I have to apologize to you for not answering, before now, your most affectionate letter of the 25 Inst. from Trenton, which got to me in reasonable time after it was written— Since we parted, I was attacked with an epidemic that prevailed pretty generally in this neighbourhood, which increased my former disorder, and weakened me so much that I was confined to my house, & rendered almost incapable of attending to any kind of business; but thank God I am getting better, and, if the weather would permit (which for some time past has been the most unfavourable for invalids I ever experienced) I should be able to use exercise on horse back. Docr Rose was called in, who, after seriously considering my case, prescribed very fully, which has been most strictly attended to by me in every respect— He thinks my lungs are a good deal obstructed, but quite free at present from ulceration, which he is of opinion may be prevented & entirely relieved if I could be removed to a mild southern climate to spend the approaching winter— So many obstacles present themselves to carrying such a scheme into effect, that I have declined all thoughts on the subject, & shall trust my recovery to the strictest attention to diet, exercise and the advice of the best physicians, which, with the assistance of almighty God, I hope will answer. The medicines I have been obliged to take to remove the bile, which appeared to be the immediate cause of my indisposition, left me very feeble, but in most other respects my feelings are much better— I have been very candid, my dear brother, in describing my State of health to you, and must earnestly beg you will not allow your quiet to be desturbed by any unfavourable Anticipations respecting me, as you may rely upon being regularly informed of every material change that may take place. On the 2 Octr I presented your letter &ca to the Collector, and immediately received the $875 drawn for, $120 of which I left with Riddle for Downman, also $155 subject to your order, $100 was paid my Mother, & the balance of $500 I have credited you for. Our families have been a good deal disquieted at the loss of Mr Richard Turberville, who died about ten days after you went from here— I never was so anxious to see you in my life— You will call upon on your return— God bless you— take care of yourself, and know this pen can not describe how much I love you. adieu