1780.] TO HUMPHRY MARSHALL. 537 



know Moris. Gerard, the French minister, is a gentleman of the 

 same turn. 



His knowledge as a naturalist and politician is great ; his hu- 

 manity and love of mankind is greater. To support their happi- 

 ness and natural enjoyments is his unbounded wish. It is in his 

 power it is his wish, to improve the useful productions of this new 

 world. He wants our curiosities and novelties : we want his 

 valuable collections from all other parts of the world. This is, 

 therefore, to request you would come forth with me, to make an 

 offer of mutual good offices ; and to furnish me with a list of such 

 seeds, vegetables, plants, trees, &c, as this country wants, and what 

 we could give him. If you come to town in a week or ten days, 

 pray let me see you. 



I am yours, respectfully, 



Thomas Bond. 



November 3d, 1779. 



Dear Sir : 



I received your botanic collection for our friend Mr. Gerard, 

 which I am certain, from the list, will be a very agreeable present 

 to a man who will not only prize them duly, but will show a grate- 

 ful acknowledgment for them. They shall be sent to him in your 

 name, with great care, by the first opportunity. 



I was sorry to hear of your indisposition, and hope to have the 

 pleasure of seeing you better, soon. 



I am yours, most respectfully, 



Thomas Bond. 



October 18th, 1780. 



Dear Sir : 



I received yours of the 4th instant, and am disappointed in my 

 expectations of hearing from Mr. Gerard, which, I apprehend, 

 arises totally from his hurry of business on his arrival, and the 

 opportunities of writing to America being rare. I cannot hear of 

 his having wrote to a single person, and begin to suspect his con- 

 stant attention to the affairs of the Cabinet will prevent our hearing 

 from him often, until the return of peace affords him more leisure 

 to attend to lesser matters : for which reason, I think it best not 



