The present arrangements of our post office put out of our power the answering our Northern letters under a week. your favor of the 10th has been that time in my hands, and this circumstance must account for the delay of my answer. I left Europe in 1789, the French revolution being then begun. in it’s course, it swept off the far greater part of my friends, these and a lapse of 26. years has withdrawn the rest from life by it’s ordinary occurrences. my present correspondence in France is with authors and men in the literary line, whose persons are unknown to me mostly, and whose pursuits would render them of little use to the young friend on whose behalf you ask letters of introduction from me. under this incapacity of serving him as I would, I inclose for him a letter to mr Gallat[in,] who can supply fully my deficiencies, and who, I am sure, will [do so.?]

Presuming that Mrs Bonaparte has left the co[ntine]nt, I take the liberty of putting under cover to you a letter for her, as I expect you will best know where and thro’ what channel it will be most likely to find her. I sincerely reciprocate your congratulations on the return of peace, the more welcome after the specimen we gave them at Orleans of the enemy they will have to contend with if their future aggressions should again bring us into collision. Your friends at Warren, Carrsbrook & Monticello are all well. all feel the dreadful void which has been made among us by the late loss of our friend P. Carr. after those of his own house no one feels more indelible affliction from it than myself. I salute you, my dear Sir, with sincere esteem and respect.

Th: Jefferson