Appendix. 677 



replaced the husband, and the lady seems to smile as well 

 pleased. 



" It is true, as you observe, that I enjoy here everything that 

 a reasonable mind can desire, a sufficiency of income, a com- 

 fortable habitation of my own building, having all the con- 

 veniences I could imagine ; a dutiful and affectionate daughter 

 to nurse and take care of me, a number of promising grand- 

 children, some old friends still remaining to converse with, and 

 more respect, distinction, and public honors than I can possibly 

 merit. These are the blessings of God, and depend on his con- 

 tinued goodness ; yet all do not make me forget Paris, and the 

 nine years' happiness I enjoyed there, in the sweet society of 

 a people whose conversation is instructive, whose manners are 

 highly pleasing, and who, above all the nations of the world, 

 have, in the greatest perfection, the art of making themselves 

 beloved by strangers. And now, even in my sleep, I find that 

 the scenes of all my pleasant dreams are laid in that city, or in its 

 neighborhood. 



" 1 like much young M. Dupont. He appears a very sensible 

 and valuable man, and I think his father will have a great deal 

 of satisfaction in him. 



" Please to present my thanks to M. Lavoisier for the No- 

 menclature Chtmique he has been so good as to send me (it must 

 be a very useful book), and assure him of my great and sincere 

 esteem and attachment. My best wishes attend you both ; and 

 I think I cannot wish you and him greater happiness than a 

 long continuance of the connection. With great regard and 

 affection, I have the honor to be, my dear friend, &c. 



" B. FRANKLIN.* 



* Sparks's Franklin, Vol. X. pp. 361, 362. 



