I have been honored with your favor of the 10th announcing the arrival of the Count de Barras to take the command of His Majesty’s Fleet. You judge very rightly in supposing that the term of your command will not be looked upon as mispent—You may be assured, Sir, that America will ever retain the most grateful remembrance of the exertions you have made in her behalf—As to myself, I shall ever be happy in oppertunities of testifying the high sense I entertain of your merit & with how much Esteem. I am yr most obt and very hble Servt.