As Mr Sparks will probably leave this in a few days for Boston, I have determined, altho but half settled at home after an absence of 4 or 5 months, to prepare my letter to you that it may be ready for him to take on. The tea cause employed so great a part of the court at Phila. that few others could be tried before the Session came to a close.

With this I send you a letter for Judge Washington, and another for Judge Marshall. I have referred them both to you for any further explanations they may desire. You are already so thoroughly possessed of my views and plans, that I have nothing more to say as to the main points. I am sure, if Judge Washington can be brought to see the thing in all its bearings, he will not withhold his approbation; and the business certainly could not be in better hands than your own.

Your letter of the 11th July found me upon a bed of sickness, from which I was not very soon relieved. I had scarcely become convalescent, before others of my family were taken down— finally, I determined to abandon the Country, which was becoming universally sickly, and to take refuge with Mrs W. in this place, which has, thus far, been unusually healthy. I trouble you with this account of my past troubles, as it furnishes the only legitimate apology for my long Silence since the rect of your favor.