Phyladelphia Dec. 13. 1798
My Dearest Friend
Your Letters of Nov. 29, Dec. 2. and 3 affect me very tenderly. The low Spirits, Effects of long and exhausting sickness are apparent: but these are Evils of a serious nature. I pray you to banish as much as possible all gloomy Thoughts and be very cautious to avoid every thing which may endanger a return of your old Disorders.
To reconcile you to your fate I have a great mind to give you a detail of mine. A Peck of Troubles in a large Bundle of Papers often in a hand Writing almost illegible, comes every day from the Office of Office of Office of &c. &c. &c. Thousands of sea Letters Medeterranean Passes and Commissions and Patents to sign. No Company. No society. idle unmeaning Ceremony. Family Vices, Follies, Extravagance, shiftlessness and Health, sinking for what I know under my Troubles and fatigues.
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You and I, seem to have arrived prematurely at the Age when there is no pleasure.
All this is not the Resignation of Socrates.
I cannot encourage the Idea of your coming on to Phyladelphia. The horrid Roads and cold damp Weather would put an End to you.
I hope our dear Thomas will arrive and chear you up. I am with unalterable affection,
J.A.
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[Endorsement -- see page image]
