I had the Honor of writing to you on the 31 ult:1 That Letter was sent to Falmouth in Hopes it would reach Doctr. Edwards before he sailed from Hence for Boston. He went from here on Tuesday last. I enclose a copy—

That Letter mentioned my having presented an official Representation to Lord Grenville on the Subject of Spoliations &ca. to which his Lordship had given me Reason to expect an answer in a Day or two. I have accordingly recd. it,2 and now take the first opportunity which has since offered, of transmitting to you (herewith enclosed) copies of them both.

The footing on which the answer places compensation by Government affords Scope for Delay— much will depend on the good Faith with which the Business may be conducted— the present administration does not appear to me to be hostile to us, but the contrary— as to Lord Grenville it is doing him no more than Justice to say that from the commencement of the Negociation I have observed no change in his Conduct, which has been uniform, candid and conciliating. From hence however no Inferences are to be drawn, that in my opinion an ultimate Settlement, satisfactory to either party, can or will take place. To such a Settlement (speaking in general Terms) I do believe that this Country as well as ours is disposed [but]3 there are real Difficulties, as well as some Prejudices which [stand] in the way.4 I am not without Hopes that such a Settlement will be effected, but am not sanguine in my Expectations; [for] in all accommodations there must be Yieldings, and questions relative to the due Degree and Reciprocity of such Yieldings by one side or the other, may produce great and per[haps] insuperable Obstacles.

It is very desirable that the negociation may not suffer from useless and improper asperities, of any kind, on either Side [and] that the conduct of our fellow citizens may constantly har[monize] with that of their Government— By wisdom and moderation endeavouring to preserve and cultivate peace and Friend[ship] and yet preparing to meet hostile Events with Compos[ure] Firmness and Vigour—5 I have the Honor to be with great Respect Sir Your most obedt. & h’ble. [Servt.]