Dear Brother,

After a pause of many months I have again taken up my pen in order to resume that friendly correspondence which has been so long continued between us, and altho` I find that I have not that fertility of invention which I formerly experienced when writing to a friend, yet I hope that if my diction does not please the delicate ear my heartfelt affection may create a sympathy in the bosom of a beloved brother.

I am fast approaching the term of short lived man having been in my seventieth year since the 29^th of October last I would therefore wish to express something in every letter which might be worth preserving should it be my last.

I wrote my own Epitaph some years ago, and altho` it may never be engraved on stone you may read it for your amusement as follows:

PRAISES ON TOMBS ARE VAINLY SPENT

1806

GOOD DEEDS ARE MANS BEST MONUMENT

Having thus far hinted at what ought to be old mans principal concern I now descend to the common affairs of the world, my health, thro` mercy, has been tolerably well preserved and that of my family, except my Wife, who has had several returns of illness and is the greater part of her time troubled with rheumatic pains.

I have hitherto encouraged you to think that I might make you another visit and the very great satisfaction I have found in visiting my native place and conversing with my relations and friends has kept this hope alive in myself till I feel the last spark extinguished. I therefore can propose nothing further on this head.

I have concluded to keep Samuel with me by whom I may visit you by proxy in the course of the ensuing summer.

If our aged sister is yet living remember my kind love to her and tell her my constant prayer for her is that she may be enabled patiently to endure the crosses, difficulties and infirmities with which she is surrounded and may be prepared to enjoy that rest which remainth for the faithful servants of the true God.

Remember me particularly to John Smith and his family, reminding him that our days must nearly numbered this may be the last testimony of the friendship which has so long subsisted between us.

I might fill up my paper with requests of this kind but I think fit to end them by requesting you to remember me respectfully to all inquiring friends.

I shall be glad to know how George behaves, whether he seems satisfied and what course had best be taken with him.

I have put David to live with one William Nichols at New Bern, he is an Englishman of education and is supposed to be one of the best Architects in America.

My Wife and Daughter desires to be remembered and with all the feelings of cordial affection & brotherly love I remain your aged Brother.