Your favor of Mar. 18. has been duly recieved, and in it the copy of1 Govr Mckain’s letter. what he says of your respected2 uncle is all true, and within my own3 recollection. his memory has failed him in some other particulars of no importance. he has confounded two distinct votes and blended together the transactions on them4 as if on one, to wit5 the vote on the Virga proposn to declare indepdce and the ultimate declaration. but the error is quite unimportant.

I learnt with pleasure your mission to our new brethren of the South. God prosper them, and make you an6 instrument in their attainment of a free & a wise govmt. may they never concur7 in polluting the American soil with royalism8 or imperialism. I should have been happy indeed in a farewell9 visit from you. it would have been affectionately10 recieved but could not be expected under the load of11 business which must be crouding on you as the moment of your departure approaches. while I live & wherever you go, my best affections will be with you, and my cordial prayers for the prosperity and happiness of yourself & all12 yours.