I have been favored with yours of the 12 Feby Containing a Copy of one of 16 Octr. last,1 for which accept my cordial Thanks.

Your The Observations res in France respecting my appt. ^a certain Event^ coincide exactly with what I expected on that Subject Indeed the many interesting Remarks spread thro’ your Letter appear to me to have Weight.

Our last accounts give us Reason to suppose there will be no War between the Emperor & the Dutch: so that the continuance of a general Peace begins again to appear probable.

Our Frontier posts still have british Garrisons, & we are impatient to hear why they are not evacuated—Mr Adams I suppose is by this Time in London—his Letters on will remove our Suspence on that Head.

The Affrican States have alarmed us, but we ex hope Peace with them may be obtained. Your attention to that Subject is commendable, and you may do good by Communicating the Result of your Inquiries to Mr Adams—

Our affairs are settling by Degrees into order—If Power be given to Congress to regulate Trade & provide for the payment of their Debts all will be well—Difficulties on those points still exist, but fœderal Ideas daily gain Ground. The People of Boston resent british Restrictions & and If the same Spirit should become general it will probably influence the States to enable Congress to retaliate, and extend their powers accordingly—

The Empress of China has made a fortunate voyage and it is said Many are preparing to embark in that Commerce—The Spirit of Enterprize and Adventure runs high in our young Country, and if properly directed by a vigorous & wise fœderal Government who would produce great Effects—2

A Rage for emigrating to the Western Country prevails, and thousands have already fixed there Habitations in that Wilderness—The ^continental^ Land Office is opened and the Seeds of a great People are daily planting beyond the Mountains—If [illegible].

Mrs. Jay desires me to assure you of her Regard Make our best Compts. to Mrs. Bingham and believe me to be Dr Sir with great Esteem & Regard your aff most obt. Servt