How do you do? how is the little one?1 when are you to be with us? I wish I could ask you these questions in Person— My Life has for many Years past been in several Respects various— It is the Fortune of few to chuse their Situations— it is the Duty & Interest of all to accommodate themselves to the one which Providence chuses for them— On my Return from Europe I was placed in an office which confined me to my Desk & Papers— I am now in one which takes me from my Family half the Year, and obliges me to pass too considerable a part of my Time on the Road, in Lodging Houses, & Inns.

I arrived here two Days ago, and am hospitably & agreably entertained by the Vice President—2 When the Court which calls me ^here^ rises, I must hasten to New York to hold a special Circuit Court for the Tryal of certain persons there in Confinement.3 A visit to you is therefore on this occasion not in my power. I left Sally & the Children tolerably well— she & the Girls have had the malignant sore throat4— They thank God recovered— Your Susan grows finely5— Altho I cannot have the pleasure of visiting you, I may perhaps have that of being in some way or other useful to You— If there be such a way, don’t hide it from me— I always relied on your Friendship— do the same on mine— I expect to remain here ten Days, but not longer— God bless & preserve you— Yours very sincerely