Having an opportunity of writing you by the Dutch envoy from London, I cannot omit sending you a line to tell you that I see nothing more that is amiss here than you know of, notwithstanding Mr. Knox and two or three people pretend that the Loyal Colonies are to have the trade to the islands. If you keep firm, and good humored, I hope you will in the end lose nothing. From what I know however of this and of the last ministry, things will go down better, if put them upon the footing of reasonableness and kindness, and the necessity of concordance of circumstances, rather than upon any other footing. John Bull has been fed a long time upon dainty food of his own dressing, and he does not like to see other people prescribing to him. Your former proceedings have been successful, principally because you had people of better sense at home than you now have. At least I, who am a timid conciliating man, am apt to think so. You may be wiser at Paris however than I am, but i wish you may not push the manner of conducting the thing too far, for we are on the whole irritable.

There are strong symptoms that the king does not relish the present ministry, and if he were to change, it is likely enough he would think of our friends. He has gained, and the ministers have lost credit, by the disputes about the Prince of Wales’s establishment; to whom the king has been very liberal hitherto, as to money. Lord Shelburne is gone to Spa, with Lady Shelburne; but Mr. Pitt stays at home. The prince is very far from being pleased, they tell me.

I am very sorry for the accident to your electrical machine, the box containing which, appears to be damaged; but I have ordered a new one to be forwarded immediately. I am sorry that so much of the Summer slips away without your coming here. If you do not come with your son, it will be the very deepest disappointment of my life; of which be assured.

I am soon going to be releived from the troublesome state I am in with my family. They embark this week. My time will then be my own again; and, unless I see an honest reason why I should not write, or these Bystanders should occupy me, you and Mr. Jay will often hear from me probably, if matter occurs.