In this vessel, went also the two Mr. Fitzhughs of Virginia,
with the Prussian treaty, our papers relative to the Barbary States,
with the despatches for Congress, and letters which I had been writing
to other persons in America for six weeks preceding their departure. I
am obliged to you for the information as to Dr. Franklin's health, in
which I feel a great interest. I concur in opinion with you, that in the
present factious division of your State, an angel from heaven could do
no good. I have been sorry, therefore, from the beginning, to see such
time as Dr. Franklin's wasted on so hopeless a business. You have formed
a just opinion of Monroe. He is a man whose soul might be turned wrong
side outwards, without discovering a blemish to the world. I wish with
all my heart, Congress may call you into the diplomatic line, as that
seems to have attracted your own desires. It is not one in which you
can do any thing more, than pass the present hour agreeably, without any
prospect to future provision. Perhaps the arrangements with Portugal,
by adding to the number of those appointments, may give Congress
an opportunity of doing justice to your own, and to Dr.
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