In answer to your kind Communication of the 27th. I have to express my regret that my visit to Montpellier will be delayed by the serious indisposition of Mr. Jefferson. Towards the termination of the last week he requested my advice in consequence of the increase of a diarrhea to which he has been for years more or less subject, but which he has generally treated with too much indifference, and it was not until it had made serious inroads on his health that he had any communication with me on the subject.

In the course of two or three days the Complaint was Considerably arrested, but the debility induced was so great as to give rise to symptoms, denoting, too unequivocally, the loss of that elasticity—that power of restoration the existence of which at an earlier period of life render similar affections of but trifling moment. The prostration has, indeed, notwithstanding a truce of a few days’ continuance with the disease, gradually augmented and to day there are some signs of a recurrence—circumstances which induce me to view with the greatest apprehension the result of the struggle, & I much fear that without some speedy amelioration my worst apprehensions must soon be realized. Hoping still, however, that those fears may be soon dispelled and that at my intended visit I may be able to communicate to you more agreeable intelligence regarding the state of this great & good man, permit me to subscribe myself Most respectfully yours,