that all of Paris shared with your friends the pleasure of your happy arrival, as this is the general impression that this news, printed in the Journal de Paris, caused here in the capital. If, like Alexander who was flattered by the Athenians' praises and their marks of affection, you are flattered by those which the Parisians give you, I assure you, you should be quite satisfied. They could not be more true and sincere; these people have been transformed into Philadelphians. Take care of yourself, my illustrious doctor, and may such a glorious career as yours be, for the glory of your country as well as for science, one of the longest to be granted to mankind. I have no doubt that young people, inflamed by glory and who avidly desire to see a great man, will undertake the voyage which you just took, in order to see the American Nestor.

Delivered back to your country, to a very well-deserved rest after so much work, I have no doubt that you will bring new life, a new élan, as we say these days, to the Philosophical Society of Philadelphia.

Since your departure, I have had the misfortune to lose a brother, who had the same feelings for you as his other brothers. It is my oldest brother, who died [last] August in the country.

There is nothing new here in the sciences. MM. Vallet and Alban still continue their balloon experiments with the same intelligence. Mme. Le Roy, who requests that I give you her countless regards, went up a while ago in a free balloon, and did a somersault in the air when she was up at 400 feet. Mesdames de Montalebert, who came along as well, did as much. These gentlemen presented a proposal to the government to construct a balloon which would be able to carry thirty people, but I do not know yet what response they received. Their balloon which was filled eight months ago is still quite full, and they have put flammable air inside only once or twice, from what I understand. Adieu, my illustrious doctor, please accept the sincere assurances of the sentiments of attachment that one of your oldest friends from this country has devoted to you for life