The number of this Letter will convince you that the long Interval in which you recd. no Letters from me, is to be ascribed to causes not in my Power to obviate. Your Favors of the 11 and 14th. Inst. were delivered to me Yesterday, together with two from Peter, to whom I already owed two Letters—1

My approbation of your Proposal to inoculate the Children, was conveyed in three different Letters.2 I commend your Fortitude and rejoice with you in the Success of it— I am indeed happy & thankful that they are both recovered— I lament Abbys Death—it would have given me great Pleasure to have restored her in Health to our own Country— I am persuaded of your attention to her, and think with you, that her being at Home, and well taken Care of, are Circumstances of Consolation. The Situation of the Family during their Illness must have pressed hard upon you, & tho’ the Recovery of our dear little Girls doubtless gave new Vigour to your Spirits, yet I fear they have been too much agitated by the Variety as well as Degree of Emotions which you have lately experienced—that Consideration makes me extremely anxious to be with you, & were it not for the Bristol Business (to finish which I wait for Papers to be sent me from London by Mr V Schaack) I would set out for France Tomorrow morning— Let me entreat you my dear Sally to continue tranquil & composed—amuse yourself a little by seeing your Friends at their Houses and at yours— I need not remind you that People passing thro’ this World are not to expect to have all the Way strewed with Roses—let us be grateful for Blessings & resigned to adverse Incidents—

I shall write to Mr Johnson on the Subject of a Maid such as you mentioned—3 my Absence shall not be a Moment longer than may be unavoidable— My Health mends, and if with you would mend faster—

God bless and preserve you & our little ones—my Love to Peter—& Compts. of the Season to the Doctr. & our other Friends— I am my Dear Sally Your afft. Husband