My dearest friend

I wrote you this morning. But was not particular. It will be six or seven days before that or this can reach you. When you write me afterwards you may direct your Letters to remain at the Post Office at New Haven or Hartford or perhaps New York.

I shall sett out on my Journey northward on Monday the 16th at latest, but shall not ride more than twenty miles a day. I expect it will take me 30 days to reach Quincy. I must manage my Horses as well as myself, my Companion and Servants or the heat will injure us, all. You did not mention my Wall.

[the following text was written later]

Some Stone Wall I suppose.

I did ride 50 miles a day.

Decr 14 1818 J.A.