I returned Yesterday in the afternoon from Exeter—This Morning I recd. and read with Pleasure your Letter of the 23d. Instant—1 The Inaccuracies in it scarcely required an apology— Some Errors are observeable in the Stile—very few in the Matter. I regard the Attempt as a Mark of Attention to my wishes, and shall not forget it— Having many Letters to answer and many Visits to pay, I can devote only a few moments this Evening to You. Early on Thursday morning I expect to set out for Scituate, and from thence proceed with Judge Cushing to Providence on the ensuing Saturday.2

The Letter which Essex mentions to have written3 to me has arrived, and shall be answered as soon as I can find Leisure for the Purpose.

Few Books (if properly read) afford more useful Lessons than the Lives of great Men; and among Biographers Plutarch is certainly entitled to the first Place. To enjoy the Experience of others without paying the Price which it often cost them, is pleasant as well as profitable— mankind is the same in all Ages, however diversified by colour manners or customs. To regulate our Conduct wisely relative to men, is the most difficult Task we have to perform in the Course of our Lives— To know them, is necessary but not easy— History will teach us much, but unremitted observation more— both assist each other— Habituate yourself to trace actions up to their Motives— let me again repeat that we have two worlds to exist in— and that you may be happy in both, is not only the wish but the Prayer of Your aff[ectiona]te. Father