I wrote to you a few days ago by the post acknowledging your favor of the 10th. of Decr.1 Mr. Maury has since afforded me an opportunity which I cannot omit to acknowledge that of the first of Jany. which has just come to hand, and to express the concern I feel at the account it gives of your ill health. I hope earnestly that this will find it in a better state and that I may soon receive a confirmation of such a favorable change.2 Your explanation of Buffon’s hypothesis has rectified my misconception of it and I forbear as I ought perhaps formerly to have done, making any further remarks on it, at least till I have seen the work itself.3 I forgot to mention to you in my last that I had recd. a letter from Mazzei dated at Richmond, apprising me of a proposed visit to Orange from whence he meant to proceed to Annapolis.4 As I wish in a little time to make an effort to import som[e] law-books, and shall probably hereafter extend the plan to other books, particularly from France, I must beg the favor of you to obtain the name & address of a fit Bookseller both in London & Paris if the means of such information should at any time fall in your way.5 I have committed to Mr. Maury’s care another letter to my worthy friend Mrs. House, which in case he should not proceed to Philada. he will put into your hand.6

I am my dear Sir with the sincerest wishes for the reestablishment of your health and every other happiness, your Obt. friend & servant