I have been favored ^with^ yours of the 6 of last ^month^ and am happy to learn from it, as well as & from others recd. ^by^ Mrs. Jay,1 that Mrs. Ridley’s in such health is so much mended I sincerely wish it may be perfectly re-established and confirmed as well as [your own?] ^& that you may likewise enjoy that important Blessing^ It would give me Pleasure to make you a Visit, and compare notes on the new Constitution & other interesting Topics, but my official Situation forbids me to indulge that wish ^it^. As to [that same?] ^the^ Constitution [I am persuaded to exchange our old one for it?] because I think it better not because I think it perfect ^the Convention appear to me to have acted & written candidly respecting it, and their various^ Reasons for recommending it have such weight in my mind ^adopting it induce me^ to think it adviseable.

Whatever your State may think proper to do in the affair of Messrs. Van Stapporsts, I wish it may be in your power to avoid disengage yourself from it entirely, especially if there shd. be Reason to apprehend that the State wishes ^incline^ to settle it on any principles ^Terms^ short of ^such as^ the most perfect good Faith may prescribe—2

We have not yet tried the Beer you was so kind as to send us, thinking it best to let it rest a while before we tap it—However it may turn out you shall have a true acc have our Thanks for your friendly attention and shall have a true acct. of its quality There is at present a scarcity of segars, & none of the finest best kind ^to be had^—A [sup?] sample of some of the highest Price is now sent with this by Capt. White;3 but I doubt your being much pleased with them—For My own [finest?] stock is consumed, & I will endeavour to supply you & myself out of the first good Parcel of good ones that may arrive from the Havannah—

I wish our two Boys were nearer to each other but circumstanced as we are, it cannot well ^conveniently^ take Place ^at present^—Essex promised well when I saw him in France & Govr. Livingston speaks of him in very advantageous Terms. Peter has begun that acquaintance?] [illegible]

We impat are sollicitous to know how our Friends the Dutch have finally settled with the Prussians, and whether France & Britain will continue to treat with their old sover ^are at peace or at war^. The dutch patriots seem to have miscalculated and Britain seems is sufficiently elated ^to^ be indiscreet and overbearing, it wd. not be much of Surprizing if her present Sensations should urge her to into measures, not consistent with her true Interest, wh. certainly is to avoid war if possible ^continue at peace with her neighbours^. Adieu my Dr Sr. that you may enjoy many happy years is the sincerest wish of yr af. Fd. & Servt