Had I not a great deal of fortitude to leave Philadelphia on Good Friday, although so much happiness was promised me if I had staid? I certainly should have felt myself incapable of resisting the pleasing prospect, had I not considered, that the succeeding Day might Appear with equal attraction, and might render me equally desirous of being attracted— In short, my regret on parting with you and my other Friends was not the effusion of a moment or from the peculiar happiness of a Day, but it was produced by a sincere and lasting attachment which dreaded a seperations— I have often wished that Philadelphia had fewer charms for me, or that Fortune had fixed me there for Life— Added to the reluctance with witch I was about to bid adieu, the Moment of my departure was attended with very inauspicious circumstances, and had I been superstitious, I would certainly have postponed my design until things should wear a more propitious face— My Horse, than whom a more peaceable, good natured animal lives not, Sancho's Dapple not excepted, appeared to be infected with feelings somewhat congenial with my own, and either refused to move a step, or if he did, it was retrograde— In this manner did he for some time give a loose to his inclination, until by reiterated strokes of the whip, he thought me too much in earnest and humbly submitted his will to mine— Whilst I am mentioning the ill boding Sign's which attended my departure, I will just observe that a most violent and chilling Snow escorted me eight miles from the City to allay I imagine that warm attachment which so often tempted me "To cast one longing, lingering look behind"— No other accident attended me nor no adventure occurred worth relating— I arrived home in Nine Days, and thank Heaven found my Parents in good health and happy to see me.

     May I congratulate you on the happy interview with your lovely, and endearing little Baby? I hope Mr Willing did not disappoint you— After so long a seperation, (for to you it must have appeared so) I can fancy nothing more exquisitely tuned than your feelings on the occasion— I most sincerely hope that you found her in good health, fare advanced in the improvements of her little mind, and if possible in beauty.

     I had the pleasure to see H——th in Baltimore, and found him still strongly attached to the fair Leleida, and fixed in the design of pushing his suit there— I wish them both happy in whatever situation they may choose to fix themselves— I assure you, that I entertain a very exalted opinion of that young Lady, & I had never greater reason to admire her than a few Evenings before my departure— She has a great deal of good Sense, and I believe of Good Nature— I hope the Jew has no prospect of Success—but remember this is entre nous.

     You desired me to send you my Journal or some extracts out of it— This I am prevented from doing, as it is yet I believe in Philadelphia, and I do not expect it for some weeks— when I get it, I will certainly comply with my promise— I hope, that you will persevere in continuing yours, as I am convinced of the utility attending it.

     If I should not be too much engaged in business, I hope to spend a few weeks in Philadelphia next winter— I pray you, in your next letter to Mrs Burrows, remember me in the most friendly terms to her, and assure her that her happiness is amongst my sincerest wishes.

     I have sent your Letter & package to Miss Lee, and intend in a few days the pleasure of paying my respects to the family of chantilly; they are all well— I have also sent a Servant to westover with your letter, and the one to your Brother, with directions to leave it (the latter) there if he should be expected, or if not, to carry it to Williamsburg.

     Be pleased to Remember me in the most friendly manner to my female acquaintances, particularly to the Miss Shippens[,] Miss Coxes & Miss Delainy— Assure your own family of my allothment.

     I thank you sincerely for allowing me the pleasure of writing to you, and of assuring you of my Friendship— Although to hear from you by letter, would be a very high gratification, yet I leave you perfectly unrestrained; I should consider it as a favor for which I could never be sufficiently grateful, but I will not stipulate for it as a right— I only lament that illiberal Custom should in this Country alone discountenance a correspondence between the Sexes.

     That you & yours may enjoy the most perfect health and the most uninterrupted happiness is amongst the sincerest wishes of your friend and very humble Servant