As I conjectured so it happen’d that your esteem’d Favr. of the 21st. past made a visit to Williamsburg & found me on it’s return, your next I suppose is now on the same route, as it is not yet come to hand.

I beleive Count D’Estang amongst the beneficial things he has done for America in General, has effected a most important purpose for Virginia, in stopping a larger embarkation from York to pay us a Visit; we have not yet heard of his final success to the Southward,1 a loose report is circulating that the enemy are endeavouring to steal a March by land to St. Augustine, It is however very loose.

The Committees in Philadelphia never appeared to me to be upon stable ground, nor can any thing of the sort produce public good which owes it’s rise to the Spirit of party, besides the objection to having an undirected, uncontrollable power acting within a state where regular Government is established. If regulations of prices are thought necessary and that they are not judged proper Subjects for direct laws, the only Secondary method seems to be an association to abide by the Regulations of a Committee & a law authorising the Committee to enforce the Articles of Association, the proceeding would then be legal & the Committee limited to some rule of determination: Tho’ after all the policy of regulations will remain insufferable & experience only produce a derision.

I congratulate you, Sir, upon your appointment to represent the American States at the Court of Madrid, the just testimony of that confidence which the Honorable body you have presided over, have in your Abilities & Integrity. May health, Success & every Felicity accompany you; but whilst I am sensible of the advantages we shall reap from your eminent Services there, I have my Fears that they will be miss’d importantly, where you now are, and that the Spirit of party, almost laid to sleep, will revive upon your absence. I cordially wish you may be able to heal the new made breach between Spain & Britain, since France appears disposed to Peace & I am mistaken if the Court of London are not ready to make Up with us, if nothing respecting our Allies hinders it; Indeed we want an honorable peace, but I hope there lives not a wretch who wishes it upon terms of dishonor & Ingratitude to Our noble Allies. I am Sr. wth. unfeign’d regard Yr. mo. Obliged & Obt. Servt.