I commenced the cleaning out the ditch in my large meadow today, but desisted upon riding to the meadow finding that all the hands would be required to take care of the hay. This I hope to accomplish this week, & on monday next I shall sit in with all hands & continue at it till the work is thoroughly done. I return you many thanks for your kind offer to do the ditch which is connected with your meadow, but hope it will be in my power to manage it with my own hands.

     My 6 pr Ct Stock having been paid off early in the year & not knowing how better to invest the mony I have left it in the bank unproductive of interest with a view to the purchase of the share in the Dismal swamp C provided it should be sufficient for the purpose & the share should not go beyond its value. If the sum I have on hand was not so large I should like to buy the share in partnership with you; but as I should not know what to do with the large sum that would be left I am very desirous to buy the whole of the share if it does not exceed my means.

     I will communicate to Bushrod, who will dine here today, your friendly hints about the road which I am sorry to hear he has so much neglected— Some bene leaves are sent & more can be obtained when they may be wanted. Those which you do not want to use immediately should be spread in the shade to dry. I am my dr Sir very sincerely & affectly yrs