I do not apologize altho’ an entire stranger to you for addressing you with the utmost simplicity & freedom.

Just arrived from England I am about to proceed through the United States in search of a healthy & pleasant spot, whereupon I may pursue Agriculture and enjoy the pleasures of domestic life, free’d from those anxieties that were once confined to commercial speculations but now unfortunately invade every rural retreat in England.

I reserve to myself the pleasure of presenting to1 you two letters, one from my good friend Lasteyrie (of Paris) & the other from La Fayette which they kindly sent me from france for the purpose of introducing me to you.

I am free to confess, that feeling myself rather perplexed to know what course exactly to pursue I am anxious for the assistance of your advice before I set out on my intended tour.

Trusting to your kindness to plead a sufficien[t] excuse for this hasty & abrupt communication permit me to subscribe myself, with the greatest