My dearest Friend

The negotiation of a Treaty of Commerce with G.B. will detain me in Europe at least till next Spring. Perhaps longer. If this Letter arrives in Season that you can come this fall, to L'Orient, Amsterdam, or London, I will hasten to receive you as soon as I hear of your arrival. Bring your Daughter, a Man & Maid Servant. Leave the Boys at their School and the Farm in the Care of your Uncle Quincy, Dr. Tufts, your Father, Mr. Cranch or other good Friends.

It will be attended how ever with Difficulties, and all is yet unsettled in Congress So that we shall probably have to go home together next Spring. I must leave if therefore to the advice of your Friends and your own Judgement to embark this fall or stay till Spring.

If affairs should require my stay another summer in Europe I shall insist upon your coming at least in the Spring.