I have just received a Letter from Mr Gerrard Alexander, in which he informs me, that an Execution has been issued agst him in your name, for a ballance of the debt due, from my Brothers estate, to that of Genl Washington. The peculiar circumstances in which he is placed; having removed to the western Country, & being about to carry with him, some Negroes he has purchased; makes him anxious to obtain from you, a delay of the execution, until next Spring; when he will be in here, & will certainly satisfy the debt.

     He states to me, that the urging of the Execution at present, would be ruinous to him, as the Negroes would here be sacrificed, wch there would be a source of great profit to him—that your debt; wch is now of no very great amount; is amply secured, by his two Brothers; and indulges the hope, that such an extension of lenity to him will not, be injurious to you.

     I hope, my dear Sir, when you consider the very distressing circumstances, which have; thro the course of this business; fallen upon my Brothers estate, that you will feel disposed; if you can; to grant him this favor. It will give me great satisfaction; as my Nephew, is likely to be little benefited, by his Grandfathers property.

     I should have been glad to have seen you, on your way over the mountain— The few gratifications of a waning life, are highly seasoned, by the recollections of early friendship, & the company of those we much esteem.

     The distressing dispensations of divine Providence, in the case of our dear Niece, have filled my heart with Sorrow. The hand that has inflicted the wound, can only cure it—and I am sure, that "to that dear refuge she will fly"— be pleased to present my most cordial affections to her, & assure her how pleasing it would be to me to see her here.

     Remember me affecy also to all my dear relatives with you, & believe me ever to be <mutilated> My dear Sir, yr true friend & Obed. St