I left home on a visit to poplar forest in the expectation of seeing you & passing some days in your company, but was informed you had returned to Monticello; the enclosed letter was received last Sunday, & is forwarded for your inspection. after whatever course you deem most eligible please prescribe, conscious as I am of the purity of your motives & the correctness of your political views, My exertions shall always be readily employ’d to dispel any delusion which sophistry or misrepresentation may produce in public opinion.

Mr. Clarke has resigned & a writ of Election has issued I have declared myself a Candidate and as yet have heard of no certain opposition—

Accept my best wishes for your happiness