I beg you to accept my thanks for your kind letter of the 7th,¹ which holds out so strong a temptation to embrace the offer it contains that it requires all my fortitude to resist it, & to persevere in a course of conduct which I have seldom if ever departed from—that is, always to return to the same house, at which I have been well treated.

    I sincerely wish that I had recieved your letter last summer before I left home, or that Mr Adams had taken lodgings for us with Mrs Handy. The proximity of her house to the Courtroom, & to the friends I visit; the advantage of your library & the pleasure of your society were all in favor of that selection. But we were so kindly treated by Mr Wharfe, & I know she would be so much mortified were we to go elsewhere, that I cannot obtain my own consent to do so. I shall write to Mr Adams to engage board for us with that lady, provided our room is reserved for us; if it is not, to apply immediately at Mrs Handy's. With great regard I am Dear Sir very sincerely & respectfully yrs