When major l’enfant leaves Europe a second time to go to america,1 I cannot help troubling your excellency with a few lines. the further I find myself from the time I had the happiness of seeing you, the more also I feel a desire to tell you how much I am attached to you. I think, moreover, my dear general, that being retired for the future to mount vernon, and your modesty making you fear to look back upon what is vast, and which must appear to your eyes with all that bright glory with which you have covered your self, your mind may give it self up intirely to sentiments of friendship, and I flatter my self, you will then indulge me to retain the privileges you have granted me a right to. perhaps when this letter reaches you, it may find you sitting under the shade of those trees you have planted, surveying with delight the magnificent view of patomack. Why cannot I partake of your leisure, as I have done with toils, and enjoy the company of the immortal Washington, who after having saved a whole nation, is contented with making the happiness of a few individuals? I have the honor to be dear general your most humble and obedient servant