On my return the night before last from a Journey to the State of Newyork, I found you favours of the 6th: 7th: 17th: 17th: 23d: September,1 they contain important and useful information, and that particularly of the 6th: is replete with matter, which deserves an attention, that I lament the not having it in my power to give it at this moment, as the Express by which this goes to Baltimore is upon the wing— I congratulate you most sincerely upon having surmounted all the obstacles, that opposed themselves to the completion of our important Connection with the United States— It has I think given the last blow to the pride of Britain, its power so far as it could endanger us was past recovery before, except as it derived force from its pride, which like the last strugles of a dying Man, gave an appearance of vigor to the Body which it was about to destroy—

This covers a ratification of the Treaty, the first Copy sent by Mr: Jefferson has not been signed by me, owing to my absence—that Gentleman has not yet sailed from Baltimore, having been delayed by a number of the Enemy's Cruisers which infest the Bay—2

We this day received the Speech of his Britannick Majesty,3 it breaths so much the language of peace, that I begin to think it will be unnecessary to give Mr. Jefferson the trouble of going over at all— The delays he had met with will leave you longer without intelligence from hence than I would ever wish you to be, tho’ no important Event has taken place, except the evacuation of Charles Town—4 Our distress for want of money has rather increased than diminished, this object will demand your attention, full as much if the war should be terminated, as if it should continue— The Army and other public Creditors begin to grow very uneasy, and our present exhausted situation will not admit of internal Loans or such taxes as will suffice to give them relief—

I have sent you three different setts of Cyphers not thinking it adviseable to send duplicates be pleased to let me know whether any, and which have arrived safe5

I am Sir / with very great Respect and Esteem / your most obedt. humble Servant

Mr Storer, whom you know, will deliver you this, but whether he will find you at Brussells or else where, I knew not.

I begin to grow impatient to See, the definitive Treaty Signed that I may take myself away, from this dull Place.

I am just returned from Dinner, with the Sweedish Ambassador, who invited Us all, upon occasion of the Signature of the Treaty, between his Master and Congress, which was done the 5. instant— I am much pleased with this Ambassador, 1. because he has a noble Library. 2. because his Face is pale, as if he keept his Books to read, not merely for shew. 3. because he talks a good deal and 4. because he talks well, like a man of Sense and Learning.— I Should endeavour to be acquainted with this Man more intimately, if I were to Stay here.— he has been 18 years at this Court.1

Will you be the Mentor of my young Friend who bears this and give him good Council, as you often do me

your most obedient

I hope You will excuse the Liberty I take of writing You a Line by Mr. Charles Storer, who has been for some time one of my Family, 261to enquire after your Health and Welfare, in which I interest myself very much.

We have expected You here every day for a long time, and begin to be apprehensive You dont design to return, which will be a disappointment to me, because I wish to have the pleasure of finishing the Work of Peace with a Gentleman, who has conducted it hitherto with so much Advantage. If this satisfaction is not be obtained, I wish the Service in the Hands of some one equally possessed of the only System, which can ever conduct it to a right Conclusion, for the Prosperity of your Country or mine— Of one thing I am well persuaded, that no Man will ever be found with better qualifications or dispositions.—

If You should not return here, it is not very probable we shall meet again— But whether together or assunder, I shall carry with me at all times the most entire Esteem and Respect for Mr. Oswald.

I have the honor to be, Sir, —