Your humanity will be apologize for the liberty I am about to take. For these twelvemonths have I been in the greatest affliction at beholding a wife most deservedly dear to me laboring under all the most painful, distressing, and dangerous symptoms arising from that most dreadful of all maladies. The Stone in the Kidney, notwithstanding every effort of some of the most skilful Physicians in this State—Sometime ago I was informed by Mr. D. Dulany my Uncle, that you had derived great relief in a fit of the Stone from the use of a Jelly made of the common Black Berry of this Country, taking about the size of a Nutmeg every night on going to bed. Mrs. Dulany has since been in the habit of taking it agreeable to this direction, but without experiencing the desired effect. I now, therefore, take the liberty to apply to you, sir, for more particular information with respect to this remedy. Amongst other things I am anxious to know whether it acts as a solvent, or whether its only effect is the alleviation of the painful symptoms, and whether it is speedily efficacious, or requires to be used any length of time. It has occurred to me, also, that if you have been so happy as to find relief from it, that it is not improbable that you may have made, experiments to ascertain the particular qualities, to which its efficacy is to be attributed a kno[wledge] of which might enable us to form a more competent judgment how far this remedy may be likely to be of service in Mrs. D’s particular case, and perhaps take us to such others as might farther contribute to her relief. Some have told me it was the Black Currant Jully, from which you found such benefit.

I need not mention, how infinitely I shall feel myself obliged by a communication of any thing of importance, upon a subject so very interesting to me—permit me farther to say, that as Mrs. D— is at this time extremely ill, it will be adding much to the obligation [you] will confer on me by giving me any information, if you will   me with it, as soon as you conveniently can, by the Post. Be pleased to direct to me, at Bladensburgh, Prince George’s County, Maryland. I have the Honor to be, Sir, with the greatest respect, your most obedient and very humble servant.