From the Day of my appointment to this mission, my Attention has been much withdrawn from my friends, and confined to the Business which brought me here; & which has at last been terminated 335 by a Treaty. In future I shall have more Leisure to attend to my friends, and to my own affairs—

Both your Sons arrived here in good Health— I wrote to my friend John lately, but as yet have not had a Letter from him— I ascribe this to his Prudence—1 In such Times and under such Circumstances much ought not to be written— Holland is in a sadway—

It may seem extraordinary, but the fact appears to me to be, that this nation has never been more united in any War than in this. circumstances may press them to listen to Propositions of Peace, but not without Reluctance. If the War should continue, I think we may easily avoid being involved in it—

I write in too much haste to make this Letter interesting, by Remarks on the Treaty— they might be entertaining, but to You not necessary—

with sincere Esteem and Regard / I am Dear Sir / Your Friend & hble Servt

I am extremely unwilling, that the department of state should become the vehicle of letters to congress, the contents of which may be improper, and the authors of which perhaps ought to have addressed themselves to the executive, rather than the legislature. Inclosed are two sealed letters, which have been forwarded to the President.1 He cannot open them, because they are addressed to the members of congress; nor ought they, at a hazard, to be transmitted thro’ him. Be so good, as to favor me with your opinion, what shall be done with them; and to believe me to be / with great respect and esteem / Dear sir / yr. mo. ob. serv.