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—

After your having been three months in the City of Philadelphia at this season of the year I think our good Friend the President and you must want some relaxation, and the sea air for a few weeks will be gratefull to you. as we are agreeably situated near the river I dont feel the want of it. where ever you are I wish health and happyness to attend, and hope you will return perfectly recovered and injoy 237 an agreeble Winter, and that another season we shall have the Pheasure to see you here.

I have often thought of the alteration there was in the former set of our acquaintance, almost every one then belonging to Congress are gone. I know but few of those who supply their places.

the times we live in my dear Madam are Critical indeed, and God only knows what will be the end. that the Vessell of State with its present Conductors may be kept in Safety, and brave all the storms and tempests that they may have to pass through, is my Sincere prayer. He took the Command at a difficult season but His known abilities and good conduct I think I can Venture to say the Majority of the people have great confidence in. I hope His endeavours will be crowned with peace and tranquility and Honor to the Country

The publick affairs have very much affected this place in its growth and Commerce. I hope soon both will revive. This has been a great disappointment to Mr Dalton and made him a Man of much more leisure than he expected or likes to be which makes me sometimes wish we were in Philadelphia, as under the present administration I should have hoped some thing to Mr Daltons advantage, and still flatter myself his good Friend will not forget him1

Please to present my kind love to Louissa and tell her I can sympathize with her from feeling the loss of a sister, dear indeed, for She was more than that, I took her as a Child from the dying hands of a tender Mother, and brought her up, Married her, and she had four de[ar] Children; and in my absence died very suddenly2 It was for a long time I lost my health and indeed have never injoyed it so well since, the lenient hand of time has in a degree eased the smart not cured the wound these are tryalls we must submit to

Mr Dalton and all my Family joyn in very affectionate regards to the President and yourself. my young Ladys thank you and Louissa for your kind wishes to see them. At present it will not be in their power they would like it much. Wishing you a most pleasant Jurney and happy return / I am Dear Madam / your very affectionate Friend