I had intended to have paid my respects to you, at Bedford, on my return from N. York yesterday; but the precariousness of the weather, & a severe headach, together with the difficulty of obtaining a conveyance from the stage road, prevented. I hope one day to have the pleasure of seeing you at your house, should our lives be prolonged.

I have undertaken, should I ever have the liesure, to continue “A General History of the United States,” (particularly in reference to the remarkable interpositions of divine Providence in favor of this country from its Settlem[en]t. to this day) begun by Revd. Dr. Trumbull, & whh he has brought down to the year 1766, in M.S. ready for the press.—1 With events in our country since that period, you, sir, are more intimately acquainted than most other men. I have a great desire to avail myself of such information, as to events & facts, most prominent & interesting, as you possess, & shall be willing to communicate— In a personal interview I could have more fully disclosed my wishes, & plan— My present limited time for writing, & hurried state, prevents enlargement at this time by writing— I barely suggest the general object (in confidence at present) for your consideration; should you, sir, be disposed to aid its accomplishment, I will write you at a future time of more liesure & less hurry, more fully on the subject.— In the mean time, I take the liberty to enclose you a sermon of Dr. Buchanan’s,2 which has afforded us much pleasure, who have read it; in the belief that it will give you high gratification. Believe me Dr. Sir, with sincere & affectionate respect your friend & servt.

Pray excuse marks of haste, as I write on the wing.