I have the honour of your Letter of the twenty ninth of April, and will look up the Papers You mention as soon as possible, but I have been removing so often, that at this moment I know not where to lay my hand on them.

I am very sorry to learn that You are to be excluded longer from the Regency, where the Abilities and good Principles of the Baron Van der Capellan could not fail to be eminently useful to the Cause of his Country and of all good Men: and I hope that the Obstacles will be removed sooner than You imagine.

The political World furnishes much Vexation and little Satisfaction to a Man of Probity and Delicacy, and nothing but a strong Sense of Duty, and an ardent Philanthropy can ever prevail with such a Character, to endure the Mortification he meets at every Step of his progress, in stemming the Torrents of Corruption, which roll every where. But to such a Man, the Reflection that some Evils have been 322warded off, and some Advantages obtained, will be a Consolation under many disappointments and humiliations. I should be happy in the Continuance of your Friendship, being with much Esteem and Respect, Sir, your most obedient Servant.

I have received two Letters from you, one covering a Letter from Leghorn.1

In the English Copy of the Memorial, there are several Errors of the Press, and one which is very material. The Word Treaties with France and Spain, instead of the Word Relations.2

Please give my Compliments to Mr. Manson the Redacteur of the Courier du Bas Rhin, for the Honour he has done to this Memorial in giving an Additional Sheet to his subscribers, for the Sake of it, and for the respectfull Manner in which he mentions it.

It has been very well received here. But whether it will ever have any other Effect than a little applause in Words I know not. One Thing I know, if it is disregarded, the Posterity of this People, will wish that their Ancestors had laid it more to heart, for it is no rash opinion that not only the Prosperity but the Existence of this Republick depends upon an early Connection with America.

This will be thought extravagant, by that national Pride and self Sufficiency, which is common to all, but those who have reflected upon the Combination of Causes and Effects in the political and commercial World, and who have looked forward to see how these must operate in Futurity, will easily see, that this Republick will be totally overshadowed and exhausted, on both Sides, that of France as well as that of England, if she does not by forming an early Connection with America, turn a share of its Commerce into this Channel. After a Peace with England it will not be in the Power of Policy to affect it. Now it might be easily done—by a Treaty and a Loan. I have the Honour to be &c.