Lest my last letter to Colo. Hamilton should have met some mischance I send a duplicate, & request your care of it;1 the necessity for the heads of Departments assembling by the first of next month becoming more & more apparent. Philadelphia or vicinity, is appointed for this purpose, where I shall be myself.

Let me know, I pray you, whether the malady with which Philadelphia is afflicted has extended to German town, or neighbourhood. In a word, I would thank you for precise information on this head, for I have not been able to get any. A letter requiring this of the Attorney General is, I presume, still laying in the Post Office as I have received no acknowledgment of it although written & sent from this the 30th of last Month.2

On the supposition that the Fever in Philadelphia will not have entirely ceased, & the City Sufficiently purified by the first of December for Congress to Assemble there, what conveniencies would German town afford for this purpose? thereby superceding the necessity of removing the public Offices to a more distant part. If this also should be conceived an unsafe, or an improper place, what other is contemplated for the residence of Congress next Session? full information of the prevailing sense of those who are best acquainted with the true situation of things in and about Philadelphia would be very satisfactory to me, as our accts here are so vague and contradictory that we know not what to rely on.

By report Mr Willing (President of the Bank) Mr Jno. Ross, Mr Jonathen Sergeant, Mr Howell, Colo. Franks, and many others of our acquaintances have fallen victims to the prevailing malignant fever; that near 4000 have died; & that the disorder rages more violently than ever. Are these things true? I hope you & Mrs Wolcot keep your health. with esteem & regard I am, Sir Yr Very Hble Servt