Dear Sir:

Since my return from Hillsborough, I wrote you a few lines by post, acquainting you that for a want of a sufficient number of Senators, we could not make an assembly. Dickinson arrived the other day, but not a letter did he bring; nor have I heard any thing of you since yours to Mr. Huske at the time you were moving. I hope that has had no bad effect upon Kitty’s health.

By the last Charlestown paper which we have had, it appears to me beyond a doubt that the definitive treaty is signed; yet I am told Dickinson says there are various opinions about in your city. But he is a very stupid creature.

We have not had any European vessel or cargo here since I wrote you. What is become of them, is hard to say. Several were expected. Mr. Burgwin was to have sent one out by the first of October; but I can in some measure account for her not being here. He is timid to excess; & so very cautious that he is afraid to rely upon the assurances that have been given him. As a proof of it, his last letter of the 5th of July mentions, that to relieve himself of anxiety he has sometimes thought of hiring a vessel, & coming out with his family; but is apprehensive that the vessel might not be permitted to load, having had no accounts from the Southern States. Though Mr. London wrote from Charlestown, & communicated my message the Judge relative to confiscation, I am doubtful whether it will tend to remove my friend John’s fears or that he will be able to come to any final determination before he receives my letters by Mr. Cruden, who sailed the first of last month. It will then be too late for this season. I see very plainly that our old friend will never again be fit for business till his fears are entirely removed. Had his cargo been here at the time he proposed, he would have made an excellent hand of it. If it comes soon it may yet do well. If there are no European arrivals by the beginning of next month, I must have the blankets from you; though I am very averse from troubling you with trifling commissions. My niece Mary is in great distress for a black silk cloak, which she says she cannot get here; & if you have not such a thing or materials to make it, I do not know how she is to get it; as I am doubtful whether Kitty (who is a better judge than you in such matters) is strong enough to go a shopping.

I set off for New Bern tomorrow, & expect to be there by Monday, the 2nd day of court. I have not therefore time to write your brother Thomas; but when I acquaint you that I have not yet done anything with Mrs. Gordon, the information will serve him as well. She appeared not to be very ready to assign debts due to her husband for the payment of those for which she is liable; but I believe I can prevail on her to pay you & your brother in that way. My love to Kitty & the children.

We are all well.