I have now to acknolege your letter of the 20th. from which I learnt with real affliction that sickness in the family had prevailed generally, that Ellen was still ill, & your dear Mama not well. I hope this will find all re-established, & that tomorrow’s letters will tell me so. I shall count with long scores the three weeks to come after which I hope to be with you. an unfortunate accident happened in Genl. Mason’s island yesterday. about sun-rise his house was discovered to be afire, & in spite of all the aid carried to him, one wing was burnt down & the middle part nearly so. they saved their furniture. suspicions arising that it was done by one of his house servants who wished the family to go back to Georgetown, he was arrested & on his way to prison with the constable, he jumped out of the boat & drowned himself. I understand the family will continue through the summer in the remaining wing. Genl. Dearborne continues ill of a fever. mrs S. H. Smith is always at her country house, tho’ she came in and dined with us two days ago. we have had the thermometer, one day (the 25th.) at 96°. kiss your beloved Mama for me, & all the little ones. present my warm affections to your Papa, and accept yourself assurances of my tender love.