I arrived here this day week, but have been so constantly occupied in seeing company that I have not had time to write a single Line. I received your Letter which I suppose had been on to 235 Philadelphia,1 on fryday last, in the full Faith that mr Peabody & you would comply with our request. I took the Children, and brought them with me. John is somewhat indisposed with a return of his Ague— I gave him an Emetic yesterday which I hope will remove the disorder. the Parade of next week, and some engagements which I have, will prevent my getting the Children to you untill the week after, when it is my intention to bring them to you.2 the President would be very happy to accompany me but the Buisness which every post brings him from Philadelphia, and not having a Clerk secretary with him, will keep him from more than a days absence at a time during our Stay here. I shall take with me our Good sister Cranch & come as early in the week as my other engagements will permit.3 I am going this day to Boston. I inclose a Letter which mrs smith gave me to you,4 and have only time to add my kind Regards to mr Peabody, to my dear cousins / from their and your affectionate

With pleasure we are informed in the public prints of your safe return from the seat of government.1 The present critical state of the affairs of our country, has undoubtedly produced pressing anxieties in your mind, of which we have all in some measure been partakers. But the public mind appears to be relieved and satisfied, 236 with the cool, deliberate, and spirited measures recommended in your excellency’s spech, and adopted by Congress, which we think, cannot fail of arresting the attention, and approbation of every enlightened citizen possessed of a prenciple of integrity.— May Heaven direct our public measures, establish a government upon the prenciples of equal liberty, and make our country an asylum for the virtuous, from all parts of the world.

The enclosed sermon you will please to accept; excuse want of sentiment, and inaccuracies in the composition, and unjustifiable liberties taken by the printer.2

Here you will permit me to observe; that for a clergyman, in an obscure country village to propose a visit from the president of the United States with his lady, might seem assuming; to omit making the request, taking into view family relations, would be an exhibition of neglect; which involves me in a dilemma. I may say however, that one of the best Sisters in the world is worthy of attention, and with her connections, would feel themselves honored, and gratified to wait on her friends when ever an opportunity presents.

Master William Shaw the bearer, will inform you of our health and domestic circumstances.

That the smiles of Heaven may accompany your exertions in directing our national affairs, in discovering the dark complicated machinations of our enemies foreign and domestic, is the cordial pray[er] of / Hond. Sir / Your most obedient, / humble servant—