I was requested if possible to deliver the Letter myself, which I send herewith, but as I am about setting off for Europe, I take the Liberty of sending it thro’ the Channel of the Post Office, it came under cover to me from Baron Vall-Travers F.R.S. & Member of several other Scientific Societies in Europe, as his Letter enclosing the enclosed is dated 15th. Feby. last. it may appear that it has remained some time in my possession, be assured that I have only lately received it, for the Ship in which it came was ran aground on the Goodwin Sands by a Dutch Navigator, who left her to the Mercy of the waves, she was afterwards taken into an English port, & detained a considerable time: I find this is not the first from the learned Author, he says “I am uncertain of the fate of my last letter to his Excellency the Vice President dated Decemr. 8th. by Captain Rose commanding the Ship Maryland & bound for George-Town.”1 It seems the Baron has proposed to send regularly from Europe to America (if encouraged) the most important intelligence concerning new discoveries, Inventions, & Improvements in Arts & Sciences. I have not the least doubt but he would perform any thing he would undertake with the strictest punctuality, for I can safely say he has been a faithful friend of mine, he has been indefatigueable, sparing neither pains nor expence in promoting the investigation of a little work on the Magnetic Variation which I wrote to him about. These my poor endeavours have met with so much more encouragement than they deserve in Europe, that I am advised by some of my best Friends to visit that Quarter, to bring the principles to the test, Having been engaged in making an extensive set of Tables to reduce them to practice without the trouble of measuring angles, or making calculations by the Mariner, on this Account I wish to make a number of observations on the Western coast of Europe. I am now within one day of the appointed time of my departure from this port for 143 London, & as I may also go to France, it would oblige me very much to receive a line of introduction to the Marquis de Condorcet Secretary to the Academy at Paris, or any other person at pleasure there: if sent to the American Minister in London no doubt I may receive it.2 Pardon the freedom I have made use of, as I apprehend such a Letter from a Physician Who has said so much to the purpose on Constitutions, or one from a Doctor who has lived to see the adoption of his own System, may have the greatest weight. Should I be so happy as to receive this favour, it will ever be remember’d by me with Gratitude, as it will give me a double satisfaction for I shall conclude the enclosed from my foreign correspondent has arrived safe.

With the greatest sentiments of respect I hope to be permitted to make an offering of my service and esteem

What a sad lesson against anarchy is indeed my honored & respected friend to be learnt, in the accts fm France! St Bartholemew with all its horrors is again passing in review & sickens & astonishes the eye— I will not repeat the dismal tale you must have it in all its particulars before this can reach you1 And surely every man not devoid of good policy & humanity will join you in deprecating a mad unbalanced democracy— You observed in a late conversation that our new world, bad as it is, exhibited few or no instances of that love of blood shed which stains the conduct of the old world— Thank God it was a just observation. And Altho there are uneasy, discontented, ambitious and wrong headed politicians sufficient to 144 keep us fermenting, a principle of humanity checks their proceedings, and I hope will continue so to do— I am sure Americans will profit by the troubles of France—

Its extraordinary that this State deriving peculiarly, nay almost monopolizing the advantages of the federal government, should say and do so many things against it, yet so it is— The new representation shews how powerful the antis are. They have carried every man on their list. And altho some of these are exceeding good men the election of Finley & Smilie shew their strength. C Thomson and Bingham were pushed for by the federalists but fell, espesially the latter very short—2 Their Electors will some of them be of the same cast, however I have no idea of their chusing a majority against you— With your other friends, I very much regret your absence, it gives your enimies a handle— But I hope sincerely the resolution communicated in confidence will be retracted— It would be presumption in me to suggest an argument on the subject. I cannot help saying however, that you are not merely accountable to yourself in this business, but to your Country, who wants your aid, your experience & your weight to balance her on an ocean by no means calm, & where agitation under another Congress may be violently encreased agitated— & I flatter myself on a cool contemplation of your determination your good judgment will induce you to give it up—

The gentlemen of Senate begin to assemble, Messrs Langdon Brown & Few are here in addition to the residents—Who will be pro tem:? Izard Langdon & Ellsworth & perhaps Johston will be contemplated— Mr Lee has retired under the weight of years & infirm health—3 I exceeding regret your ill health and that of Mrs Adams—4 Mr Jay has had a very severe illness and is far enough from well—5 The war seems to continue between the two great officers.—6 The President is here and with Mrs W seems to be in very good health & Spirits— Clymer has been amongst the Pittsburg Malcontents & was obliged to disguise himself, Claypole copied a lampoon on the subject, Clymer attempted to thrash master Type & got the worst of it—7 So much for Inspector General— I hear Col. Bur declines being a judge & dont thank Mr Clinton for his promotion—8 The Antis are going to drop Bur & run Clinton— Indeed he seems to be a more important competitor— The List is as follows9

I am anxious about your accommodation when you get here, and the more because my house is not large & elegant— For all the purposes of comfort & convenience it is competent and Mrs Otis joins me in a sincere tender of all or such part as may best accommodate you and servants— Our family is small and it will certainly be more agreeable to have my little good wife pour out your coffee than a stranger— I hope you will contemplate this as a serious proposition, & a project that will make us very happy— Mrs O joins me in respects to your Lady & remembrances to all friends—

I have the honor to be / Sir / Your most humble Sert