I have not seen Mr: Rush since the Packet Liverpool was a missing Ship; but Mr: Maury whom I met here at dinner on sunday last had seen him that morning and was informed by him that there was a long arrear of information due to him from Washington; and we are now advised that the abovementioned packet was sunk by the Ice on the Banks of Newfoundland.

It would be against the doctrine of Chances, in god knows what proportion, that two packets, at two such distant dates as the Albion & the Liverpool should take to the bottom original and duplicate of the same Dispatchs—certainly not less than ten thousand to one; and yet, I strongly suspect it will be found to have been the case—the Letters ⅌ Liverpool are all lost—the crew and Passengers are saved, and arrived at Bristol—some, I understand, have reached London this day, and report that they were reduced for six days in the Boat to an allowance of a Biscuit a day ⅌ man.

I wrote you that Mr Rush’s dispatches ⅌ Albion were not among the Letters that were drifted ashore from that ship; and this will apprize you that anything you may have favoured me with ⅌ the Liverpool has met no better fate.

You are aware how happy I am on all occasions to hear from you, and will I trust indulge me with a repetition of any thing you may have written on either of the above occasions. I rest always, very faithfully, Dear sir, Your friend & Servt.