On the 8th. Instant I recieved the third Letter which has reached me from you, since we parted at Philadelphia in the Year 1779—a very small Number! ^it is dated the 8 Nov last.^ The six which you mention to have written to me since last May have all miscarried. There seems to be a Spell upon your Letters— The way to breake it will be to enclose them in future to Mr. R. R. Livingston ^or^ Mr R Morris at Philadelphia. Their Letters have been more fortunate, and I have no doubt but that yours would be less unlucky if inclosed with theirs. You do not inform me what Letters you have recd. from me, which I wish you had not omitted. I am glad that the one of 15 Augt. reached you & that it contributed to your Convenience—1

I have written to Mr. Benson about Peter.2 He must not return to Eliz Town— As I am informed that his Grandfather chuses to keep him, I am content that he should remain in the Family provided [illegible] ^or^ at a convenient Distance from it—if not ^or^ let him live at Mr. Henry Livingston’s Junr. to whom I have desired Mr. Benson to speake on the Subject—

I have sent you Blankets & Linnen, but I hear that one parcel of them was taken in the Virginia near the Capes of Delaware, but ^however^ as I ordered six parcels to be sent in different Vessels, I hope that some will arrive safe— Miss Kitty Livingston informs us that some Silk which Sally sent for Peggy had arrived at Philadelphia—a subsequent Vessel carried some for Nancy—

Mr Benson informs me that the Family are now at Poghkeepsie3 and that my Father has resigned the Management of it to you.4 I am pleased with this Circumstance especially as it will now be in your Power to make the Remainder of his Days free from Care and consequently as easy & agreable as age and Infirmities will permit. It gives me pleasure to reflect that it is also in your Inclination as well as power to be a Father to this distressed Family, and that Mrs. Jay has now an opportunity of acquiring the Reputation of a domestic Matron, as well as that of an agreable Woman.

I flatter myself that your future Letters will be as particular as Prudence may allow.— I think it probable that some Family matters which I must not particularize may give you Embarrassments—and on such occasions I advise you to be firm as well as discreet— You will find excellent Counsellors in Peter & Nancy, & to them I may add Mr. Benson who I am sure has a most sincere Regard for us all. Much depends upon and is expected from you, and consequently much Circumspection becomes indispensable.

Remember poor Guss— Make his Life comfortable, if necessary I will furnish the Means. The Profession of the other will enable him to stand upon his own Legs. The Parsons Wife Mrs. M must not be neglected. It is best however ^if practicable^ that you should not be too near Neighbours. Without great Care and oeconomy you will find your Expences constantly exceeding your Calculations one of the best ways to avoid this is to keep a very regular account of Expenditures & never to purchase on Credit— As I offer these Hints from the best of motives, I hope they will be taken in good part. I hear Mr Livingston has purchased the your the Carriage—5 So much the better—the less you have to do with pleasurable Carriages of any kind the better. This War has put us all far back, and lef but Prudence & Attention and all the Fruits of them are within our Reach—& peace & liberty will ^more than compensate our Losses^ ^many of my Correspendents have mention a late visit unadvised Excursion to New York, & the Fact seems so well authenticated that I am obliged to believe & to regret it.^6

Peter is very well & much grown. Sally expects to give you another nephew or niece in a few Weeks. Remember us most affectionably to my Father, and to Peter to our Brothers & Sisters— Rely on my constant Attachment and believe me to be Dr. Fady your very afft. Brother