Since the receit. of your obliging letter of December last,1 I have continually hoped that I shd. be released from troubling you further on the subject of it: by the conduct of my debtors on Panther’s Creek. I am however disappointed, having not yet recd. a dollar, or even a line from either of them. As a consequence I make another appeal to Tapscott & thro’ him to Bell, and beg the favor of you, after perusal to seal & to forward it, by mail, or otherwise as you may think best.

I hope Kentucky is by this time emerging from the difficulties & misfortunes which have so long oppressed her.2 Altho’ exempt here from her peculiar ones, the situation of the Country is truly distressing, short crops & low prices obliging many to sell, and leaving none able to buy. I have myself been particularly unfortunate, having made but one favorable crop of Tobo. & Wheat since my reestablishment on my farm; and the current prospect, owing to insects & drought, at one time, and floods at another, promises no amends for past failures.

I need not touch on the singular occurrences which have distinguished the present epoch; and which have produced a display of universal feeling, so honorable to the nation which so honors its benefactors. The condition in which one of them left his affairs & family, has called forth peculiar evidences of gratitude & affection. I wish and hope that they may afford the full relief which is needed: but I am not sufficiently informed to speak confidently on the subject.

My mother, aged as she is enjoys a comfortable degree of health. The only exception to this blessing, among your friends, which occurs, is in the situation of Mr. John Taylor, who since his late return from Alabama, has become very feeble with symptoms which make those about very anxious for the result.3