Mary has recd. a charming letter from Sister Nancy. She desires us to make Inquiries concerning Jenny who has run away, & we will do all we can to discover what has become of her.

I regret very much to learn that Maria has lately been worse. Hers has been for a long time a life of suffering. Little Maria too Nancy writes, is thin & delicate. I am truly sorry for this both on her Account & her Aunts. The Spring here is unusually forward & pleasant, I hope it may not occasion the fruit trees to be injured by the late frosts which we seldom escape. Business here continues very dull. The price of all articles is fallen. I saw Oak wood this Morning for 9/ a load, which is less than I have known it sell for in fifteen Years— I bought Hay about three weeks ago for 4/6 the Cwt. Great numbers of Houses remain not let.1 It would seem that for some time to come this City must remain stationary. Little is heard of politics except in the party Newspapers. It is difficult to determine what will be the result of the Election. Each Party claims a large Majority. But I believe there will be a considerable one against Mr Tompkins— His Nomination has united the great body of the federalists against him, & if Mr Clinton has any tolerable proportion of the Democrats with him he must succeed—

I am sorry to hear of the Situation of your neigbor John Lyons, & cannot but hope that he may recover to atone for his past errors & enjoy the consolations of the religion he formerly disbelieved.

We are much obliged to Nancy for her letter—2 We are always desirous to hear the occurrences at Bedford & a detail of them is very gratifying— When shall we see William? It is long since we have had the pleasure of a visit from him. When he comes again we hope Augusta & some at least of the Children will accompany him. Our little folks ought to be intimate—

I trust we shall see Maria soon— our best love to them all I am my dear father Your Affectionate son