We left Washington on the 3d: instt: as I informed you in my letter from that place of the 1st: it was our intention to do.—1 Mr: and Mrs: Johnson and their two youngest daughters accompanied us to Frederick— But Mr: Johnson and my child were both taken so ill on the road that we had some difficulty to complete our day’s journey— Mr. Johnson’s illness detained us a week at Frederick-town, where I meant to have stop’d only two days— Even when we came away he was still confined to his bed, and Mrs: Johnson could not part with Caroline— The child’s complaint was in the bowels— We expect him to cut some teeth soon— Dr: Thomas imputes his disorder to this cause—2 He recovered so far that on the 11th: we left Frederick, and the next day arrived here. But stage travelling at such a rate, is too violent for my wife’s state of health, and she has been very unwell here— We must however get along as we can— This day I hope to get as far as Trenton; and to-morrow as far as Newark— There to see Mrs: Smith and sister Adams—and go into New-York the next day morning.— It is I find, utterly impossible, travelling with such a family, to fix a day when I can expect to reach any given place— My journey has already been unavoidably protracted a fortnight beyond the time I had prescribed to myself, and I can scarcely hope it will not be again delayed by some accident or other— Instead of the 25th: which I mentioned in my last as the day when I should hope to see you, I must now reconcile myself to think of the 30th: as that when I may promise myself the satisfaction— I believe we shall go from New-York to Providence by water— It is by far the most comfortable, and in my mind the safest way for us to perform the journey— At any rate we shall be with you as soon as possible.

My brother is in very good health, and fattening upon celibacy— I wish his estate were fattening as much as his person; but he preserves at least an Independence, and I hope will ere long do something better.

Most affectionately your’s

The remnant of our pilgrimage since we left you at Mrs: Roberts’s door, stands thus— Monday Novr: 16. lodg’d at Trenton—Tuesday, at Mrs: Smith’s in Newark; where we found only the old lady and little Abby—Mrs: Charles Adams was in New-York— Wednesday morning we reached that place— The roads began to be deep and reminded us that we were quite late enough in the season— Two days at New-York— Then sailed in one of the Providence Packets— Tuesday Novr: 24 arrived at Boston and the next day came out to Quincy— Just in time to keep thanksgiving with our parents, who are both well.—1 My wife and child the same—

George and his mother are heartily thankful to you for his coral—2 And I ought to be so too— And so I am; and would have told you as much, but that I did not make the discovery untill after we had left you

I commenced at New-York an arrangement for the discharge of J. B. Smith’s note— I shall probably take his lands, and may perhaps purchase more in the same neighbourhood—3 I have thoughts of making a settlement there, and removing with my family to that part of the Country— It is the most promising spot on the continent for enterprize and industry— What say you to joining me in the plan, and going with me?— Independence, thrift and sport—You can promise yourself in a high degree— Why should we wither away our best days, and sneak through life, pinch’d by penury, and yawning off existence over the black-letter, merely for the sake of a few luxurious indulgences in a large town?— Reflect upon it, and let me hear from you.— In the mean time I shall establish my temporary residence in Boston— Some sacrifice I have consented to make; but my stock of patience is not large, and will not last long—

At Boston I received from Mr: Murray the enclosed letter for you, together with your letter to me of 7. June, which you had sent under cover to him— I think he must have arrived in the United States by this time.4

Your mother desires me to pay you 21 dollars on her account for flour— Please to charge it therefore to my account, and pay yourself from any funds of mine in your hands.

Enclosed you will find a small scrap for Dennie; to whom remember me kindly—5 I hope to furnish him soon with a more liberal contribution— My time is yet very scant.

Your’s.