If I have not sooner thanked you for the considerate present in the Box of fruit referred to in your letter of  , the apology will I am sure have occurr’d to you. A delay which the Box met with on the way lessened the value of a part of its contents, but not the obligat<ion> felt for the kindness wch prompted <...> the favour.

I am regaining, tho’ not rapidly, my health, & strength. I hope the indisposition, you mention, was as fugitive as it was sudden & that, you will find a security agst its return, in your favorite <resonra> of the Cracker & dried fig: but I entreat you not to forget, that a certain degree of mental rest & of bodily exercise, cannot be safely dispensed with.

Your recommendation for Genl Cocke, was forwarded by the earliest mail With cordial respects & all my good wishes