I have recd. your letter of the 8th. inst.1 William is at Bloomingdale but purposes I believe to return to Bedford this afternoon. A Flag of Truce has just arrived from Halifax where the Declaration of War when she sailed was still unknown to inquire the Reason of an attack made by Commodore Rogers with his Squadron upon the English Frigate Belvidere. It seems Rogers fell in with this Vessel which maintained a running fight for some time when Rogers who was already within pistol shot gave up the Chase. The Capt of the Belvedere concluding that there must be war afterwards took three American Merchant ships: one was retaken by the Crew & the others were ordered to be restored by Admiral Sawyer.2

The principal Federalists here think a Meeting would not be expedient. The Clintonians dare not join, and were we alone to have a meeting, the opposite party would hold one also which tho less numerously attended would appear as well in the News papers— I am not of the same Opinion. On this occasion the people far outstrip their leaders, & it is a pity to allow all their ardor to evaporate without producing one beneficial Effect. The truth is we have no leader to direct us. Many are apprehensive that Massachusets will take Measures which would tend to sever the Union, & all look forward with great anxiety, & with great uncertainty as to Course they are to pursue. Plans for calling a Convention of the Eastern States have I believe been agitated.

Col. Burr has returned & opened an Office in this City. Mr. Farquhar will send by the next Sinsing Boat a Q[uarte]r. Cask lisbon Wine. I have paid Wm. Watkins’s Acct.

Mary’s Maid overheated herself on the 4th July & has a fever when she recovers I think Mary & the Children will pass some time with you. The rest of our family is quite well— My best love to Sisters— I am my dear father Your Affect: Son