Lisbon, Dec.^r 26^th 1799 Dear Sir Your letter which was deli.^d to me by Gov.^r Davie, as it contained some diverting intelligence respecting our domestic affairs, could not fail to give me much pleasure by evincing to me the continuance of your friendship, which I so much value. I was much flattered to find that, in the midst of your important & numerous duties, you were desirous of manifesting that friendship by sending me those interesting details, which you knew would be so gratifying to my curiosity. I lament exceed.^d the turn the election took on Engla^d. I find no consolation but in the hope that it will stimulate our friends to greater exertions in future. With respect to the Mission to France, without entering to useless speculations as to its origin, I am satisfied that it owed its birth to the purest principles of patriotism, we must now hope that a speedy general peace or a radical change in the principles of the french rulers will be the means of soon uniting all our friends in its appro.ⁿ — Opposition to or condemnation of it can certainly now render no benefit to our country; I therefore presume our friend by this time acquiesces in it. The last result in France seems to repel jacobinism & lean strongly toward monarchical principles; whether it will progress in that train or be subject like all the former to a Reaction I will not venture to-day — it is undoubt.^ly looked on as more real for a [undecipherable] some as [undecipherable] you wou.^d receive me much service — will prove in the end a general republic, and will all be held to Oliver Cromwells — time will develo at any rate; as far as relates to us, I hear that our opposition, aided by his followers, will be more than a match for the Foreign Oliver. — After a long state of suspense & uncertainty, it seems finally resolved that my friend Murray's trip to Paris is to make up some to [undecipherable]. I have written M.^r that I bear him no grudge for this, for, my little talent is fast rusting in the scabbard, I lead a quiet, easy life — enough of the Otiums, I will not add, cum dignitate — perhaps I the^y have remained more contented with this tranquil scene, had not my Ambition been awakened by nomination to be Sublime Porte & projects of Mission to the King of the two Sicilies &c&c or had not the recollection occurred from time to time that I had the option between Holland & Portugal & chose the latter — I often review in my mind some conversations we had on this subject I must now submit with a good grace to the consequences & be content with the present, without ceasing to hope for something better — whether I am to be exposed to Earthquakes, Plagues or Volcanos, I shall be always grateful for what has been &c— you know that my little chagrin was not a little increased by the loss of my excellent young friend Pickering — perhaps you don't know that I have offered his place to my brother in law, George Izard: can you possibly make any arrangement whereby he may serve me for a short time as Secretary, without losing his rank? you wou.^d render me much service — Adieu very sincy [undecipherable] y