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.