I was very much flattered with the Letter I had the pleasure to receive from your Excellency by the Means of the ingenious Mr de Kempelen’s Arrival in this Country.1 The favourable Opinion you entertain of his talents is alone sufficient to convince me of their Intent & usefullness. I cannot find Words to express the gratitude I feel for the honour of your Remembrance. I shall therefore only beg Leave to assure you that it will be the pride of my Life to have been noticed by one of the most distinguished Characters of the Age & that I shall endeavour upon all occasions to contribute my small mite of admiration to the universal Applause your eminent qualities as a Philosopher & a Politician are so well entitled to. I have the honour to be with great respect, Sir Your Excellency’s Most obedient humble Servant.