I had last Evening the Pleasure of recieving your Letter of the 20th. Inst:—1 The Appology contained in it is so handsomely made, that I accept it; notwithstanding the well founded opinion, that there are but few occurrences which can with propriety, excuse our not writing those Letters which ought to be written.—

The complaint in your wrist was a disagreable one, and I am glad you are now free from it— perhaps a weakness remains— if so, be careful how you use that Hand— a Strain might again injure your wrist.

There are no Inconveniences occurring to your Sister which I do not regret, and I am much pleased with the Impressions which they make on your Sensibility— Yet my dear Sally it was not quite prudent to mention the one, alluded to, in such explicit and strong Terms. There is a wide Difference between confiding Sentiments to me, and confiding Sentiments to a Letter to me— Letters not unfrequently miscarry, and are sometimes read by those for whose Inspection they were not intended— Prudence is one of the cardinal Virtues, and well deserves our constant attention— the longer we live, and observe what passes in the World, the more we become sensible of the Value and of the necessity of Prudence— It is generally acquired by Experience rather than by Precept— Youth and Experience cannot be old and intimate acquaintances.— You have an advantage which few enjoy, and which many would not sufficiently estimate— I mean that of obtaining upon every occasion the advice and opinion of an affectionate sincere and judicious Sister. They who think themselves superior to the necessity of advice and admonition, manifest more Pride than Judgm[en]t— this I am happy to believe will not be your Case.—

I have lately rec[eive]d. a Letter from W[illia]m.—2 he was well— Nancy’s Eyes give her at Times a good deal of Pain— they are at present in such a State, that she finds it necessary to postpone writing to your Sister and to you.

I am pleased with what you say of your dear little name sake—3 my Love to Maria— I am my dear Daughter Your very aff[ectiona]te. Father

Sunday morning. Your Brother arrived Yesterday from NYork, & brought Frances Munro with him— we are all as well as usual.