Upon my alighting here yesterday I had the honor of receiving your obliging & polite Letter of the 14th. & under its cover a passport for myself & family, for which I return my thanks to Doctor Franklin & beg you will accept my acknowledgements for your trouble in conveying it.

I was grieved at hearing first of your Grandfather’s indisposition, I wish him life to a certain period, & to live too in health of Body & mind, not that I mean to restrict him to a point which I hope is not remote, as many Years longer as himself or any other Wise Man would desire to live. The Gout added to the Gravil would be rather too heavy for a continuance, but I trust, the former will prove a salutary pain, having more than once, experienced something like it in my own Body.

Shall I request you Sir, to present my Cordial Respects to your Grandfather & to permit me the honor of subscribing with every good wish— Your Obedient & most humble servant