I have the Pleasure of hearing of your Arrival at East Chester and in Health. Since you left Quincy, We have scarcely had a Storm, except that which occur’d on your Journey. The Weather has proved favourable for Farming Business and for finishing the Cellar, which will probably be compleated this Week as far as was intended, th’o not in all its Parts as was directed by Brizler, the Part next to the End of the present Building is laid at a much great Distance than was proposed. Miller got Deacn. Veazie to lay that Part. The Deacon urg’d, that the laying it nearer would endanger the Wall of the old House to cave in, that He was afraid to proceed if He approached nearer. Mr. Bates & Porter both remonstrated against it’s being laid otherwise than as Brizler had orderd, but the Deacon was positive & prevaild—2 this occasions some Loss of Room in the Cellar, if he has erred, I believe it is an Error of the safest kind— this Circumstance leaves me under some Embarrasment with respect to paying Miller his Ballance, at any Rate he will be a looser— he has been very laborious & diligent.

The Timber, Boards &c are safe landed and part got to the House, tho clear, and part of the Merchantable Boards are seasoned, these I have orderd to be hous’d— the Weather at present is so mild, that had Directions been given the Building might have been framd & probably coverd before Winter would set in— Genl. Thair had no Cyder to part with—3 I have engaged 8 Barrells of Mr. Black— The Carpenters have compleated the Work assigned them except Shingling the Wood House, which is deferred for a few Days till the Shingles are a little dryed—

The News Papers inform us that the Officers of State are removing to Philadelphia, I hope the President will not go there till there is 49 no Danger from Infection— at the Celebration of his Birth Day in Boston, a Volunteer Toast was given, which carried in it some Reflection upon the Presidents appointment of Envoys to France—but was not drank by any—to the great Mortification of the Toaster—4 this appears to me to augur well— There has been much Speculation upon this Subject—at present People appear to be well satisfied—

In a Letter recd. sometime since from my Kinsman Mr. Turell Tufts from Surrinam He observes “The British act as if they viewed with a jealous Eye, the rising Navy of america, and all their commercial Regulations indicate a Suspicion, that the United States will one Day supplant them in every Region of the Globe. I observe they speak of the President in a manner, that indicates more than Respect” I fear that the numerous Conquests of the British, will not be very favourable to the Und. States—5 But we must hope for the best, and guard against all untoward Events— Adieu—requesting to be rememberd to the President

I am yr. Affectionate Frend & H Sert.

I wrote to you twice from East Chester.1 I left there the day I proposed; and had a fine passage across the North River—it was quite calm & not cold. we proceeded on our journey to Newark the same day, and there finding that we could go to Brunswick as conveniently by travelling through springfield and scotch plain to Plainfield the 50 place where col smith is encampd with three Regiments. we parted with Mr & Mrs Otis, and took different directions. we reachd Plainfield about 4 oclock—and found all hands officers and Men busily employd in cutting down Trees & building log houses for winter quarters

we took a walk through the encampment, and then went to a House which the col had provided for us, where we lodg’d the next morning he accompanied us to Brunswick, where the President met us. we tarried all Night, and then sat out in Morning for Trenton 32 miles which we reachd by four oclock, and the next day proceeded to this place, but were overtaken by rain, and rode 18 miles in it— we were Met about four mils out of Town by the Light Horse escorted in &c2

ever since I have been sitting up—receiving visitors—which prevents me going even to take a ride—which I want for exercise— the show will be pretty well over by the next week, and then I must sit out to return them all— drawing Rooms will not commence untill after congress meet.3 News we have none but what you get first from Boston. I have not a line from any one but you since I left home and that by mr Brisler.4 I quite want to hear from you; I wrote to you twice from East Chester—

I have seen by the papers the honorable testimony of respect and Regard paid to the Birth Day in Quincy, as well as in other parts of Massachussets—5 the citizens of N york and this place were not in a Situation to do it, if they had been disposed. the inhabitants were not returnd to their abodes who had been driven from them by the pestilence. I suppose they will, as they did last Year give a Ball and Supper, when the winter commences after Congress meet, and the Ladies have settled the fashions which are now canvessd, and adjusting from some late importations.6 amongst the Ladies presented to me the Countess de Tilly has been of the Number, by the Appelation of Madam de Tilly. she has all the appearence and Dress of a Real French woman, Rouged up to the Ears: Mrs Bingham did not appear to feel any Embarresment at introducing her, tho I cannot say She did not Creat one in me; for I really felt a reluctance at addressing her, so I talk’d to her mother and sister, and as there was much other company present I easily passt her over—7 Mrs Black will have a curiosity to know something of the fashions— I have heard of once a Man & twice a child,8 and the Ladies caps are an exact coppy of the Baby caps—those which are made with drawings, and drawn with a bobbin to a point, a quarter and Nail deep, a lace upon the border a bow upon the point, three bows behind and one 51 before. the Hair a little drest at the side & a few curls upon the forehead, the cap to lie flat upon the head Some tye them under the chin— Gown Waists, half a yd in length, morning dress a Gown very narrow just to reach the bottom of the skirt, a Narrow frill of half a Nail pleated round the bottom—buttond with a oval shirt button down before, two rows of the same down the back, over which a cord is crossd—the sleaves Short but with cuffs pleated, buttons upon them corded in the same Manner, two large buttons on the hips—a dress Gown, made with a long train behind comeing only half way down the coat before—a Muslin coat of the same with a small flounce at bottom— so much for fashions, already exhibited—

I requested you to take charge of my pork for Bacon, but left you not the means. inclosed is a five dollors Bill to get Salt peter and Molasses—

pray write. we all send Love Regards &c to all friends Neighbours &c &c

ever Your / affectionate / sister