I have recd. your letter of the 13th. & am very much obliged to you for it.1 It was necessary however to decide before I recd it. Upon further reflection the same Reasons occurred to me which have weighed with you— I thought it prudent also to consult some of the principal federal Gentlemen who thought that I ought to accept— & that during the election it would be unnecessary & improper in me to take any active Part.

I have also written to the Governor the following letter. “Sir Permit me to thank your Excellency for the appointment bestowed on me of which I have to day received official Notice. The best return which can be made and that which will be most acceptable to your Exy. will be to perform the Duties of the Office in such a Manner as to justify your Choice. To this end my best endeavours shall not be wanting— I am &c—”

As several Causes have been argued before Mr Riker which are not yet decided, I have arranged it with him that he shall open the Mayors Court on Monday next, & decide them, & that I shall be sworn in the same Evening in the Common Council & take my Seat ^in Court^ the next Day. Mr Riker has behaved with politeness & propriety on the occasion.2

I have brought little John from School—3 He has improved since he has been there, & is very well so are all the family— We are beginning to send furniture to the new house, which however is in an unfinished State— I am a little apprehensive of its being too damp to go in with perfect safety— & if it is quite convenient to you Mary & the Children will pay you a visit next Month instead of waiting as they had intended till later in the season— She will also pass some time at Rye & has promised also to visit Mrs Rutherfurd.

Rents have fallen greatly, & there are more houses to let than tenants who want them. I have not yet let either my own or Maria’s. The latter I could have let had it been finished— I believe it will be done except the Yard by the first of May, It is as forward as mine & I have directed the workman to leave mine till hers is done. But while it is filled with Scaffolds & Masons, people think it in a more unfinished State than it really is. I have been much mortified about it. H. Haights new houses are also not let.4

Our love to William, Sisters & the Children. I received your letter of the 6th instant last Friday.5 I am, my dear Father, Your very affect. Son,

Mary will go to Rye or Bedford first as may be most convenient to you.