As I presume you are now at Philadelphia, and I have an opportunity of writing by a private hand, I take the liberty to trouble you with a line, to thank you for the attention you paid to my friends for whom I gave letters of recommendation to you when I was in England, and to beg your acceptance of a few of my publications, which Mr Dobson will have directions to deliver to you. 1 In them you will see my reasons for leaving England, and I hope you will approve of them.

You will see that I do not come hither from choice, and that I only wish to be quiet, and pursue my studies without interruption, with the few advantages that I can expect in this country. I came to this place with a view to a large settlement in which my son was concerned. But being come hither, and having, at a great risk and expence, brought my library and Apparatus hither, tho that scheme has failed, I cannot remove any more. I like this part of the country as well as, I believe, I should any other, and indeed living in any of your large towns would be more expensive than I could afford. One of the greatest inconveniences I find here is the want of an easy communication with Philadelphia, which I hope will be remedied in time.

At one time I was apprehensive that I should find more 327 disturbance here than I left in England; but I now hope that in consequence of the seasonable and vigorous exertions of governent every thing will be quiet. Such was the spirit of this place, or rather of the lower class of people, that my baker refused to supply me with bread because I was understood to be against the erection of the liberty pole in this town, tho I have made it a rule to take no part whatever in the politics of a country in which I am a stranger, and in which I only wish to live undisturbed as such.

It is possible that in the Spring I may take a journey, and get as far as Boston. If so, I shall be happy to wait upon you at your own house. In the mean time, I am, with the greatest respect, / Dear Sir, / yours sincerely

I have not been able to give the papers herewith enclosed, more than a hasty reading;—returning them, without delay, that you may offer the perusal of them to whomsoever you shall think proper.—1

The picture drawn in them, of the Genevese, is realy interesting & affecting.— The proposition of transplanting the members, entire, of the University of that place, to America, with the requisition of means to establish the same,—and to be accompanied by a considerable emigration, is important;—requiring more time consideration, than under the circumstances of the moment, I am able to bestow on it.—

That a national University in this country is a thing to be desired, has always been my decided opinion;—and the appropriation of ground, and funds for it, in the federal City, have long been contemplated, & talked of;—but how far matured;—or how far the transplanting of an entire Seminary of foreigners, who may not understand our language, can be assimilated therewith is more than I am prepared to give an opinion upon.— or indeed, how far funds in either case, are attainable.—

My opinion with respect to emigration is, that except of useful 328 Mechanic’s—and some particular descriptions of men—or professions—there is no need of extra-encouragement:—while the policy, or advantage of its taking place in a body (I mean the settling of them in a body) may be much questioned;—for by so doing they retain the language, habits & principles (good or bad) which they bring with them;—whereas, by an intermixture with our people, they, or their descendants, get assimilated to our customs, manners and laws:—in a word, soon become one people.—

I shall, at any leisure hour, after the Session is fairly opened, have pleasure in a full and free conversation with you on this subject, being with much esteem & regard / Dear Sir / Your Obedt. Servt