My duty calls upon me to make you acquainted with an event which I know will be a sore affliction to your affectionate Breast. And lest the news should reach you and be communicated to you in an abrupt manner and that your tender feelings might still be more wounded, I have thought it best to inclose these few lines to a friend, who I hope will first prepare you for the shock. Amidst the affliction of a distressed Family, I am hardly connected enough to offer any consolation, my condolence at present must suffice. And my dear Madam I do most sincerely condole with you on the loss of so excellent a friend and Brother. I have not time at present to add more, than that he died on Saturday last at 11 o’Clock at Night, he had not been long very ill, and therefore we had hardly an opportunity of informing you of it; besides we had been in daily expectation of his getting better, but nature was at last worn out. I beg of you to look upon me as your sincere Friend, and as one who will be very happy in rendering you any services in his Power. I am Dear Madam Your affectionate Kinsman