His Excellency, M. Gerard, who does me the Honour to take Charge of this Letter, goes Minister from this Court to the Congress. He is a Friend to your Country and to your Father, which gives him a double Claim to your Civilities, and to every Kindness in your Power to show him. It is so long since I have heard from you, and there have been such Burnings and Devastations made by the Enemy, that I know not whether, even if Philadelphia is recover’d, you have a House left to entertain him in. But I know you will do all the little in your Power to serve and oblige a Person who has and deserves your Father’s highest Esteem and Affection.

Benny continues well, and minds his Learning. Temple presents his Duty. I hope soon to hear from you, and that you and yours are all as well and as hearty as Your affectionate Father