I have had the pleasure of recieving the Letter, which your Lordship did me the Honor to write Yesterday; enclosing a copy of one that you had written to Mr. Hammond—1 marks of confidence from those who merit it, are grateful to the human mind— they give occasion to Inferences, which by soothing self Love, produce agreable Emotions.

Being aware that our mutual Efforts to restore good Humour & good will between our two Countries, should be continued beyond the Date of the Treaty; I am happy that our Sentiments in this Respect coincide—

The Letters I have written to America, with the two Copies of the Treaty, which are already dispatched; leave me little to add on the Subject of your Lordship’s Letter. They are indeed concise: for I had not Time to amplify. They will be followed by others less general, and more pointed. There are men among us to whom those Ideas will be familiar, and who will not omit to disseminate them. Their opinions and Example will have Influence; but it will be progressive, not sudden and general. The Storm I hope & believe will soon cease, but the Agitation of the Waters will naturally take some Time to subside— no man can with Effect say to them, [“]Peace be still[”]2 By casting oil upon them, they will doubtless be the sooner calmed— Let us do so—

I have a good opinion of M’. Hammond— nay more, I really wish him well— The asperities however which have taken place, lead me to apprehend,3 that official Darts have frequently pierced thro’ the official characters, and wounded the men. Hence I cannot forbear wishing that Mr Hammond had a better place; and that a Person well adapted to the existing State of Things ^was^ sent to succeed him.4 I make this Remark on the most mature Reflection, and found it on those active Principles in human Nature which, however they may be repressed, cannot easily be rendered dormant, except in Cases of greater magnanimity than Prudence will usually allow us to calculate upon.

It is not without Reluctance that I give this Remark a Place in this Letter— I class Mr. Hammond among those who I think are friendly to me— I have experienced his Attentions and Hospitality— not an unkind Idea passes in my mind respecting him— public and common Good is my object & my motive.—

That official Letters and Documents have been prematurely & improperly published in america is evident. I have not been sparing of animadversions on this Head, and flatter myself that more circumspection in future will be used—

The Consuls and other public officers and agents in the two Countries, will have it much in their power (especially in america, from the nature of the Governmt. and State of Society) to promote or to check the Progress of Conciliation & Cordiality. I have but imperfect Knowledge of those now in the United States, except Sir John Temple, whose Conduct and Conversation appeared to me to be conciliatory.5 I have been informed very explicitly that Mr. Hamilton the Consul in Virginia is not esteemed, and that his private Character is far from being estimable— I mention this only as meriting Inquiry—6

There being no french Merchants Ships in the American Seas, the Privateers must either prey on neutral Vessels, or return without Spoil— Hence they become exposed to Temptations not easy for them to resist— The Privateers of two hostile Nations have no Desire to seek and to fight each other— Between mere Birds of Prey there are few Conflicts. If they were recalled, their Crews might be usefully employed in Ships of War or of Commerce.— Pardon the Liberty of these Hints— they occurred to me, and I let my Pen run on—perhaps too far.7

Permit me to assure you my Lord that my8 Endeavours to cultivate amity & good will between our Countries and People, shall continue unremitted; and that they will not cease to be animated by your Lordship’s Cooperation—

To use an Indian Figure—may the Hatchet be henceforth buried forever, and with it all the animosities which sharpened, and which threatened to redden it—9 with the best wishes for your Happiness, and with real Esteem & Regard I am My Lord your Lordships most obt. Servt