My Dearest Friend

The inclosed Slip is Supposed to cast some Light on an interesting Subject. Arrangements for throwing off Care, of a private as well as public nature. I suppose his Plan is to pay off all his Debts and live upon the Income of the Remainder holding only his Mansion farm for Exercise and Amusement. This Plan is wise like all the rest. I cannot but approve his Resolution. Nor can any Man blame him. However We may all Wish for his longer Protection.

I feel no Allarm however for the Public. I am fully persuaded it will receive no detriment. For my self my Mind is as fully made up as his, and I dread nothing that can happen. If I loose my health I must retire in all Events. If my Health continues which at present thank God is pretty good, I shall either continue or retire at the Pleasure of the People, provided they do me Justice. Otherwise my Pen and my farm, will be irrevocably my sole Amusements for the Remnant of my days.

I like young French very well. You did not name the other.