I never received your packet of the 29th: communications all interrupted here; with much trouble I get this passed on to you, if it is happy enough to pass.
"My position is not so desperate as my enemies give out.

I expect to finish my Campaign tolerably; my courage is not sunk:--it appears, however, there is talk of Peace.

All I can say of positive on this article is, That I have honor for ten; and that, whatever misfortune befall me, I feel myself incapable of doing anything to wound, the least in the world, this principle,--which is so sensitive and delicate for one who thinks like a gentleman (PENSE EN PREUX CHEVALIER); and so little regarded by rascally politicians, who think like tradesmen.
"I know nothing of what you have been telling me about [your backstairs channels, your Duc de Choiseul and his humors]: but for making Peace there are two conditions which I never will depart from: 1.

To make it conjointly with my faithful Allies [Hessen and England; I have no other]; 2.

To make it honorable and glorious.