Your last favor was handed me by Mr C Hall on the road between Philadelphia and New York—1 It gave me pleasure to receive it, particularly as it was delivered by a Gentleman for whom I have the highest esteem, and who from the satisfaction that was visible in his countenance, discovered the pleasure he must have received in his visit, and the still greater gratification of your acquaintance. I have so far proceeded in my arrangements for leaving the Country as to have arrived safely in this place, and am now waiting with no small degree of impatience for an opportunity to Embark— You know the hurry, bustle &c of such a period as the present, and therefore will pardon me in telling you, that present appearances afford me no prospect of paying a visit to my favorite spot in which you have the happiness to reside. It may however be possible, but if not, the consequence must be that you come and pass a few days with me. I shall be happy if it is in my power to save you the trouble, but if your business will admit your absence for a few days, it will 227 probably be more convenient, than for me to visit you. My Brother whom I left in Philadelphia, has not yet arrived in Boston, tho’ I expect him by every Post; when he returns I shall be able to inform you whether a week of pleasure can be afforded me or not. As there are no vessels up for London at present, the period of our Embarkation is yet uncertain— We may be detained four or five weeks; and if in that time all matters can be brought to bear, I will run away to you with as much eagerness as ever a hungry boy ran to his breakfast.

Your Family were all well yesterday; Present me affectionately to all your friends at Haverhill and receive for your individual self the best wishes of

In its due time, I received your Letter from Philadelphia of the 27. of July.

Although, in the Opinion of The Secretary of State, the Mission to Holland may be “almost exclusively reduced to a pecuniary Negotiation,” yet, in the Opinion of others among whom your father is one, the Post at the Hague is an important Diplomatick Station, which may afford many opportunities of acquiring political Information and of penetrating the Designs of many Cabinets in Europe.

The Observations and Reflections contained in your Letter are all very Sensible, and I wish you to remember and preserve them: but, in Case you should return to your Country whether in three Years or Seven or more or less, I wish you to preserve your Resolution inflexible to return to the Bar. Be patient. Submit to the Mortifications you justly foresee Open your Office and be always found in it, except when you are attending the Courts of Justice. from none of these Should you be absent, a moment.

In three or four years you will probably be promoted to the Rank of a Min. Plenipotentiary: possibly in less time, if you discover to The President Talents and Principles Suitable for So high a Trust.

As every Thing is uncertain and Scænes are constantly changing I would not advise you to fix any unalterable Resolutions except in favour of Virtue and integrity and an unchangeable Love to your Country. Your own good Sense will be Sufficient to guide you from time to time.

Endeavour to obtain Correspondences with able Men in the southern & middle States as well as in the northern ones, and these will inform you & advise you.

If my Life should be Spared I hope to be one of them and will give you my best Opinions and Advice as Circumstances occur. I wish you a pleasant Voyage and much honour Satisfaction and Success in your Mission—

I am with constant Affection / your Friend and Father