The time which has intervened between the receipt of your favor, covering D’Ivernois’ letter, and this answer, needs apology. but this will be found in the state of the case. I had received from him a letter similar to that you inclosed.1 as the adoption of his plan depended on our legislature, and it was then in session, I immediately inclosed it to a member with a request that he would sound well the opinions of the leading members, and if he found them disposed to enter into D’Ivernois’ views, to make the proposition; but otherwise not to hazard it. it is only three days since I have received from him information of his proceedings. he found it could not prevail. the unprepared state of our youths to receive instruction thro’ a foreign language, the expence of the institution, and it’s disproportion to the moderate state of our population, were insuperable objections. I delayed myself the honor of acknoleging the receipt of your letter, till I might be able to give you at the same time the result of the proposition it forwarded. I have explained this to M. D’Ivernois in the inclosed letter, which my distance from any sea-port, & the convenience of your position will I hope excuse my committing to your care.—2 I have found so much tranquility of mind in a total abstraction from every thing political, that it was with some difficulty I could resolve to meddle even in the splendid project of transplanting the academy of Geneva, en masse, to Virginia; and I did it under the usual reserve of sans tirer en consequence. in truth I have so much occupation otherwise that I have not time for taking a part in any thing of a public kind, & I threfore leave such with pleasure to those who are to live longer & enjoy their benefits. tranquility becomes daily more & more the object of my life; and of this I certainly find more in my present pursuits than in those of any other part of my life. I recall however with pleasure the memory of some of the acquaintances I have made in my progress through it, and retain strong wishes for their happiness. I pray you to accept with kindness those which I sincerely entertain for you, & to be assured of the high respect & esteem with which I am Dear sir / Your most obedt. / & most humble sert