It being very disagreeable and perhaps attended with a little danger to the health of my family to remain in the city, I have thought it prudent to return to Alexandria for the month of september. Unless some unforeseen circumstances prevent it, I hope to be here again the first week in october. I trust this temporary absence will be <occasioned> attended with no inconvenience to the public as at present no particular matters require my attention here.

Concerning the fever the reports are various but I am inclined to think the danger of remaining in town is very triffling compared with the general alarm that has already driven away as some say twenty thousand inhabitants.

I hope you and Mrs Adams are enjoying good health in your retirement; & I pray you to believe me most respectfully your very / obedient humble servant