I was, this Day, informed by a Carman, that you had requested him to supply you with Wood sufficient for the subsequent Winter. Agreeable to your Desire he has engaged a large Quantity for your Use, and is desirous of knowing when it will be convenient for us to receive it. I answered, that in the present Situation of affairs, you would not choose to encrease your Stock: My Opinion proceeded from a Supposition that you would reside a long Time at Philadelphia. Should this Conjecture prove true, I shall save considerable Expence.—You have left, I believe, two Chaldron of Coals, & at least, eight Loads of Wood. Unless the Weather is uncommonly cold, we shall have more Fuel than is necessary for the office. To purchase more therefore when Wood is sold at 38/ per Cord, would be imprudent. In such Circumstances I could not, consistent with my Duty, suffer the Carman to bring any without your Approbation. If you think proper, he will fulfil his Engagement; if not, he will sell it to other Persons.—I beg you will give me your Directions by the first opportunity.—

I hope, dear Sir, you have enjoyed much Health during your Absence. A continual Anxiety for the publick Welfare will, I fear, injure your Constitution: Persons of your Sensibility experience Pains unknown to the Generality of Mankind. These must be naturally heightened, when such important Deliberations employ your Attention.

When I reflect upon the present Business of the office, I am filled with the deepest Sorrow. Formerly it was extensive, and attended with much Profit: now it is confined within very narrow Bounds, and of Course accompanied with little Gain.—Mr. Strang,1 with his usual Care and Regularity, does whatever is in his Power to promote your Interest. He acts as Council, I perform the office of Attorney.—We are endeavouring to collect the Co[s]ts which have been long due. I am sorry to say the Calamity of the Times is a great Obstacle to our Success.—

I know by Experience, that you wish the Improvement of those committed to your Tuition. Permit me, dear Sir, to confess that we feel the Want of your Counsel. [W]e cannot conveniently obtain a Solution of difficult Questions. Books are our only Informers, and these we peruse with as much Attention as the Disturbances in America, and this City in particular allow. I do not, however, mean to complain—this Contest I am willing to be a common sufferer—

Pray, pardon the Length & Freedom of this Letter, and consider it as the genuine Production of Friendship. If it contains Impertinencies, I hope your Goodness will suffer them to sink into merited oblivion. I am in Truth, and Sincerity your Friend.