It is with real mortification & regret that I observe the Date of your last letter:—1 You will think that I have made a most extravagant use of the Privilege which the ancient Law gave to new married men— when I tell you that it was written on the 6th. June 1800— it reached me about the time that I threw off the rusty character of Batchelor & in the Bustle of such an Event it was mislaid & has lain to this time—2 I trust you will admit this excuse lame as it is, and not believe me capable of meditated neglect towards one whose character I so highly respect, & whose personal Friendship for me has led to so much prosperity.

You will have heard before this arrives of the conclusion of Preliminaries of Peace between G Britain & France:— since the 1st. of the Month, Peace has been proclaimed in Paris with all the different Powers—Portugal Russia, Turkey &c.—and on the 9th. of next Month a grand Fete is to celebrate the restoration of universal Peace:—3 a Blessing which in the Eyes of Frenchmen, must be indeed inestimable, after such a Struggle:—to judge of the Opinions of Men, by the demonstrations of Joy, in Illuminations &c &c I should say that the British Nation never more cordially Rejoiced in any Event— The Pressure of Taxes & Scarcity had become almost insupportable and a much longer continuance of the Contest might have brought on the very evil, which it was undertaken to prevent. I hope that the Struggle between these two great & active Nations, will be for years, which shall carry the Arts of Peace to the highest degree of perfection: by such a Warfare, not only the rival Nations but the World will be benefitted.

I hope this great Event will have a happy effect in the U.S. by extinguishing the flame of political discord.— The fuel being withdrawn, I trust our foolish heat will subside. We shall now have liesure to see what are the real advantages which France has obtained in this mighty contest: & to compare her Constitution with our own— & We too I hope, like the late combatants shall only strive who shall most advance the interest & Honour of our Country by the pursuit of Peace.

Our misunderstandings with this Country have been brought very near to a final & Satisfactory adjustment which I presume has not been completed on account of the pressure of more important affairs— I hope soon to see the good work finally & honorably completed.

During some months Mr. and Mrs. Gore4 have been upon the continent. I am constantly employed in endeavoring to regain the ground which I have lost in my profession, to which I mean to return as soon as the Commission shall expire, & leave me free.

I have never met with Doctor Robertson,5 whom you mention, if I had, I should have executed your commands. With the greatest Respect & Esteem I am Dear Sir Your Obliged & faithful servt.