I was just leaving the house when your excellency kindly came by; and not having returned until quite late at night, I arrived around nine in the morning at his inn, when to my great regret I learned of his departure for Amsterdam. I was all the more chagrined by the missed opportunity as I had been most pleased to wish you a warm welcome, to renew the expressions of respect which I have for you, and to thank you for the gift you gave me when you sent me The Defence of the Constitutions of America. Meanwhile I considered conveying to you a few observations to which the work gave rise, a work which I read and reread and which I regard as the breviary of true republican principles, compatible with the nature of society and with liberty, security, and good order. It satisfied me all the more that I found in it many ideas which coincided with my own. I could reproach you only for saying so little of this country, though it provides you with the most extensive field for the confirmation and development of your principles. I took down a few notes on the subject which I will communicate to you.1 I hope that you will remain another few days in our provinces and that, either here or at The Hague, I will be able to express to you in person the profound veneration with which I am, sir, your most humble and most obedient servant