I had yesterday the pleasure to recieve your acceptable favor of the 6th enclosing a Dft on Mr Swepson for $2000 the dividend declared on the share held by the Exectr of Genl Washington in the Dismal Swamp Co.— This is indeed a very pleasing proof of the prosperity of the Company,¹ as well as of the judicious² management with which its affairs are conducted. I confess that the amount of dividend, but for your former favor, would greatly have exceeded my most sanguine expectations. Nevertheless I am persuaded that the value of this property will be much encreased by the means which you propose, and which, at the next³ meeting will I hope be adopted, upon the other subject mentioned by you I will correspond with Judge Nelson & will render all the aid in my power towards digesting a proper plan to be submitted to the next session of our Legislature for enabling⁴ the Company in as simple a form as possible to prosecute trespassers upon our⁵ property.

     I wrote you a few days ago & subjoined enclosed⁶ you a draft on the managers for whatever sum the dividend of our Share might amount to,⁷ but I now find that by your kind attention this has been rendered unecessary. I this⁸ day transmit⁹ to Mr Swopson the Dft you sent me, endorsed, with a re<mutilated> will deposit the amt— the Norfolk bank, which I hope he <mutilated> prevented from doing on account of the N. Carolina notes.

     I regret¹⁰ very much the cause of your intended absence from the U.S. and sincerely hope that it may be productive of the best effects in restoring you to health. Should you embark at any of the northern ports, I hope you will give me the pleasure of seeing you at Mt Vernon on your way. Wishing you a safe & agreable voyage I am Dear Sir very respectfully Yr mo. ob. Sert