I left at Washington a great coat of which I shall have great need. should this reach you before your departure I will thank you to bring it; and it will be in time if I recieve it when you come to Monticello yourself, as it will be on my return only that it will be wanting. I have written to mr Lemaire to deliver it to you. the drought in this quarter is excessive. it begins about the Rapidan. at mr Strode’s and some distance on each side they are abundantly wet. corn however still has a healthy look. the crop of wheat has been large, & of the first quality.    I found mr Randolph’s white family all recovered. but there is a good deal of sickness generally, proceeding from the abundance of stagnant pools into which all the rivers, creeks, & branches are now converted. even the Rivanna, after taking out the water for my little toll mill, has not as much left as would turn another. the shallows in the river are all dry, & the deep parts covered with a green coat. all Charlottesville drinks out of one scanty spring which is constantly muddy, & more & more springs are failing daily. people come for bread from Amherst & Hanover to the three river mills we have in this neighborhood, to wit, mine, Wood’s 5 miles & Magruder’s 10. miles below. we grind each about 40. barrels a day.    I informed you erroneously that our horsepost leaves Milton on Monday. it leaves it on Tuesdays. I salute you with affection & respect