From the original letter at the American Philosophical Society.
Jany. 10th 1781
M. Dear Sir
I have put off the writing of this letter to the last minute lest I should be disappointed by any unexpected Circumstance in the journey and voyage I am undertaking — I received your very friendly and affectionate letter from Annapolis for which I thank you — I followed the advice of it and that with the more readiness as it was the advice too of several of my best and warmest friends — Since which Congress have appointed Col Laurens Envoy Extraordinary to France, and I shall accompany him there a Secretary — I am desirous of giving you this information because no endeavor of mine so far as they extend will be wanting to show the necessity of a reenforcement of cash to the Continent and Troops to the Southward.
I leave America with the perfect satisfaction of having been to her an honest faithful and affectionate friend, and I go away with the hope of returning to spend better or more agreeable days with her than those which are past.
God bless and prosper you
Yours Sincerely,
T. PAINE