I now inclose part of a letter in the hand writing of P. Henry in complyance with the promise I gave you when last at Montpellier—I hope it will reach you in time to answer the purpose for which you wanted it.

I recieved a letter from my Brother Edward by the last mail. He had reached Illinois very safely, & was in better health than he had been for years. I have some Hope he will return with me in the spring when I propose to visit Elprado.

I congratulate you on the favourable change in the season, & the advance in the price of wheat & flour, which promises, for a time at least, such a return from our labor as will again make it profitable, & give income from our Estates which for some years have only been a tax to us. With kindest wishes to Mrs. Madison to whom I beg to be most respectfully presented I am, Dr Sir, ever truly & faithfully yrs