Altho our correspondance has ceased for some time, and probably occasioned by incidents, not in our power to command, yet my affection and esteem for you have ^not^ suffered not the least diminution, nor has my gratitude abated for your generous intervention in the day of my distress when It was criminal in the eyes of a misguided multitude to be my friend—1

The provisional treaty with Britain affords perfect satisfaction, to the informed, to those whose passions do not lead their Judgement, and to the honest. There are however fools and knaves who condemn the sixth article, who think the fifth too favorable for the tories, and who fault the line of boundary.2 The former characters however, a circumstance not very common, lead a vast majority—

Peace my Dear Sir was become indispensibly necessary, an unaccountable Inattention to the public weal prevailed, an injurious Jealousy of the power of Congress had more or less pervaded every state, public confidence had sunk, with public credit, and a train of absurd and despicable politics was pursuing, which must inevitably have ended in our ruin, had not the conduct of the enemy been equally ridiculous, and unaccountably pussilanimous.

The greater part of our Army is disbanded, they are returned to their different states, exclaiming at the ingratitude of their fellow citizens, indeed they have too, too much reason.3

Mr. Carter my son in law, will have the honor of delivering you this, he and Colo: Wadsworth have furnished the supplies for the french army, and have acquitted themselves with great propriety, and to the entire satisfaction of the french commander and chief, and the other officers, they go to sollicit a discharge of the bills which have been drawn in their favor. It is probable that by your intervention their business may be much expedited, will You permit me to intreat Your Attention to them & ^to^ their concerns.—4

Since you left America two of my daughters have married, Colo: Hamilton has Betsy and Mr. Stephen Van Renselaer has Peggy.5

My health is so much impaired, that It is become absolutely necessary, in order to pass the remainder of my days with tolerable satisfaction, that I should retire from public life, and retreat to my Saratoga hobby-horse, where I hope some day to have the pleasure of embracing You, unless you should consent to remain in Europe.6

please to make my best respects acceptable to Your Lady. I am Dear Sir with great truth And Sincerety Your Excellency’s Affectionate & Obedient Servant