Coll: Hamilton arrived in Philadelphia, the night before you left it, but from the pressure of business more immediately urgent, was not prepared for me untill last Friday. On that Evening I left the City, in company with Genl Knox, and arrived here (quite overcome 225 226 with fatigue, and somewhat unwell of the complaint which you brought from the same place) on Saturday at about 6 in the Evening.

The Secretary of State supposed he should have some farther commands for me, and requested me to stop here until Friday next, accordingly, I have hitherto been here recruiting my health & strength.

So long as my departure is delayed by the orders of my Superiors, I must submit cheerfully, but I am very anxious that no additional delay of my own should postpone the voyage, beyond the line of absolute necessity. I hope therefore that you will have some Vessel ready to Sail, within a few days after I reach Boston. The best season for the Voyage, we must be content to lose. I shall sail for Providence on friday or Saturday, I hope;1 and in the mean time am affectionately your Brother

Your last favor was handed me by Mr C Hall on the road between Philadelphia and New York—1 It gave me pleasure to receive it, particularly as it was delivered by a Gentleman for whom I have the highest esteem, and who from the satisfaction that was visible in his countenance, discovered the pleasure he must have received in his visit, and the still greater gratification of your acquaintance. I have so far proceeded in my arrangements for leaving the Country as to have arrived safely in this place, and am now waiting with no small degree of impatience for an opportunity to Embark— You know the hurry, bustle &c of such a period as the present, and therefore will pardon me in telling you, that present appearances afford me no prospect of paying a visit to my favorite spot in which you have the happiness to reside. It may however be possible, but if not, the consequence must be that you come and pass a few days with me. I shall be happy if it is in my power to save you the trouble, but if your business will admit your absence for a few days, it will 227 probably be more convenient, than for me to visit you. My Brother whom I left in Philadelphia, has not yet arrived in Boston, tho’ I expect him by every Post; when he returns I shall be able to inform you whether a week of pleasure can be afforded me or not. As there are no vessels up for London at present, the period of our Embarkation is yet uncertain— We may be detained four or five weeks; and if in that time all matters can be brought to bear, I will run away to you with as much eagerness as ever a hungry boy ran to his breakfast.

Your Family were all well yesterday; Present me affectionately to all your friends at Haverhill and receive for your individual self the best wishes of