The inclosed Pamphlet and Papers I have received this Week from the Author, with his request to transmit them to you. I have before transmitted in the Course of this Winter, another Packet from the Same Writer; but have as yet no answer from you: so that I am uncertain whether you have recd it—1

Mr Jays Treaty with Britain is not yet arrived at the Secretary of States office; though there is some reason to Suppose it is arrived at New york.2

you will see by the Changes in the Executive Departments that the Feelings of officers are in a Way to introduce Rotations enough, which are not contemplated by the Constitution.3 Those Republicans who delight in Rotations will be gratified in all Probability, till all the ablest Men in the Nation are voted out. To me those Things indicate something to be amiss somewhere. If Public offices are to be made Punishments, will a People be well served? Not long I trow.

I am sir with great Regard your / most obedient

The time which has intervened between the receipt of your favor, covering D’Ivernois’ letter, and this answer, needs apology. but this will be found in the state of the case. I had received from him a letter similar to that you inclosed.1 as the adoption of his plan depended on our legislature, and it was then in session, I immediately inclosed it to a member with a request that he would sound well the opinions of the leading members, and if he found them disposed to enter into D’Ivernois’ views, to make the proposition; but otherwise not to hazard it. it is only three days since I have received from him information of his proceedings. he found it could not prevail. the unprepared state of our youths to receive instruction thro’ a foreign language, the expence of the institution, and it’s disproportion to the moderate state of our population, were insuperable objections. I delayed myself the honor of acknoleging the receipt of your letter, till I might be able to give you at the same time the result of the proposition it forwarded. I have explained this to M. D’Ivernois in the inclosed letter, which my distance from any sea-port, & the convenience of your position will I hope excuse my committing to your care.—2 I have found so much tranquility of mind in a total abstraction from every thing political, that it was with some difficulty I could resolve to meddle even in the splendid project of transplanting the academy of Geneva, en masse, to Virginia; and I did it under the usual reserve of sans tirer en consequence. in truth I have so much occupation otherwise that I have not time for taking a part in any thing of a public kind, & I threfore leave such with pleasure to those who are to live longer & enjoy their benefits. tranquility becomes 369 daily more & more the object of my life; and of this I certainly find more in my present pursuits than in those of any other part of my life. I recall however with pleasure the memory of some of the acquaintances I have made in my progress through it, and retain strong wishes for their happiness. I pray you to accept with kindness those which I sincerely entertain for you, & to be assured of the high respect & esteem with which I am Dear sir / Your most obedt. / & most humble sert