I had the honor to write you very hastily by the post following the receipt of your letter. My having recd. the letter you did me the honor to write, upon that (or any other matter mentioned in it) is known only to myself: and in pursuance of your directions will continue so.1 It is very extraordinary, that it has not yet been found practicable to ascertain what did occur.

Mr. Genet is not yet arrived, but he must be very soon here. My opinion is that he will be received, at least as Minister from the Government de facto, and that the Treaty is likely to be considered as in force notwithstanding any alterations which may have taken place in France, and the suggestions founded on actual alterations in the situations of contracting parties. These things I beg leave however to express confidentially and with no decision. The Sentiments of those who have confered upon the last of these subjects probably are not the same. I should suppose numbers were as nearly divided as the Case will admit—I only conjecture.

Mr. Tallon, late Atty. genl. of France under the old Government, Visct. Noailles, two other respectable french Emigrants & the Son of an eminent German Physician in London have landed here from that city.2 They hold a large property: it is said 3,000,000 livres, and they say if they like the footing of property and other appearances of things here they mean to remain. Noailles’s accounts, as I 204 understand confidentially, are that the U. S are highly appreciated by the Government of Britain in a military and civil view—and that they are desirous of our remaining at peace. The English are much so here, as far as one can judge from appearances. We have no Symptoms yet of any popular desire or expectation of our engaging, in France— It is possible Mr. Genet may have some arrangements to propose, that may tend to unite the two Countries more closely, and may produce inconvenient Jealousies in Britain, spain, Holld. and portugal. But disordered as things are in the civil line, if the military affairs of France wore a brighter face, we cannot desire a closer connexion. Indeed my personal opinion is against close connexions, of any kind, & with any Nation, which do not result from the natural current of the business of the day, or some actual political necessity in our affairs.

I wish to see this extensive country find itself more & more together in the present moment, and particularly that it should put itself into good order for internal industry, and resource— You will find, Sir, in the inclosed Gazette a little sketch of a plan calculated to that End, which I prepared about the time of Col. Smiths arrival, being convinced from his accounts that the Peace of Europe was at an End. Tho I did not and do not at this time fear that we shall engage, yet it appeared adviseable to extend the reflexions to that Contingency. I have sent a copy to Mr. Ames with a request that he will get it published in Boston.3 The Exemplification in Pennsylvania was to give it more point and a chance of being carried into execution. I am told Watertown in Massachusetts is well adapted to such a plan—also Taunton & the falls of Merrimack, to each of which I have procured copies to be conveyed.—

We have a rumor of the Capture of Tobago by the British. If so Mr. Genet’s ground of requisition will be extended— I do not wish this report mentioned however, as fame seems to have more false Tongues than usual.

I have the honor to be with perfect Respect, Sir, / your most obedient / & most humble servant

We had the pleasure to address you the 22 Ulto: advising the purchase of an Obligation of 4 PCt: for the premium drawn on yr. obligation,1 we have now before us your esteemed favor of 1 March by whch. You desire to have the Amount forwarded in gold or Spanish dolls to Boston, with the amount of the Coupons you enclose 22 instead of 21 as you mention of 50.ƒ and 20 of 40ƒ each.

we Shall credit you for the Coups: and Remit by a Ship sailing in Short for Boston the ballance of y/a: as we Cannot Suppose as the money is invested in that oblign. you Should Wish to Resell it. if this is yr. intention on your mentioning it we shall effectuate it.

You’ll Remember that the first instalment of the Loan of 1782 Was to be discharged the 1t. of June and among the Numbers drawn for it have been twenty of yours viz N. 3003 to 5, 3009 & 20, 3021 to 24, 3028 & 30 No 3048 to 48 but as the million is prolongated (whch. we Were happy to bring abt. by those times) for 10 yrs: at the same intrest with faculty to the Uñ: St: to discharge it every year after previous notice is given in the time by news papers we have also prolongued yours in order to secure you the continuance of intrest, but as the discharges follow now every year, we Leave You to consider, whether it would not be proper to send us your Oblig̃: & orders when drawn out & discharged abt. the Money.

We are much obliged for yr. friendly behaviour, and have Learnt the appointment of Consul of Mr Greenleaf with pleasure, as we thought one was necessary, for the benifit of yr Country for whch. prosperity we entertain the best wishes, we are Sorry the application for Mr Lake came too Late.

it is not likely the prussians will easilÿ carry Mayence and the french defend their frontiers very well some times with advantage some times With disadvantage, it is killing Many Men, and much Bitterness on each side, if they Should succeed to drive the Austrians from braband, we Should again be exposed, and before this quarrel is decided our trade will be in Stagnation, if we are not mistaken we have Reason to beleeve french by a separate peace would draw England & us from the Ligue, but we suppose it will not succeed at present,2 we Wish your flag may be vigorously supported by any attempt of france or England, [. . .] In declaration of such an intention [. . .] prove very proper to preserve the confe[. . .] in its neutrality, since it is Spread some times of some Risks it will Run by one or other of Said powers.

if what we cannot Suppose probable your Country Should take some party you’ll inform us.

We salute You and Remain Most sincerily / Sir Your most Obed servants