Permit me to answer briefly in poor English, your favour of the 11th. inst.

An Ideot, no.—à Lunatick, may be for what I know.— With me, and other plain people, the character is that of a bad man, near to become a Madman by disappointment.1

I am not misinformed, concerning the pretended principle and motive of a certain metaphysical Distinction. The nonsense I told you has been really alledged in private conferences previous to certain ministerial ones.

I am glad to hear of your proposals accepted. But the agreement of what may be looked on as convenient for the present, does not exclude mental reservations.

I am deeply initiated since some weeks in the secret of this and several other States, and would tell you at your fire-side, a number of important things, which are not to be trusted to the paper.

Our respects and good wishes to your Excellency and to your dear Ladies and Son. / y. E. / very humble & very / obedient servant

I write this to request information of you, what is necessary, right, & proper to be done by me on saturday next— You can doubtless tell, Sir, whether it is expected & wished that the whole diplomatic Corps should, be at Versailles on New-year’s day, or whether the concourse will probably be so great as that the presence of the smaller limbs of that great Body may readily be dispensed with— I wish only to regulate my conduct by the strict rules of propriety—

In case you should go, and think it expedient that I should attend; I will have the honour of calling on you at any hour you may please to name & take breakfast with you.— As I have heard it suggested, that on new Year’s day, some presents are usually expected by the Cte de Vergennes’ Servants or some body about the Court, I shall 482 wish also very much to be informed how this is, how many expectants there are, & to what amount it is customary to give every one, that I may be prepared accordingly— An Ansr. by the bearer will much oblige1

Sir / Your Most Obedt. / Hble. Servant