I have written twice to you lately, but am oblig’d to trouble you with another Line, to request from you a Copy of the Account you took during our last Voyage of the Temperature of the Water: for I cannot find that I have such a Copy and I want it to add to my nautical Letter now in the Press; so that I wish you to favour me with it as speedily as possible.

And now I am writing, it comes into my Mind to enquire of you what Light you find me to stand in among my Country folks? My late Friends Dr. Cooper and Mr. Quincy gave me Friendly Notices of the Calumnies propagated against me, which appeared all to emanate from the Brantry Focus. If they still exist, I would furnish you with a Copy of my Justification, which I sent to Dr. Cooper, but it probably did not reach Boston before his Death. You see, that old as I am, I am not yet grown insensible, with respect to Reputation; tho’ as I may possibly never be able again to visit Boston, how much so ever I may wish to do it, and sometimes resolve upon it, my Character there is of somewhat less Importance.

How has my poor old Sister gone thro’ the Winter? Tell me frankly whether she lives comfortably or is pinched? For I am afraid she is too cautious of acquainting me with all her Difficulties tho’ I am always ready and willing to relieve her when I am acquainted with them.

My Love to your Parents and the rest of the Family, and to our young Fellow Traveller, who I hope will make a fine Man. I am ever, Yours affectionately