My Dearest Friend

I received your Letters of April 1 [John to Abigail, 01 April 1797] and 3d. [John to Abigail, 03 April 1797] with the post Note, as well as a few lines of March 29 inclosing Thomas Letter. I will make all the dispatch I can, but I find no body to act for me. Mears and his wife will have any thing to do with the place. I have no body but Billings who can Execute when directed but he is not for you, what he was for Beals, tho as good as any Body I can find. I have hired a young man for one Month, but raw new Hands are not like those who are accustomed to Buisness.

Mr. Smith has engaged me 4 horses and a Good Driver, but He could not get him under two Hundred Dollors to carry me to New York. There I should suppose you might send on your Horses for me. I will give you information when I shall sit of. I am to receive my answer from Porter to day. If he fails me, I will order a vendue and sell off every thing and Let the place as I can to any Body who will take it. It seems as if all our own interest must be sacrificed.

I have thought that it would be a good opportunity to send by Mr. Murray the [No transcription available -- see page image] I have inclosed them to you. You will write; I will if I can get time but I am so presst, I know not which way to turn. Dr. Tufts waits.