This will be delivered to you by Mr. Houdon, the Statuary of Paris who was agreed with by Mr Jefferson and my self, at the Request of the Government of Virginia, to come over & take the Bust of General Washington, in order to make his Statue for that State.1 He has made the Bust, which is much admired by the Connoisseurs here, and will show it to you. He goes to New York, partly with a View to return to France in the Pacquet, and partly to learn whether the Congress will think fit to employ him in the Equestrian Statue long since voted. He is of the first Reputation in his Profession, and has a great Share of the Ambition I admire in an Artist, that of working as much for Fame as for Profit. I am of Opinion no one can execute the Work better, and if to be done in Bronze no one can do it cheaper, as he possesses all the expensive Apparatus for Casting, that was made for the Statue you remember of Louis XV ^plac’d^ in the Square of the same Name. I beg leave to recommend him to your Civilities, Countenance & good Offices, which you will find well bestow’d on a Stranger of Merit, not only as an ingenious, but as a good Man. With great Esteem and Respect, I am, Sir, Your most obedient & most humble Servant,