Inclosed is a letter received by the Ship Nonsuch in 22 days from Philadelphia. It would have been sent on by the Express but by some unaccountabe means it was left behind and Mr. Williams now desires me to forward it to your Excellency. I ask a thousand pardons for having thus long delayed acknowledging the many kindnesses your Excellency was pleased to shew me at Passy and I beg you will accept my heaty [hearty?] thanks for the same. I should certainly not have delayed doing this long before had I not known your excellency’s time was taken up in more important matters. Thefore I have only to hope you will be pleased to excuse this and believe me to be with the highest Respect and Esteem Your Excellencys most Obliged humble Servant