Autograph letter unsigned : Basel, to the [Marquis de La Fayette], 1785 Feb. 24.

Saying that he is honored that Lafayette has read his book on slavery, referring to Réflexions sur l'esclavage des nègres (1781); explaining how he came to write it; complimenting Lafayette on all that he has done in the service of American independence and to abolish slavery; referring to a plan developed by the British physician John Fothergill and intended to lead to the eventual end of slavery; saying that the American Revolution put an end to this project, and he hopes Lafayette will revive it or come up with something better; adding that he spoke to the French government about helping to end slavery in the New World but they ignored him; offering to assist Lafayette in any of his future antislavery efforts.