Passy, 27 November, 1778.
Mr. Brown is here, and I cannot miss the opportunity by him to write you
a line. I know not how often you receive letters from me, so many are
taken or sunk; but I write as often as I can.
I have received some letters from you, which will occasion your name to
be classed with Mrs. Macaulay and Madame Dacier, for aught I know.
Johnny is very well. Stevens had a fall yesterday, which hurt him a
little, but not very badly. He is in a good way this morning. The things
inclosed, which were a present to me, you will do as you please with.
Europe is the dullest place in the world. No news but the lies which the
emissaries of England are making and spreading in every part. We get no
news from Congress, or any part of America. By hints in some letters
which I have heard of, I expect the first vessel will bring us news of
some new regulations of Congress concerning foreign affairs. It is said
that Congress has determined to have but one commissioner at this Court.
If this is true, as I suppose it is, as it comes from Mr. Deane, I am
uncertain what is to be done with me. It is said that I am to be sent to
some other Court, and that the Dr. is to be here alone. If this should
be the case, I should be puzzled what to do. The motives of Congress are
very good to save expenses, but this motive will not have its effect if
I am to be maintained here in idleness, or sent upon my travels to other
countries, where I shall not be received, which will be the most
painful situation imaginable to me. In this case I should be at a loss
whether to return home immediately or wait until I could write to
Congress and obtain leave. Some of my friends here are of opinion that I
ought not to return without leave. I would not take any step that should
give any just cause of offense to Congress or the people. But I cannot
eat pensions and sinecures. They would stick in my throat. I wish some
honest vessel would arrive and resolve my doubts.