I last week informed you that I had withdrawn from Amsterdam all the stocks I held there, and had remitted to Mr: King, in London fourteen hundred pounds sterling, for which I authorised you to draw, and requested you to place the proceeds in the most advantageous manner; but not in any institution or fund depending upon our national Union; for the generality of our Countrymen are so far from participating in my sentiments upon this subject, that it is not prudent to rest one’s all upon it— I mentioned my preference that it should be placed in the State of Massachusetts because there is my home, and upon a foundation of more solid materials than paper— I am sensible that this is not so easily done, as merely to purchase a certificate of stock and that it requires much more time and more steady, and uninterrupted vigilance— But you complain in one of your letters that your trouble with my affairs is not sufficient to earn 567 your commission, and I am willing to relieve your delicacy, by asking you to sharpen your look out for an opportunity to strengthen the security without abating the profits of my property in your hands.— I am sure you have it in your power by this means to earn your commission as vigorously as your heart can wish.

Do not mistake my meaning— When I use the liberty of urging your care and attention, it is not to be implied that I think that you have always shewn, insufficient. I am perfectly satisfied with your agency and in trusting now to you, every thing upon which I can depend for future subsistence, I give you the strongest possible proof of my satisfaction.

As I would not have so large a sum kept entirely unprofitable any longer than is absolutely necessary you may place temporarily the money in any state bank or fund either of Massachusetts or Pennsylvania as you shall think most secure and most expedient.

You will watch as you have hitherto successfully done for a favourable rate of exchange.— I do not exactly understand what the unit of exchange is between Philadelphia and London— The par, you say is 66 2/3 per ct:— But, if so, 72 ½ per ct: is an advantage not of six but of nine per cent— I expect soon your annual accompts and that will perhaps explain the matter, as much as is necessary for me to know.

I am extremely anxious to hear of my dear father’s health, and my heart bleeds for the afflictions which were in so short a space crowded upon my mother— She has the never failing stay of religion and virtue— God grant they may have supported her in these times of severe trial.— My father has been the benefactor of his Country; and has been treated as the benefactors of their country always are— He was prepar’d for it and will bear it as a natural evil, without resentment, and I hope without complaint.

Once more, ever yours.

Your favors of the 10th: & 11th: instt: are received.1 We have heard of the proceedings in the Representative chamber as far as the 22d: 568 ballot, and we have admired that firmness, which puts the issue of the choice upon strength of nerves, rather than numbers. I have but little expectation, that the thing will go through, as it began— Some body will go over to the majority, but it is not easy to say or even conjecture, who this will be. When Dallas came home he had the audacity to say that he had seen a paper signed by Mr: Baer pledging himself to vote for Jefferson; this story was believed here until it was contradicted by the state of the Ballot.2 It now passes for one of Mr: Dallas’s Reports— Even the recent risk he ran for his life, when the Stage upset with the Cargo of Lawyers, on their return from Washington, did not deter him from circulating this groundless charge against Baer—3 The Aurora threatens to seize on the public arms and force down the man of the people, upon us—the desperation of the jacobins is almost indescribable, and I know not how soon it may shew itself in acts of tumult and violence—4 Yesterday I was walking in Chesnut street, in the middle of the afternoon, and passed three men, of whom I took no notice, at the time, but before I was beyond hearing distance, one of them, in a loud voice, said—“that cockade will be very little longer in fashion— It wont last but a few days more— might as well be laid by—[”]5 Knowing this discourse was addressed to me, I paused a step & turned round to look at my adversaries; they appeared to be sturdy red nosed Butchers, with each a piece of beef in his hand— After making a pretty correct observation of their persons, I walked on and they ceased talking. I have no doubt of being insulted more grossly than this if I continue to wear the Cockade, which I certainly shall do, so long as I have a head to wear a Hat—that is, if agreeable to myself— Therefore let the man, who would dare to tear it out, “look to it.”

The Subscribers to the PFolio multiply gradually— Between 5 & 600, is the present number— The paper of yesterday has several articles of the Editor’s own—6

I have been looking for my Mother daily, for a week past, but it seems she had not left you on the 11th:—

I hope you will continue to keep me informed of all tellable matters—

With true esteem / Your