I have recd. your Letters of the 30 Ult & 8 Inst.—1 Judge Benson favored us with a visit on Saturday last, and remained with us until the Morning, when he set out for Rye.—

Sundry Circumstances having occupied my Time and attention since the Rect. of your Letters, I now write to you with less deliberation respecting the assessments than would otherwise have been the case.2

It appears to me proper that Mr. Munro and you should examine the Statutes which relate to such assessments, and see whether and how far the one in question is authorized by them— That after being well prepared on the Subject, you should procure a meeting of all the Parties affected by it, and that such measures for Redress be taken, (with their concurrence) as existing Circumstances well considered, may render adviseable— Care should be taken that the Proceedings (however firm) be temperate, and so guarded as not to excite ill will and Resentment— Such Feelings having a strong Tendency to render appeals to Justice and Equity unavailing. Cicero’s Remark that “vivendi ars est Prudentia”3 deserves Attention—

Whether the assessmt. be reduced or not, a large Sum must be provided, and it should be done seasonably. Shall we sell Lots— or sell Stock— or borrow? Endeavour to ascertain which of these means would be best, & how far the best would be practicable within the Time limited for Payment. To dispose of what produces Income, would make a Reduction of my ordinary Expenses indispensable. To this I shall without Hesitation submit, in Case the Interest of my Children should require it— I hope the amount of the Sum, and the State of the Times, will be deemed good Reasons for allowing us reasonable Time to procure the money.—

Mrs. Banyer is at Rye— She went there last week with your Brother— he will go for her next week— The [re] has been no material alteration in the health of any of us since the date of my last. My Love to Mary and the Children— it gratifies me to learn that John is going on well— remember me to him— I am Dear Peter Your very affte Father