been successful beyond my expectations, yet I have but been
laboring principally to set certain great wheels in motion, which
still want something more decisive on my part, and I am confident of
all that is wanting to set them so effectually moving, as to roll the
burthen and calamities of war from our doors back with aggravated ruin
on its authors, which, if I can be the means of effecting, the world
may bestow the rest of its honors on whom it pleases; I shall be
contented, the extent of my most ambitious hopes thus accomplished.

I have now to urge a survey with respect to the contents of this
letter; more that is said in Congress transpires and crosses the
Atlantic, than you conceive of; more than I can account for, without
having uncharitable thoughts of individuals, still without fixing them
on any one. I have written a short letter to Mr Jay on common affairs,
and have enclosed one to Mons. Longueville, which I pray may be
forwarded; the letter is from his friends here, who have heard of his
being a prisoner somewhere in America. M. Dubourg has continued to
render me every assistance in his power; to be particular would swell
this letter beyond all bounds; his abilities and connexions are of the
first style in this kingdom, and his zeal for the cause of the United
Colonies is to be described only by saying, that at times it is in
danger of urging him beyond both; in short, I am every way deeply
indebted to him, personally for bringing me acquainted with agreeable
persons of rank and character, and on account of my honored
constituents, for assisting me to make such a favorable beginning and
progress in my business. I know not how affluent he may be, but as he
has really for some time devoted himself to assist in this
negotiation, I am confident something honorable will be thought of for
him. I have complimented him by asking of him his portrait to be sent
to his and my friends in America, in my private capacity, mentioning
our mutual friend Dr Franklin. This I found so agreeable, that I am
confident some such distinction would be more acceptable than more
lucrative rewards. Dr B. took pains to collect all the political
publications of the last year for me and brought them with him; he was
at considerable expense in his journey; I sent him from Bordeaux a
bill of L30, and paid his expenses in my lodgings here; at parting I
desired him to keep an account, and when the money was expended to
inform me. This gentlema