J’ai reçu la lettre que vous m’avez fait L’honneur de m’écrire le 22: du mois dernier;1 Je Suis très sensible aux invitations précieuses que vous voulez bien me faire et dans le cas où mon séjour ici fut indispensable y ayant des interêts assez majeurs; Je vous Supplie de me faire prévenir de votre passage à New-york après la cession du Congrès afin que j’aie l’honneur de vous voir, Monsieur & de vous présenter ma famille.

Je désire que l’hommage que J’ai fait au sénat des Etats-unis par votre entremise ait été agreable, Je me trouve avoir bésoin dans ce 279 moment-ci d’un plan de frégatte pareil a celui que j’ai offert, ayant depuis peu conçu un projet qui peut être utile, oserois-je vous supplier, Monsieur, de me faire faire & de m’envoyer un Copie de ce plan, ou si cela vous cause le plus petit embarras je chargerai un de mes amis de Philadelphie de le faire copier lui-même, & je vous l’indiquerai, afin que vous ayez la bonté de le lui confier seulement quatre à cinq Jours. Je vous en aurai obligation.

J’ai appris avec douleur que M. grand pere à perdu sa femme. Il étoit avec sa famille retiré à Passy d’où Il ne pouvoit quitter par attachement pour un lieu qu’il a creé et rendu trés agréable, Ses enfants le pressoient en vain d’aller en Suisse et de jouir de la faveur accordée à tous les Suisses résidants en france de retourner dans leur pays, même avec leur fortune. M. grand chérit le lieu où il a perdu sa vieille amie, Cest là qu’il là pleure & qu’il veut finir ses Jours.2 Je l’informerai de l’interêt que vous prenez à Son Sort et je pense que ce Sera un adoucissemt. à son chagrin.

Je Suis avec respect, / Monsieur / Votre très humble & très / obeissant Serviteur.

Your favour of April 7 is yet unanswered. That Britain and all her Allies would be glad by any means in their Power to induce the United States to unite with them against France, cannot be doubted; But they have all Seen so many Proofs of a Partiality in the American People in favour of France, notwithstanding the Prudence and Firmness of our Government in preserving our Neutrality, that they have manifestly Strong Apprehensions of our uniting with the French against them.

“Private ministerial Instructions to Judges contravening public orders,” I know nothing of. Their Public orders were kept secret, in England I suppose— But it would be too hazardous in a Minister to take upon himself so much and commit himself to the Mercy of a Judge.

We ought, my Friend to reflect a little on ourselves. Have We fullfilled the Treaty of Peace? Have We preserved a Neutrality? Has our Government even? Was not the Reception of an Ambassador and an Acknowledgment of the French Republic, a violation of Neutrality? Was not Permission to sell Prizes in our Ports a clear departure from Neutrality? Possibly These Measures may be vindicated, at least ought to be excused. But look into our Newspapers, the Resolutions of Democratical Societies and the Toasts of civic Feasts from Georgia to New Hampshire.—1 These Things are all known to European Courts to that of Britain particularly, and are more attended to by them than by You and me. What But Hostility could be collected from these not only against Britain but against all Kings?

Not only War itself, but Preparations for War cost very dear, and Debts and Taxes, over head and Ears must be the Consequence. Our People will growl at these as much as they Curse the temperate Policy which endeavors to avoid them.

It is a Pleasure to me to hear that your Militia Bill is at length agreed to.2

I wish I could give you hopes of a Diminution of Parties. But this will not happen. We had Parties about every Thing last War about Canada, about Generals, Admirals, Ambassadors every Thing: So We shall through the whole of next War and as long as our Union lasts: and as long as Representative Government lasts: that is to say forever.

Pray what do you think of these private Combinations in opposition to Government? These Democratic Societies? Are they lawful assemblies, or are they Riots? are they Patriotism or Sedition? Are they Virtue or Treason?— Can any Government exist under Such Combinations? Is there or was there ever in the World a Country in which they were not considered as a great fault? as Crimes? as Treasons? Will not foreigners avail themselves of these Clubbs, to insinuate into them Members Influence, Corruption? Will they not make a Poland of Us? by these Means? The Canton of Berne in Switzerland has thought itself obliged to adjudge Such Civil Feasts to be high Treason. England sends them to Bottany Bay. We consider them not as Crimes but as Patriotism, Merit, Virtue & Honour. Will this last long? I expect they will excite Insurrections which must be Suppressed at the Expense of the People.

The Multitude are always the Instruments of their own Servitude. I wish I could warn them or guard them against it: but they will not be warned nor guarded. They will consider the Man who attempts it as their Ennemy. They will be flattered, they will be decieved.

I hope We shall rise in three Weeks.3 I am dear Sir / Your faithful Friend and humble Sert.