I am extremely distresd <mutilated>y of my claims upon your attention, but the necessity I am under of collecting the sum due me from the estate oblidges me to address you again— enclosed you have your dft on Sheppard with its fate— he appears to have no wish to pay his debt untill perfectly convenient to himself— this will not suit me— I will if you are willing accept the whole amount of his debt and prosecute him for it immediately giving you security for the repayment of the balance[.]

My late indisposition has been such as to prevent me from attending the meetg of the Legatees agreeably to notice— We have sent you a power of Attorney—and have taken the liberty of inserting your name. you will be oblidging enough to transact the business for us— I have also enclosed you a mortgage for the property I bought in alexandria and will thank you, when convenient, to forward me a Deed. yrs respectfully