On Tuesday Evening was presented to me by a Friend a New York Paper containing the truly distressing and afflicting account of Mrs. Jays death—1 I immediately after received Mr. Munro’s Letter2 confirming the melancholly Event— how to impart this distressing News to my dear Maria added fresh Grief to my feelings; I however prepared her for the Shock in the best manner I could and at 11 O’Clock unfolded to her the truth. She has not yet left her Room but is more calm and composed and last Evening slept tolerably well— Most Sincerely my good Sir do I condole with you all on this most distressing Event and God grant you may support the Calamity with fortitude and composure. Oh! that I could add a word of Comfort to your wounded Breasts Judge of our feelings from your own. Be good enough to present our ^best^ wishes to Nancy Sally and William for whose feelings on this occasion do we also most sincerely sympathise do let us hear from you soon and frequently a line now will be doubly welcome—3 I am Dear Sir Your affectionate & humble Servt.