It is useless to make apologies, because I am persuaded that to a decrease of friendship neither of us will attribute the long silence of the other; in such a Case business may properly be admitted as an excuse, & I am satisfied that we may both avail ourselves of this plea. as for myself I can truly say that from the time I left Bath I have not had a moment to spare from Courts & Court business— and I never take pleasure in writing to a friend meer letters of regard, unless I can feel myself somewhat at leisure and released from the pressure of less agrea<ble em>ployment. you are generous enough to excuse me in consideration of my engagements in Law & politicks. now let me avail myself of the first, and I will permit you to lay hold of the last. and thus by a compromise which Lawyers do not often advise, the question may be settled without a suit— But if it must come to that, Mrs Washington who readily undertakes your cause thinks it necessary to hear all your confessions that she may not be surprized at the trial, and for this purpose requires your attendance at this place as soon as you can possibly come down. and believe me that nothing could make me so happy. you have been to Rappahanock— another day would have brought you here— I wish you could have afforded us so agreable a surprize.

     I have never been able to draw from Mr Payne any proposition whatever— perhaps if I knew what Terms Mr Cole would consent to, I could the more readily bring Payne to a decision. at all events I will see him in a few days upon the Subject.

     Mr Brackenridge expects to get a Judgment the next Court. the suit has been delayed one Term on account of the first writ not being executed in time. He will write you himself.

     We all Join in wishing you & Mrs P. all the happiness which this life can afford— Mrs W. in a particular manner offers her best regard— Believe me to be most sincerely yr friend