I have duly received your letter of the 16th Instant, from Leesburgh.

In answer to which, respecting the purchase of Buck Wheat, I send you a Bank note for two hundred dollars; being more disposed to give two & six pence pr Bushel in Loudoun than depend upon the purchase here, & the uncertainty of getting it round in time. What the Waggonage of it to my house from thence (as fast as it is bought, for that I make a condition, in order that no disappointment may happen) will be, I know not; but with a view to place the matter upon an absolute certainty I had rather give three & six pence for it, delivered at Mount Vernon, than encounter delay, or trust to contingencies; because, as it forms part of my system of Husbandry for the next year, a derangement of it would be a serious thing; for which reason, a small difference in the price can be no object when placed against the disconcertion of my plans: especially too, as I am persuaded you will purchase, & transport the B. Wht for me on the best terms you can.

Four hundred & fifty bushels, or call it 500, is the quantity I shall want; and more money shall be sent to you as soon as I know your prospects, and the expenditures of what is now forwarded. For the reasons I have already assigned, I must encounter no disappointment; if therefore your prospects (as you proceed in this business) are not so flattering as those detailed in your letter, inform me of it in time, that I may supply my self from hence before the frost sets in.

The malady with which Philadelpa has been sorely afflicted, has, it is said, entirely ceased; and all the Citizens are returning to their old habitations again. I took a house in this town when I first arrived here, & shall retain it until Congress get themselves fixed; altho I spend part of my time in the City.

Give my love to Mrs Ball & Milly, and be assured of the sincere esteem and regard with which I am, Dear Sir Your Affecte Servt