A report which prevailed here of your having determined to resume the practice of the Law induced me to write to you on the subject of my suit against Hoffman. I find by yours of the 18th Ult. that you have not yet resolved on your plan many reasons weigh with me to fix you here, but as they may be too much influenced by my wishes I will not urge them against your acceptance of the office to which Congress have so judiciously appointed you, nor would I even think of depriving them of so useful a servant were I not well persuaded that the people of this State claim an equal right to your labours & wish to employ them where they will be at once honourable to you, & useful to them. but of this when we meet which I cannot but hope will be e’er long. For whatever your determination may be, it will be a duty you owe to yourself & yr friends to relax awhile from the fatigues of business & to share a few social hours with them

I have examined how far the Statute might bar my claim (in consequence of your obliging hint) but find that it can not affect the Issue in tail if the entry is made with in 20 years after right of entry accrued by the death of the tenant. by consent also this matter is put out of dispute, & we shall try the cause on the merrits only, where I think I stand extremely fair.

If like Cincinatus you should return to the plough till you are called to the dictatorship, you can not cultivate a more fertile field. But you know my wishes, I have too much regard for your inclination & convenience to press them at the expence of either. In every event I expect to See you here with Mrs. Jay before many days elapse You will be pleased to hear that my daughter is in a great measure recovered of her hurt which I have reason to hope will not be attended with any lasting inconvenience tho it ^her arm^ is still somewhat stiff. Mr. Vaughan1 tells me your son bids fair to resemble his father, you will easily conceive how much this panegyrick interests me in him. Your God daughter is a fine bouncing girl, I long to see my parisiene2 who I hope is well present my comps. to Mrs. Jay & receive for her & yourself those of everybody here I am Dr John Yours Most sincerely