A few days ago your Friend Mr Alexander forwarded to me from Virginia your favor of the 2d. November accompanied with a packet for Dr. Cooper of Boston, which I shall forward to him by some private hand, to save expence of postage; having already found that expence from Virginia pretty heavy, for not withstanding your name was on the packet, as a frank the post Office paid no regard to it. Not many hours after the packet reached me, Mr. Alexander appeared in person here, I introduced him, as you requested, to Mr. Morris as well as to several other of my friends, and during his short stay here, shewed him every civility in my power; he left Town two days ago on his return to Virginia. Our Navigation is still impeded by Ice, tho’ at present there is an appearance of a Thaw taking place; We have had a remarkable severe and tedious Winter, and we are looking impatiently for the approach of Spring. There are now at our Capes and in the Bay, between 20 and 30 Sail of Vessels inward bound, some of whom have been there ten Weeks; so long a stagnation of business occasions those who live by it, ardently to wish for a renewal of it. Your kind introductions in the Mercantile line, have thrown a pretty large scene of business into Bache & Shee’s hands, and we have a good prospect before us of its being profitable, our connections with Trieste in the Empire of Germany, are likely to be very considerable, and our prospects very flattering.

I think I communicated to you some time ago, that we expected an increase of our family, but lest I may have omitted it, I have now to tell you that Sally expects to be up Stairs in a Week or two, at present she is in perfect health and good spirits, as are all the children; I wish you could see what a pleasing group they form, I am sure you would be delighted with them—Will with an excellent capacity promises to be a good Scholar; Betsy a most admirable woman at her Needle; Louis is all life, spirits and activity, and little Debby, the greatest pratler and singer you ever heard. They all join me in Love and Duty to yourself, Temple and Ben   I am ever Dear sir Your affectionate son and very Humble servant.