The sentiments which are expressed in your lordship’s letter of the 30^th of June, do honor to the goodness of your heart, and ought to be engraved on every man’s heart. And if, instead of the provocations to war, bloodshed and desolation, (oftentimes unjustly given) the strife of nations, and of individuals, was to excel each other in acts of philanthropy, industry and economy; in encouraging useful arts and manufactures, promoting thereby the comfort and happiness of our fellow men, and in exchanging on liberal terms the products of one Country and clime, for those of another, how much happier would mankind be.

But providence, for purposes beyond the reach of mortal scan, has suffered the restless and malignant passions of man, the ambitious and sordid views of those who direct them, to keep the affairs of this world in a continual state of disquietude; and will, it is to be feared, place the prospects of peace too far off, and the promised millenium at an awful distance from our day.

In the disturbed state at which most nations seem to have arrived, and from which it is my earnest wish to keep this Country free (if it can be done consistently with honor, and the respect which every nation owes to itself as well as to others) I shall avoid all details on political subjects, and having no other at present worthy attention, I shall conclude with asking your lordship’s forgiveness for the liberty I have taken in putting the packet for Dr. Anderson, under cover of this letter to you, directed to the care of the American minister in London: assuring you at the same time of the sentiments of high respect and esteem with which I have the honor to be, Your Lordships most Obedt & Very Hble Servant

G:^o Washington