Dear & hond Sir.

I have not anything worth troubling the Deputies with by this post, the intention of this is only to inform you that Capt [Seth] Paddock has applied to me to know if he could get a passage in a french Ship to america & to be her pilot on the Coast. I have said nothing of the Count de Vergennes, but if the Deputies think proper it may be of Service to engage him as her pilot.

I hear today that you have had the Gout very bad which I suppose is the Reason that I have not heard from you, I hope it is now over and that I shall soon have the pleasure of a Line.

I am with the greatest Respect Your duti full & affectionate Kinsman