My Dearest Friend

I am as much of a Solitudinarian as Frederick the Conqueror. He was constantly Saying at sixty Je Suis vieux, cass Suranne &c. &c. &c. I may Say the Same and have the honor to resemble him in this particular: But I shall never imitate his Idolatry for Voltaire. His Materialism appears to me very Superficial. He insists upon being all matter, without knowing what matter is.

The Monades, the Etres simples, the Atoms, the Molecules organniques, all these Groupes and Factions are as nonsencical as the Occult qualities. Human knowledge cannot penetrate so deep. I was profoundly learned in all that Jargon at twenty Years of Age. But found it all  [illegible]  Useless; and renounced it, for Fee simple and Fee tail.

Thomas is my Delight, and I know not how to resign him: but as I know you will not be quite well till you see him, I shall consent to his going next Week.