As for the Treasury Affair, being well acquainted with their tricks and not ignorant of their present Necessities, I think nothing more about it, except that when I am able to walk up the Steps, I will once firmly request a categorical Answer, persuaded at the same time, that the Chance, even of recovering the authenticated Account lodged in their Office, is against me. This and much greater Losses in my Estate are to my feelings trifles, compared with the destruction of all my papers, a savage Work which my Attornies inform me was perpetrated by the British troops when they were in possession of South Carolina. The Papers had been lodged under the protection of an old Gentleman Seventy miles from the Sea.

My late Journey to London in January was made in full determination to provide proper Embarkation hoping to have been this day on my Voyage, but sickness rendered me wholly incapable of taking the necessary Steps. At this moment I feel a double Regret from losing the advantage of a long continued Easterly Wind, and from feeling the same Wind piercing thro’ all my joints. An Accident however has lately happened which would arrest my attempts for some days, even if I had strength enough to stir about. My Son’s late journey to France was intended for conducting his widowed Aunt and his Sister to this Kingdom, but the former being very infirm was incapable of proceeding in the late severe Season. He is now going to make a second Attempt. The concerns of two distressed Families render it necessary for me to wait the Event, hoping no offence will be taken on the other side of the Water, when no Expence or Loss will be incurred by the Delay.

Thus circumstanced I do not expect to begin my Voyage till the middle of May. When please God I arrive at the proper place, I shall pay full attention to the desires respecting yourself.

The good old Lady’s sole claim to Infallibility conveys to the World in general a Satire, as severe as Sir Richard’s Lampoon upon the Church established by Law, but I had something else in contemplation, when in the fullness of my heart, the intimation, which you have treated with so much pleasantry, gushed forth. I could honestly make an Explanation to a third Person, and to the satisfaction of every unprejudiced impartial Person. To such I appeal. An attempt here, I am sure would be disgusting.

I have desired my Son to present you with the latest News Papers and Pamphlets and not to forget the Letters of Marius. With repeated good wishes for your health and happiness, And with sincere Attachment I have the honor to be, Dear sir Your faithful and Obedient servant