On the 22d. Feby. I wrote to you by Capt. Kemp, who will also bring you a few lines enclosing a Bill of Lading and Invoice of some Ale & Porter, which I have sent you by him—1 Capt. Hervey of the Ellice went away last Saturday— he also has a Letter for you.2 Since the Ohio sailed, no Letters from you have come to Hand— as you will have ceased writing the first of this month, I cannot expect the pleasure of recieving many more Letters from you; but in exchange for it, I shall have that of being with you in the Course of a few months— By the first of April I hope my final orders respecting the Treaty will arrive; & I shall then take the earliest opportunity of embarking— so that before the first of July I shall be at Home— indeed at present I think it will be sooner— but as the Sailing of Vessels is uncertain, it is impossible to calculate exactly—

You will find herewith enclosed Duplicates of the Bill of Lading and Invoice for the porter and ale sent you by Capt. Kemp—3 I think it best to send them, tho’ I do not apprehend they will be necessary— I hope to find those articles safe in our cellar, and yet to have the Satisfaction of partaking of them with you and our Friends— I suppose Judge Hobart will be so occupied in the Improvement of his Farm, that you will see him but seldom,4 and as Benson delights in Poughkeepsie, he will not be frequently in New York— so we separate and scatter— But our little Family are growing up around us— Let us resign, to what we cannot alter; and enjoy whatever Good Providence may bless us with—

In one of your Letters, you mention having written to me, and enclosed a Letter from Majr. Lyon— it never came to Hand— I think I heard that the Vessel by which it was sent, sprung a Leak, and put back— What finally became of her I do not know— I mention this that, if the Majr. should say anything of my not having answd. that Letter, he may know the Reason—5 As the Time of my Return approaches, I think more of our Concerns at Bedford &ca. unless I should be assigned to the Fall circuit, I hope before next winter to put those affairs in Train; and take measures for doing what remains to be done— much of our Lives is spent— a few Years of Leisure and Tranquility are very desireable— Whether they will fall to us our Lott cannot be known— as they are the objects of my wishes and Desire, so shall they be of my Endeavours— If they come, let us enjoy them; if not, let us be resigned Content is in our Power, let it also be in our Inclination—

Col. Trumbull is gone tho to France on his way to Stutgard where ^he^ has some plates engraving— He cannot ascertain the Time of his Return precisely—6 In the mean Time Peter will act as his Deputy Secretary; and I believe very well— I think he has derived advantages from being here; and that your Expectations on that stead, will not be disappointed— He is nevertheless desirous to return, and will carry with him no acquisitions, which you would wish him to leave behind— Remember however, that the best way to avoid Disappointment, is not to expect too much Remember me to Mrs. Ridley— I shall not write to the children by this vessel, having written to them by Capt. Kemp— a much longer absence from you all, would give my Patience a very severe Trial— I often think of those french Emigrants who left their Families in France; and who have Reason to think my Situation, compared with theirs, very desirable— so things figure by Comparison— Peet prefers new York to London, & is anxious to be at Home again.7 Adieu my Dear Sally Yours very affectionately

The Minerva from N York lately arrived—8 She brought a great number of Letters— some of them mention that the conclusion of the Treaty was known in amr but I cannot learn that it had arrived— no Letters by that vessel have as yet come to my Hands— perhaps the Capt. or some passengers may have some for me as Capt. Haley will leave Town in the morning, I shall not have an opportunity of writing by him after this Evg— I have postponed it to the last, that, in Case of recg. Letters from you by the Minerva, I might mention it— If you have not written by her, I am persuaded the omission was not intentional— Adieu—

Tell Mr. Munro that I have just recd. his Letter of 28 Decr. last9 I have written to you also by Capt Hervey