[dateline] Paris Hotel de Valois Ruë de Richelieu May 5. 1780
[salute] Sir
A Gentleman in London,
1 who corresponds with you sometimes, writes me, 28 April that he had, a few days before
Sent to your Care, a Box marked
A, containing a few Pamphlets and Newspapers, for me, with a desire that you would
forward it on to me in the manner you should think Safest, and that you would hereafter
attend to any other Parcell that he may send in the Same Way.
I am not well acquainted with the Usages and Regulations in France, or in Ostend which
may obstruct or embarrass this Channell of Communication. But in the first Place I
shall order nothing of a religious or irreligious nature, which might allarm the Church,
or militate against any Regulations which there may be against irreligious or heretical
Writings. They will be merely Newspapers and Pamphlets relating to the present State
of public Affairs, and the Course and Tendency of the present War.
I should esteem it as a favour, sir, if you would inform me, what is the best Channel
of Conveyance from you to me, and in Case I should have any Papers or Pamphlets to
send to the same Gentleman in London from me to you—and whether there is any thing
for me to do, or to pay, and what it may be to facilitate a Communication of this
Nature. I should be glad also to know, by what Conveyance you sent the Packet marked
A, and when I may expect it. I am, sir, with Respect, your most obedient servant