Sir, 

Accept my cordial congratulation on your release from purgatory and safe arrival at Nantes¹ I however wish you had favoured me with the News of the Continent, an account of the good Situation of our Fleet and Army would have given me much Satisfaction—Our affairs have gone swimmingly in Europe, I had the Honor of first seeing the independence of Freedoms Flag recognized by the Flag of France in the Bay of Quiberon last February and it is with much Pleasure that I can assure you that it is highly respected by all at Brest—

I am sorry that you did not come here in preference to Nantes—knowing as I do the difference of the places. I wish the Boston were here also as perhaps such Arrangements will shortly take place as may leave openings for the promotion of Officers of good abilities² besides if you will please to call on my friend John Ross Esq^r: at Nantes you will see in his hands an account of my late expedition and one reason for my wishing to see a Sufficient number of Officers here to form a Court—³

You have been very unkind in not telling me a word about our agreable Widow or my little affair of the Heart at Providence⁴ pray how did you leave all friends there for tho’ in a strange Land I have frequently breathed a wish⁵ for their Happiness—I hope M^rs: Whipple & M^rs: Hopkins are well What became of the Warren? Was there any Account from the Raleigh and Alfred what was done respecting my friend McNeill,⁶ what respecting my friend the Commander in chief⁷ what respecting Commodore Manly⁸ How do the new Ships go on and how many and of what force are there on the Stocks? All these and a thousand other Questions are daily asked of me here and you must furnish me with the means of answering them⁹

There will be frequent Opportunitys for America from Nantes Bourdeaux L’Orient and Morlaix &^c: I know of none at present and Brest you know is not a Trading City, When I hear of any I will inform you—my Compliments to your Officers I bid you and them a hearty welcome to France and I am [&c.]