I just learned with true chagrin from M. le Veillard, my dear and illustrious colleague, that one of his packages which contained a letter from me had been lost; I am not sorry for the content of the letter, but because it is a missed opportunity to remind you of me. I received a mark of your affection from you a while ago, for which I am thankful: the Catalog of Trees and Shrubs of the United States, Arbustrum Americanum by M. Marshall, that you had sent me. I should have thanked you for it earlier, but the sad responsibilities required of me—my sister's long and cruel illness, the misery we have had in losing her, and the mourning of a mother, daughter, sister and dear, esteemed friend—this has taken up all my time and faculties. I was afraid that it would be a fatal blow for my mother and for my wife, whose health has nevertheless been getting somewhat better. I am using the first free moments I have to write to you, persuaded that your friendship with us will help ease our suffering.

I talk about America frequently with Messieurs Jefferson and Mazzei, and especially with the Marquis de Lafayette, with whom, since your departure, I have formed a close friendship that pleases me more every day. I see with interest and pleasure that although your States are not always doing as well as possible, they nonetheless deserve to serve as models for Europe and to restore in all their luster, now in one area, now in another, the rights of humanity.

I am leaving to spend a few days in the country, and would like to profit from an occasion I have heard to send this to your country; my entire family sends countless best regards; please mention us to Messieurs your grandsons, and accept, my dear and illustrious colleague, my wishes for the prosperity of the United States, for your health, so precious for science, and for humanity; please accept as well the sincere homage of all my sentiments of esteem, of respect, and allow me to repeat, of the friendship which connects me to you for life