Your friendly Letter of the 29th of March I received on the 11th Instant. I sent to Mr James McAlpin for his Bill; and to save your too exquisite Feelings I ordered my Housekeeper to inform him—that had he sent it to me immediately on your departure from Phila. I would have discharged it at sight, as I had in my Hands Money sufficient to answer every just demand against you in this City (a mental Reservation) I paid his Bill on the 16th Inst. and took a Receipt in full for a black Sattin Robe complete, when I see you in August I will deliver it to you.

     I hope long ere this your affectionate Heart has been relieved from every painful anxiety by the perfect restoration of Mrs Washington to Health; and if the medical Skill of Dr Jones has effected this happy Point you will I suspect forgive his political Heresy's.

     I am glad you paid your Respects to the Wedding Guests at Mount Vernon— It was a Compliment that must have been pleasing to all Parties. I was certain that when Mrs Washington found the Thing inevitable she would act with propriety, indeed from all I can learn she has every Reason to approve of her Grand-Daughters choice. I trust you did not forget to present my congratulatory Compliments to the charming young Bride. The Inquiryes made by the Family at Mount Vernon was an evidence that your Visit was acceptable to them, and they returned the Compliment by appearing to take an interest in the welfare of your maternal Friend—a Species of Flattery the most refined and grateful to a delicate Mind.

     I perfectly agree with you in Sentiment respecting the Southern Roads, I think it is a disgrace to Maryland in particular, a commercial and agriculturel State; as such it ought not to be insensible to the advantages resulting from a facility of Communication; indeed in my feeble Judgment it ought to be made a premier Object with the Federal Legislature.¹ Half the Time and Money lost (in protracting Debates on frivolous iretateing Topicks) applyed to Roads & Canals would probably have even a happy influence on the Politicks of our Infant Republic.

     I have not any agreeable domestic Intelligence to communicate; indeed was I a Fatalist I should suppose that a malignant Demon had this Spring presided in our City— The unfortunate Elopement and Marriage of Maria Bingham (a Child of Fifteen Years) with a french Count has occasioned the deepest distress to her Parents and Connections. My good Friends Mr & Mrs Clymer are at this Moment under the heaviest affliction for the loss of their beloved Children Mr & Mrs G. McCall—a happy amiable young Couple. Mr McCall died suddenly and his Lady at that time ill did not survive him but a few Days.

     I exceedingly regret that I cannot find a proper Person for Mrs Blackburn. It would have given me pleasure to render even the smallest service to you or your Friends.

     I will very soon do myself the Pleasure to write to your excellent Mother in whose Sorrows I most sincerely sympathize. present me affectionately to her and respectfully to all your Family. My best wishes attend you and all that are dear to your happiness. My Friends next Door and your favourite Mrs Lea desire to be presented to you, as I do to all those that retain any remembrance of your Affectionate Friend