I cannot let Mr. Remsen1 depart, without acknowledging the Rect. of your friendly Letter of 18 Ult. a Fever has long kept one of my Children in a precarious Situation; and while Doubts of her Recovery remained, I could not prevail on myself to be far distant. She still lingers on, but if she holds out ’till frosty weather, I hope all will be well. The Time for the Meeting of Congress being near, I shall postpone visiting Philada. till then. I must decline accepting the Place offered me, at least until the Sense of Congress can be known on two or three points. We will talk them over at large when we meet— I will hint them at present—as I have a Family it is necessary in my opinion, that my Residence should be stationary—and I think it both reasonable & important that the Persons to serve under me in the Office, should be of my appointment. Mr Remsen would probably have very little to apprehend from it—your Knowledge & Recommendation of him obviate Doubts on that Head— I am influenced, not by particular Views, but by general Principles of Prudence, which (entre nous) have been much confirmed by Experience— Farewell my Dr Sir yours very sincerely