I have received the box of letters by the steam boat.

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.

I hope this letter will reach you on your return to Mount Vernon safe from the Enemy and what I deem more perilous, the dangers of the roads to & from Philadelphia— On our return Judge Livingston & myself suffered inconceivable anxiety from the unparelled state of the roads, and he received an injury from which I fear he has not yet fully recovered.