I yesterday recd. your favor of the 1st. & will with pleasure attend to your wishes respecting Mrs. Chandler,1 either to-morrow or on Monday—to-day it would be unpleasant to encounter the crowd—

It gives me great pleasure to tell you that Mary2 continued remarkably well the whole of yesterday, & slept thro’ so much noise that my apprehensions respecting the firing ringing &c on her account are much diminished—& my patriotism will I hope enable me to support it—

Few persons amid the clamour of noisy celebration, can reflect with as much pleasure on the event we this day commemorate as you my dear Papa must do in your quiet retirement, & while your children rejoice in the civil & religious freedom of their Country, they must always feel ^grateful^ that Providence was pleased to employ you as one of its most distinguished instruments in procuring these inestimable blessings—blessings which contrasted with the despotism, superstition & degradation of most other Nations, seem almost a foretaste of that far more glorious freedom from sin & pain, which we hope to enjoy in a better Country—

With a kindness that does honor to his heart, John3 requested permission to spend his holiday in paying a visit to his old friend Hannah Benjamin4 who is very sick; he went yesterday & will return to-morrow morning. Mary5 is at Mr. Rutherfurd’s.6 her Mother recd. an excellent letter from her yesterday, as it was long & sprightly we hope she is better, for she neglected to mention her health— the other Children are all well, the little stranger is very plump & resembles Anna Maria, she is to be called Matilda7 in compliment to her Grand-father Clarkson who was here yesterday, & appeared much dejected, tho’ in better health— Please to remember me very affectionately to Brother, Sisters, & the Children, & be assured of the unceasing gratitude with which I am dear Papa Your dutiful & very affectionate daughter

Mary continues as well as she was.