The court which has just terminated has furnished some business for your Honors at Washington. I have had some new & intricate questions on one of which, that goes up to the Supreme court, I decided on reflection differently from my first impression.1 That judgement will probably be reversed.
I was about to sit down to give you an account of my autumnal Circuit, when I had the pleasure of receiving your late letter— Before I say one word on this subject, I beg to apologize for not acknowleging before the barrel of hams which you sent me— The barrel of hams safely arrived at Boston, & there by the carelessness of the Captain or Consignee or both, it was left on the wharf for a day or two, & thus all were stolen except five— These I received & they were so good that I regretted extremely my loss—& a
After an absence from home for more than three months and a half, I have returned with health in no respect impaired by my official labors. I have not as yet had time to look into my domestic & agrecultural concerns, and have determined to write to you before they interfere to prevent me. many of the cases which came before the two courts are new and highly interesting, a report of which I shall endeavour to make as intelligible as can be done in the compass of a letter.
I was much gratified by the Receipt of your Letter of the 8th instant. I have been uneasy lest you Should suffer by the Inroads of the Enemy, or the Depredations of undisciplined Friends. Mount Vernon should be hallowed, even by Barbarians. But all things are not as they ought to be, now a Days. I hope, however, that Vengeance is glutted by the Prostration of our Capitol. The Geese once saved the Capitol of Rome; but ours are not of the Same Breed; they would, had they so been, at least have given timely warning.
Yesterday I selected out of a Neighbor's Flock, having none in my own fit for Transportation, a Number of Tunis Sheep, to be sent to S. Carolina by Mr Vaughan, for several Friends there. I set apart the best Ram & Ewe for you. The Ram was desired for the Carolinians, & would have been readily taken. I could have obtained a younger Ram—but of less Blood. I have been obliged to allow 40$ for the Ram; as he is rising 4 Years old; & fit for immediate Bussiness. The Ewe is at the usual Price of 25$.