I owe you an apology for not having returned an earlier answer to your letter of the 20th June. The truth is, that at the time I recd it, and another from brother Thompson, I was engaged in a piece of business which required dispatch, & which induced me to postpone my answers to a period when it would be more in my power to reflect upon the decisions which you & he had made & to examine cases. But before that period had arrived our domestic misfortunes commenced.

     After thanking you for having waited so long for the money due upon my nephew's first bond last July, I have to inform you that if you will send it to your agent in Alexandria with an order on Mr Nob. Herbert to pay it, he will do so on Sight. Your further indulgence as to the other bond will oblige me, as I am not sure of recieving funds for its discharge before the 1st of Jany next, when the second payment for Laurel Grove, (which I have sold to Mr Morson) will become due.