I have been honour’d with your Letter.1 If what you desire depended on myself, I should be happy in the opportunity of doing Justice to a worthy Man, & at the same time shewing my respect for your Publick & Private Character. I have done every thing in my power by leaving your Letter with Lord Sydney, & recommending the contents of it to him in nearly the above Terms—His Lordship assur’d me that it should be done, but I know enough of the Delays of Office, where things pass thro’ different Departments not to be surpriz’d if it should meet with some delay, tho’ I am perfectly sure of Lord Sydney’s Sincerity.2

I have great pleasure in telling you, that the new Principles regarding both Trade and Finance are making an evident Progress among the Publick.3 It must be expected that they will meet with some Interruption from the Influence of Old Prejudice and the activity of present Parties—But I have no doubt of their overcoming both, if they are not precipitated, or too rigorously push’d in every Instance.

I am anxious to hear that the Government of the United States has taken a solid consistence upon those wise and comprehensive Foundations, which you stated to me—I shall always look upon this Country as deeply Interested in whatever regards your Prosperity and Reputation and above all your Interior Tranquillity. I am with particular Esteem and Regard Sir Your Faithfull & most Obedt. Servant