TRANSLATION.
Florence, 15th February, 1802.
Sir,
Having had the pleasure to receive your farewell
letter from Madrid, of the 15th of January, I profit of this occasion
to testify my gratitude, as well as that of my wife, who gives
me very particularly that commission. The congratulations which
you offer us on the happy events which have marked for us the
last year, cannot certainly fail to be truly agreeable, being sure
that your good wishes will always be the same for us, and that
you will never forget us.
You know too well my fondness for all literary productions,
not to perceive what pleasure I shall have in accepting the Dedication
of your poem on the Love of Country: I pray you then to
be pleased to afford me that gratification, and never to doubt the
sincere thankfulness which I shall always preserve.
I desire for you in America all the prosperities and felicities
possible, and which you can wish; and I entreat you to say a great
many things to your wife on my part. I hope this letter will find
you in America, and that you will already have finished the sea-voyage,
which cannot but be long and dangerous. Notwithstanding
that, it would be a great satisfaction if I could, one day, see
those fine regions of America; but I fear much I shall never
have that pleasure. In the mean time I pray you to retain for
me for ever your friendship and attachment; never forget my poor
cabinet of natural history when nature shall present any thing
extraordinary; and be fully persuaded of the sentiments of true
and sincere attachment, with which I am, and shall ever be,
Sir,
Your most affectionate friend,
LOUIS.
