Autograph letter signed : London, to [Edward Dickinson], 1756 December 9.

Discussing his pessimism about the possibility of "national relief": "The present men of power seem to the full as self-centered as their predecessors, only with more arrogance and bravade. I am told, but not with authority enough to warrant it, that a plan is tendered to Russia for its acceptance, with an insinuation of an absolute rupture if rejected. But will it be bullied in this manner? if such are their politics they deserve pity indeed! are we in a condition to need more enemys than we have already?"; commenting on his own position: "As to myself, I have no hopes. How can a poor, lone, unsupported being make any way, when the friends given him by God and nature, so cruelly set the example of deserting him? Nothing is however certainer than that if Lady Allen [his aunt Margaret Allen] and Mrs. Cleland were but to stir in the least for me, the conjuncture is not unfavorable for my procuring some employ, that might render me serviceable to my Country, my employers, my family and myself. But of this I have long totally despaired"; expatiating on his feelings of pity, veneration, and respect for his mother, Lady Allen, and Dickinson.