My dear Sir,

Just as I was sitting down to write to you, I recd yours by Genl Clinton, but have not as yet had an opportunity of seeing him.

During the very few Moments I was with you at Boston, I expressed my Wish of being able to make known at Philada the Disposition in England towards an Accomodation, upon liberal Terms, and such as were founded in Equity and Candour.

You then concurred with me in thinking that however much those Gentlemen, whose Province is now to think for the Public, might be held up as aiming at a total Seperation, they had as their sole Object such a Reconciliation as would give a constitutional Security to their Children.

In this opinion I think we were not deceived. From all the Conversation I had at Philada with those Gentlemen who allow me, I hope, to rank myself among the Number of their Friends, I have every Reason to think them most seriously disposed towards Reconciliation. From a Conviction of this, I have pressed the setting on Foot a Negotiation, nor am I without Hopes of Success.

Should such an Event take Place it is not impossible but a Deputation from hence may be found expedient, and in that Case a Passport requisite for a Security agt English Cruisers. ー Such a Passport must be left blank for filling up Names, and sent by the same Conveyance that this passes through. It will be needless to caution you against Delay.

My slight Acquaintance with Genl [William] Howe & Admiral Shuldham, will furnish you with an Apology for my not making a more direct Application. I continue my dear Friend Your, &c

Let me guard you agt letting this go to the Public, till we see how far my Hopes are well grounded.