I have had the Pleasure of recg your Letter of the   1 Day of August last.

Whether the United States will be more or less happy than other nations God only knows; I am inclined to think they will be, because to me there appears to be ^in my opinion^ more Light & Knowledge ^are^ diffused thro the Mass of the People of this Country than of any other. The Revolution in France certainly promises much, and I sincerely wish it may perform what it promises— Your The general Expectations of its Influence on other Kingdoms seem to me ^to me^ to be rather Sanguine— there are ^many^ nations in Europe not ^yet^ ripe for Liberty, and thoug I suspect ^fear^ that ^even^ France has some lessons to learn & ^perhaps^ to pay for on the subject of free Governmt.—

It gives me Pleasure to be informed by you that “all memory of hostilities is abated in your country towards america” There is Reason therefore to hope that all Questions between them will be settled liberally & satisfactorily— When [the united States?] that takes place the present ^remaining^ Causes of Diffidence & Distrust will be removed ^cease^, and for my part I can perceive ^discern^ no ^rational^ Ground for future ones—

The Hint conveyed in your postscript perfectly corresponds with my Sentiments, as respecting ^as to^ the propriety of the measure in Question ^you recommend^; but I confess to you very frankly that ^however proper in general,^ I have Doubt of its Expediency ^in this particular Instance^— Liberal & [benevent?] benevolent actions are alw so far [wise?] & ^always laudable ^^meritorious^^ and in that Sense^ proper; but their Expediency is questionable whenever Circumstances render them ^afford popular & plausible Reasons for^ imputing ^them^ to other & less worthy motives— [For my own [illegible] part—?] the Recovery of the King gives me real Pleasure, both on his own account, & on account of the ^his^ nation; and If there was no Danger that the Congratulations of the U. S. on the occasion wd. ^by too many & too publickly^ be considered as resulting from ^be ascribed rather more to^ interested rather ^rather^ than generous Considerations, my Feelings as a man and as an American wd. [be gratified?] by ^prompt me to^ promotinge the Measure—

I am persuaded that you wish Prosperity to my Country & [illegible] [me?]— your friendly attentions to me when in England are & will remain fresh in my Memory, and it I shall always be happy in opportunities of evincing the Esteem & attachmt. with wh I am Dr. Sr. Your affectte. & hble Servt: