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Letter to his dear friend. Received his letter of June fourth after 16 months of no news. Expressions of happiness and joy. Misses his homeland, wife, and children. Is resisting the desire to return to Paris. "Cet astre boulant se trouve deux fois par an d’aplomb sur nos têtes, savoir, le 25 Mai & 20 Juillet. Notre Latitude étant par le 20 degrés 50 minutes nord, et par le 79 de longitude du méridien de Paris (environ 78. de Rouen) il en résulte que le 25 Mai & 20 Juillet quand il est 5 heures 12 minutes du soir chez vous, il est midi précis ici; et en supposant qu'une boule de canon vint à tomber du soleil, il descendrait en droite ligne sur St. Yago de Cuba. Tu peux encore conclure de là, sauf erreur ou omission, qu’en fixant le soleil à 5 heures 12 minutes du soir, toujours le 25. Mai & 20. Juillet, et posant deux points immuables à une certaine distance et en ligne directe de cet astre tu auras la direction de Santiago; ce que je t’engage à faire avec ton épouse & la mienne, lorsque vous irez le Printemps (printemps) prochain voir votre joli enfant au Plessis." Detailed description of the Cuban countryside, mention of Christopher Columbus, racial composition of the population, Spanish Cuban women and women's clothing, women and children smoking, holidays and holiday dress, lack of French gallantry, character of Spanish colonists, morals, description of food and dining, frugality and ways of speaking of Spaniards. Spanish men-women social conventions, churches and religious behavior, religious celebrations, masquerade, Christian Saints, process of enslaved workers clearing and burning the trees. Discussion of agriculture, geology, vegetation, banana trees, palm trees, coconut trees, pineapple, oranges, sapodilla, dates, avocado, mango, guava. Naturalized plants from Europe, mentions of indigenous and mixed-race population. "J’ai bien vu des blancs de la tierra qui se disent indigènes, mais quoique olivâtres leurs cheveux crépus & leur barbe [?illisible] voir qu’ils sont d’un sang mêlé, c’est-à-dire engendrés par des blancs & des noires & que nous appellons mulatres. Le Naturel de l'Île avaient les cheveux plats et longs et n’avaient point de barbe." Description of animal life, insects, climate. Effects of environment on love, sex, desire, health.

"Note explicative pour les sieurs Rousselin & Desbordes, habitants, exploitant un Établissement en Cafetrie à Guaninicum, Juridiction du Caney Contre Le sieur Justrobe à St-Jago de Cuba." Faits: In July 1805 Desbordes (of Desbordes and Roussin) asked Justrobe for 100 gourdes for their limekiln. Detailed description of the ruinous 150% per annum interest placed on the loan, payments, and results. Debts owed after Desbordes' enterprise failed. Further descriptions of renewed loans, interest accumulation, sale of a horse, lime paid on interest, etc. "Cet Énorme intérêt hors de toute honte comme de modestie & de pudeur, remplira d’indignation toute âme honnête, et tous ceux qui il reste quelques sentiments de délicatesse..." Rousselin found out late that Desbordes had been taken in by Justrobe's loans. Rousselin met Justrobe at his home on May 10, 1807. Details on negotiations, no resolution reached. Rousselin stated that he would demand justice from the court. Presentation of these facts to the court, with requests.

Pleased that recipient arrived safely in Baltimore. Pirates stole enslaved persons from M. Cronin. Things at St. Jago became worse after he left, so sold his home at 75% loss. Government's acts are arbitrary as are those governed. Arrived with the remains of his fortune (or rather that of his children) at Pensacola. The Spaniards there are just and humane, unlike those at St. Jago. Embargo. Now his boat is loaded with goods and is headed for the heights of the Mississippi River (Captain Mathieu and 2-3 Black men as crew). Not enough capital to go into cotton. Would like recipient to come next spring as his remedies are needed, especially in this season. Acknowledgments to Madame Grandchamp for hugging petite Cloé and giving respects to the Conin family. With a note in English cross-written "They have been twice for the proofs of property Mr. Rogers."

Has obtained information on Rousselin, finding him now in New Orleans in good health. Has written to Mr. Rogers but has not heard back. Wrote to a correspondent in New Orleans, to meet with Rousselin. Rousselin's family need not worry about him, nor about other refugees who left St. Jago. While Rousselin May have lost his fortune, his connection with Mr. Rogers, and because of the extra effort provided by Rogers, suggests that he probably fared better than others. Will be happy to write to his family to give them all the good news he receives.