I have been some time in debt for your very friendly letter of the 16th. Ult. For some time after I recd. it [it] was not improbable that I might be able to acknowledge it in person as soon as I could do it on paper. Since the visit of the President to Virga. which suspended my setting out for Washington for a definite period, I have been so occupied with pressing business, & of late have been so much indisposed, that I presumed on your goodness to excuse my silence till I could give you a verbal explanation. Finding however that I shall not be able to accompany the President on his return, I can not omit the opportunity, notwithstanding my hope to follow almost on his heels, of presenting the sincere thanks of Mrs M. & myself for the very kind invitation you give us to make your House our home on our arrival. You may be assured Sir that we feel the value of it, and that if we should not throw ourselves on your hospitality, it will proceed least of all from an idea that any thing in the stile of it would be unwelcome to us. The President has been so good as to have chalked out a temporary arrangement that will save you from such a tax. It is not improbable that on our arrival, we shall have occasion to avail ourselves of your friendly aid in providing more durable accommodations.1 In the mean time Mrs. Thornton & yourself, will accept our united & respectful compliments and cordialities.