Autograph letter signed : London, to Sir Philip Francis, 1779 Jan. 4.

Reporting in details on the financial transactions made on his behalf and the current state of his accounts; reporting on the health and activities of Mrs. Francis and his son, Philip; saying that he is trying to do everything within his power to help him in India and that he has seen Mr. Bristow and Mr. O'Oyly; commenting that "D--[Oyly) is of opinion (may he prove a false Prophet) that some Beggar Duke or Lord will be sent to preside at Calcutta to retrieve his Fortune. I myself believe that neither he nor Administration know anything at all of the Matter; and that it will be all left to chance. The Ministry have not time to think of such Trifles; for Trifles they certainly are, compared to the stupendous mischief they have brought on this country. This unfortunate country was never reduced so low; and if it were not impious to despair, i should be tempted to believe it never will rise again. Corruption is not blushed for, and pervades the whole system of Government. Our commissioners are returned as they went. We have evacuated Philadelphia. We have lost Dominica and the Report generally believed, is that Jamaica is taken and we go on funding, of course. Taxes increase;" commenting at length on the domestic political situation in England; saying "People sometime since when they saw the Storm rising, they were loud and violent; now that it has burst and one half the Nation is ruined and the other ruining fast, they are quiet; you hardly hear a complaint, a sullen Silence prevails.....if you should return when the Fire is out, will you be content to lay down in the Alpes. America will be the Desirable country upon every account. Think of it;" reporting that the Court Martial of Admiral Keppel will start in two days.