Since the 3 Novr last I have been honored with your Favors of the 19. 22 & 24 September—8. & 27 October. 3 & 7 Novr. 21 & 31 Decr—and 5 Feby last—1 all of which have been laid before Congress; but they have given me no orders respecting the Subjects of them—The State of

The State of my Health was for a long Time such as to oblige me to omit some good Opportunities of writing to You fully—It is not yet perfectly re established; but I am nevertheless so far recovered, as to have Reason to hope that the approaching Season will moderate, if not wholly remove my remaining Complaints—

Since the rising of the late Convention at Philadelpa. Congress has done but little Business, and I apprehend that will continue to be the Case while the Fate of the proposed Constitution remains undecided. You will percieve from the public Papers that it has given occasion to some Heats and Parties in several of the States.—

The late commercial arrangements of France relative to the Country united States, will unwind the tend to render the Connection between them ^between the two Countries^ more intimate—They bear Marks of Wisdom & Liberality and cannot fail of being very acceptable. It is to be regretted that that the mercantile Inte People in France oppose a System which certainly is calculated to bind the two Nations together, and from which both would eventually derive commercial as well as political advantages—

It appears to me that France has not a single Ally ^in Europe^ on which she can fully depend, and it doubtless would be wise in her to endeavor so to blend her Interests with ours that as if possible to render them indissoluble. This ^in my opinion^ can only be done by giving us all the Priviledges of French Men, and accepting in Return all the Priviledges of Americans. If they could bring themselves to adopt this Idea, their Schemes of Policy respecting us would be greatly simplified; but the Spirit of Monopoly and Exclusion so long has prevailed in Europe that too long to be done away at once, and however enlightened the present Age may appear when compared with former ones, yet when^ever^ ancient Prejudices are touched we find that we only ^have^ Light enough to see our Want of more. Toleration in Commerce like Toleration in Religion gains Ground it is true; but I am not sanguine in my Expectations that either will soon take place even in France in their due Extent—I have the Honor to be with great Respect & Esteem Dr. Sir Your most obt. & very hble: Servt.