PARIS, October 9, 1787.
Persuaded, Madam, that visits at this moment must be troublesome, I beg
you to accept my adieus in this form. Be assured, that no one mingles
with them more regret at separating from you. I will ask your
permission to enquire of you by letter sometimes, how our country
agrees with your health and your expectations, and will hope to hear it
from yourself. The imitation of European manners, which you will find
in our towns, will, I fear, be little pleasing. I beseech you to
practice still your own, which will furnish them a model of what is
perfect. Should you be singular, it will be by excellence, and after
awhile you will see the effect of your example.
Heaven bless you, Madam, and guard you under all circumstances; give
you smooth waters, gentle breezes, and clear skies, hushing all its
elements into peace, and leading with its own hand the favored bark,
till it shall have safely landed its precious charge on the shores of
our new world.