On the 17 Augt. I recd. from Mr. Lewis your Favor of the 30 July, and on the 18 Augt. I answered it. The Day before Yesterday Your’s of the 26 Ult. reached me, and I am mortified to learn from it that mine to you had not come to Hand—it went by the Post, and was put into the office with my own Hands. I flatter myself that You have since recd. it—

As to the Letters recd. from You shortly before I left France—1 it did not appear to me necessary to reply to them on my arrival here; for I purposed to pay You a visit soon, and the matter of them did not in my opinion require an immediate answer.

Your Information my good Friend! that I had determined to remain here was premature. The Truth is, that I have come to no Determination on the Subject. I have not attended to my private affairs these nine Years; and they are now so circumstanced, as that further Neglect might be very injurious, especially in Case of my Death. A Mans affairs should if possible be so arranged, as that such an Event may occasion no avoidable Prejudice to his Family. When Congress meets I shall decide on the offer they have made me, and if I should conclude to resume the Practice of the Law, you will always find me desirous as well as ready to make my Profession useful to You.

There are matters respecting the Division of my Fathers Estate2 which will detain me for some Weeks longer, and then I hope to take You by the Hand at Claremont—

How does your Daughter do?3 Make my Compts. to all the Family. & believe me to be very sincerely Your Friend,