My dear Sir,

I promised myself the pleasure of seeing you in France before this time. A War is kindling up in Europe—with which I am afraid America will be but too nearly connected and too much involved.—I anticipate this connection with real pain at a time when America is in fact Independent; for our Enemies have no more Troops to send out and those now in America must soon be swallowed up.— Since no power in Europe hath fought our Battles I can see no reason why we should fight theirs.

For the particulars of my peregrenations since I left Portsmouth I must refer you to Captain Parke who returns to Boston in the Frigate Deane.—I have sent in a Box to Gen^l Whipple¹ 2 P^r. Satin Slippers for your young Ladies of which I beg their Acceptance,—when I am to return from Europe to Boston I will hope to procure some more worthy of their Acceptance—for the present tho' bespoke, are not at all to my liking. My best Compliments and wishes await M^rs. M^c.Niell and the Family, and I am with Sentiments of real Esteem [&c.]