I reached this place yesterday after a very fatiguing journey, & found all our brethren well, & all of them joining me in sincere regrets for your indisposition. However unwilling we may be to lose your aid, we all think that it would be madness to encounter the hazard of joining us, unless your health should be entirely restored. We hope, however, that you are improving, & will continue to improve, so that you may, after the earth & Atmosphere shall become dry, favor us with a short visit. Should you be well enough to remain with us a few days towards the end of the month we would avail ourselves of that time to deliver the opinion in the case of the Isabella¹ & in the case of the outstanding titles If your health should enable you to hear an argument, we might also hear one in the case of the statute of limitations from New Hampshire, upon which the court was divided & which is to be reargued in the presence of Judge Todd. It is probable too that the case from Virginia, which has excited so much commotion in our legislature, will be set to some late day & it certainly is desirable that the court should be as full as possible when it is decided. I mention these things as eventually to be wished, but as depending altogether on your being enabled to pass a few days in Washington with perfect safety to your self; for we all concur <in advis>ing you not to encounter the slightest hazard to your health from any consideration whatever. In the progress of the term you will be enabled to form a better judgement of what you may do without danger; and more we all request that you will not think of attempting.

The wine is in fine order & we shall at dinner give a bumper to your better health.

I have brought with me the letters copied in Richmond, & hope I may see you & have some conversation on this subject before my return to Richmond.

My brethren all join me in sincere wishes for your better health. I am my dear Sir with esteem & affection Your