A tedious Sickness has Confined Mrs Wuibert to her Death-bed for the Espace of near two months. the Impossibility of her paying any attention to my affairs in her present Situation, has deranged them in Such a manner, that I am forced to Implore your Excellency’s permission to Repair To Philadelphia.

Should your Excellency think proper to grant me this favour, it Would Restore me and my Dying Wife to the highest tranquility: particularly Should She Want to Communicate to me anything of Importance before it is our Lot to be Separated.

But if to the Contrary, your Excellency forbids me to Leave this place, I Can assure you, that, for the Good of the Service, I am perfectly Contented to Sacrifice not only all I am possessed of, but my Life if the Case Requires it: But What Reproaches—What Remorses Would I Undergo, Should I neglect those Duties, Religion and honor Impose on me. I am With the highest Respect Sir your Excellency’s the most obedient humble Servant