I am much obliged by your Favor which reached me in the Jersey’s; in my Way, at philadelphia, I had the pleasure of reading the Address which you kindly inclosed me.1 I had in my own Mind given you the Credt. of having a principal Hand in it— When I left Home I had no Expectation of crossing the Delaware. I imagined our utmost Exertions would scarce save philadelphia our people like all other Militia are tired and had I not received a Summons Yesterday to take on me a Civil Office my Generalship would have ended in a few Days no Matter you’ll say for the Skill I had in that Way I think so too but I felt a strong Desire to do the little I could when Things were at the worst— The Americans are almost daily pecking at our Enemies and if it is continued we shall, I believe, make & kill a good many Soldiers.— By the Express which came to me Yesterday I intend understand the Congress intend to remove soon to phila. it will give me no Inquietude Though I Fancy the most democratical Gent[lemen] find they have at least as much Democracy at Home as Mankind can bear in Maryland we have more than I wish because I think we have too much for the Quiet & Happiness of my Countrymen. I have been so strongly impressed with this Idea that it was my Wish and more than half my Resolution not to have any thing to do in an Executive whose powers are much inadequate to the Ends of it’s Institution perhaps if others are convinced on Experience of what I am satisfied in Theory we may in Time get Things to rights— I have not been at Congress for a long Time past it was pretty enough at first amongst the Acquisitions I made there there is none I remember with greater pleasure than the Acquaintance I gained with you Mr. Duaine and a few others you know I do not love to write Letters which must be my Excuse for not writing to him at present yet am I desirous of being thought of by him wherefore put him in Mind of me & tell him I am well. I am my dr. Sir With great Sincerity & Affectn. Your Friend & Serv.