Among the news papers &c. brought to me last week from the post office, I found a Packet directed to me in your handwriting— it enclosed no Letter, but it enclosed no bad Substitute for one. On reading it I was pleased with the Information and Pleasantry which run thro’ it.1 I was a little surprised to find that you had given up old wine and apician Dishes; from whence I learn, that wit will not, like certain other Faculties, grow cold “Sine Cerere et Baccho”.—2 Had Scheucher been alive, he would have deserved the Tail of Caramelli,3 for the good Service he has done to the Family of that chief.—

I had often heard of broad tailed Sheep, and seen some of them, but supposed them to be rather a singular than a useful Breed. You have corrected that Error; and I should like to have some of them, if they would remain quietly in Fields fenced only by stone walls. My Farm was from its first Settlemt occupied by Tenants— they have left me no Trees fit for Rails; nor can I obtain a Supply in this neighbourhood.— The Stones they could not destroy; and they are the only Materials I have for fence.

With some Expense I had collected and formed a Flock, which pleased me; but the unceasing Care and trouble of keeping them within their proper pastures, induced me to sell them, and to buy what are here called Otter Sheep.4 They have short crooked Legs, and are no Beauties— of none of them can it be said “il est fait a peindre”5 but they are orderly and stay at home; and that is more than can always be said of Beauties.

You say the Tunisians are quiet— Tell me whether you think they may be trusted within Stone walls— if they may— I shall, in Case I live ’till spring, be inclined to purchase two or three of them, to begin with.

Since my Letter to you in Feby.6 I have gained Strength and suffered very little— Every Winter for the last three Years, has left me very feeble & exhausted— perhaps the ensuing one may do the like, or more—perhaps not— Pandora’s Box had Hope at the bottom.

A Person from our western Country was here last Summer— he said a great many fine things of a Grain cultivated in his neighbourhood— Spelts— I had often heard that the Germans in Pennsylvania used it; but I never understood that it was much valued— be so good as to let me know its true character—I am Dear Sir yours affecty