I had this afternoon the pleasure of recieving your favor of the 18 Inst.—1 Mrs. Jay joins with me in sincerely congratulating you & your amiable Family on your arrival in this Country— May your Expectations of Happiness in it be perfectly realized. The Reasons which have determined you to settle on the Kennebeck, I can easily concieve are cogent; but I flatter myself you will sometimes find Leisure for Excursions this way—

I presume that our political Sentiments do not differ essentially— To me it appears important that the american Governmt. be preserved as it is, untill mature Experience shall plainly point out very useful amendmts. to our Constitution—that we steadily repel all foreign Influence and Interference; and with good faith and Liberality treat all Nations as Friends in peace, and as Enemies in War—neither meddling with their affairs, nor permitting them to meddle in ours— These are the primary objects of my Policy— The secondary ones are more numerous—such as—To be always prepared for War— to cultivate Peace—To promote Religion, industry, Tranquility, and useful Knowledge; and to secure to all the quiet Enjoymt. of their Rights, by wise and equal Laws irresistably executed. I do not expect that mankind will, before the millenium, be what they ought to be, and therefore in my opinion every political theory which does not regard them as being what they are, will probably prove delusive.—

It will give me pleasure to recieve the publication2 you mention—being from your Pen it will I am persuaded be interesting— Be pleased to present our best Compts. to Mrs Vaughan and your Sister— I am, Dr. Sir your affecte. & hble Servt