My Aunt expecting soon to receive a summons to attend you in Philadelphia,1 I take the liberty by her hand to offer a request to your consideration, one however which I almost fear all the friendship you have shewn me, will not justify me in making but confiding as I do, in your judgement & in your kindness, I trust you will tell me, if you think me wrong, & rather ascribe my errors to inexperience than to a wilful intention of acting imprudently—I must also assure you, that however you may think proper to decide, I shall most chearfully acquiese in your opinion—the request which I beg leave to make is, that while the repairs are making to your house in Alexandria (which you have been so good as to offer me for a habitation) the roof may be taken off, & another story added, this I hope will not increase the expence considerably, & woud afford me exactly the accommodation I most wish for—my circumstances I am very certain will not justify me in anything more than a very moderate stile of living, & I hope I have considerd nothing more in my ideas of settling myself—to retain a few of the indulgencies I have been accustomd to, & to give my Children good educations is all that I wish—with devout prayers to the bestower of all blessings, long to continue to you health & happiness, I subscribe myself, dear Sir, your grateful & affectionate