I am greatly obliged by yr. kind Letter of the 16 of this month; and your friendly Invitation to my Son to pass some time with you at yr. Seat.1

It is a Maxim with me my dr. Sir, that young Folks should be employed, and in such a regular Manner, as that they may have something to do every Day at fixed Hours— Early Habits of order and Punctuality you know, have an Influence on a Man’s Conduct thru’ Life. I have communicated to him your Letter to him, and he is much gratified by the Attention with which you honor him. He shall not be disappointed in his wishes to accompany me, as soon as a Season of Liesure may arrive, and put it in my power to make you a Visit.

It certainly is very desireable that peace and Harmony may subsist between great Britain and America; but what the Issue of the Negociation may be, cannot be known untill it shall be finished. Conjectures may prove ill founded & mislead— it is not adviseable therefore to hazard them— with the best Wishes for the Health & Happiness of Mrs. Bayard yourself & Family I am Dr. Sr. yr. most obt. & hble Servt