Since the date of my last letter to you, my family has been visited by an infliction of divine Providence, which, 'tho to us seemingly severe, was, no doubt, designed for beneficent purposes. In the course of about 12 hours, my cherished & beloved niece has been bereaved of an affectionate husband & two children. The delicate State of her health, & her alarming dejection of Spirits, demand immediate attention, & compel me most unexpectedly to leave home immediately, for the purpose of taking her to a more healthy part of our Country, & of placing her under the care of her brothers, whose tenderness & sympathy will, I trust, restore her to more composure.

     To be deprived of the anticipated pleasure of seeing you once more, at least, at Mount Vernon, & of assuring you of my grateful recollection of your kindness & friendship; forms no inconsiderable part of the distressing consequences of these misfortunes. Accept, my dear Sir, my warmest wishes for your safe arrival at La Grange—a happy meeting with your family, & for your future health & felicity.

     I have not as yet had it in my power to engage a person to transcribe the letters of Genl Washington to you from the letter book. But the unexpected return of a young friend of mine from Philadelphia to Alexandria, affords me a prospect of having this work done by him; and I anticipate no disappointment, if he should remain a few weeks in Alexa.— Should I fail there, I shall make other efforts upon my return from Phila.— As soon as the Copies are completed, they shall be forwarded to you by the first packet. Please favour me with your address.

     With respectful Complts & good wishes to your Son & to Mr le Vaisseur I am most truly my dear Sir your obliged friend & affect. Servt