I was upon the point of closing the packet which affords a cover to this letter, when the Baron de Steuben arrived & put your obliging favor of the 17th Into my hands. I read it with much pleasure & gratitude, and beg you to accept my sincere thanks for the trouble you have taken to communicate the several matters therein mentioned; many parts of which, till then, were altogether new to me.

Your Excellency will very highly honor & oblige me by a continuance of the friendly and confidential corrispondence you have begun—and you may rest assured, Sir, that every communication which is marked private, shall remain an inviolable secret with me.

As the bearer (in the Clothing department) is waiting, I have not time to enlarge—I could not however suffer him to depart without acknowledgment of your Letter—& testimony of my respect. With Mrs Washington’s Compliments united with mine to Mrs, Miss Boudinot & yourself. I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem & regard Dr Sir Yr Most Obt & Affecte Serv