After an absence of six weeks I returned here yesterday and found your favor of the 3d inst[ant].

The meeting of the Stockholders of the Dismal Swamp Land Company was held, as the law directs, at Suffolk on the 15th Ulto: and I was directed by an order of the board to deposit in the Bank of Virga in Norfolk the dividends of all absent members which was done.

We had to encounter great difficulties in our Canal transportation of lumber to the place of deposit, in consequence of the oppressive drought of last Summer, the water in the Canal being insufficient to float our batteaus. The demand for Shingles has abated, and the price considerably lowered, yet the dividend would have been better had the canal afforded water enough to transport our lumber through it. A great check has been given to all vocations, in consequence of the scarcity of money, and we can't expect to be exempt from evils which all society labour under; yet we have this consolation, that whilst other institutions are nearly at a stand, we have a stock ready whenever a demand may occur.

You have enclosed a draft for eight hundred & forty dollars upon the Bank of Va. Norfolk the amount of the last dividend. With very great respect I am Dear Sir yr very hble St