I should have troubled you a second time, & ^have wrote you^ by the last Post had I not entertained the hope that it would not be long before I should have the pleasure of acknowledging at least one favor from you. I have been disappointed, ’tis true, but still I will not relinquish the pleasing idea of being affectionately remembered by my beloved friend— To prevent future mortifications of the like tender nature, permit me to remind you that there is a Post that takes letters from Morris-Town for Philadelphia & returns every week.—

I had the pleasure of finding by the newspaper that you are honored with the first office on the Continent,1 and am still more pleased to hear this appointment affords general satisfaction. Will you be so kind as to inform me whether our State has prolonged your stay beyond the first of March or not? As by your present Appointment your personal attendance upon Congress I imagine can’t be dispensed with, I am very solicitous to know how long I am still to remain in a state of widowhood; upon my word I sincerely wish these three months may conclude it; however I mean not to influence your conduct, for I am convinced that had you consulted me as some men have their wives about public measures, I should not have been Roman matron enough to have given you so intirely to the public; and of consequence your reputation and claim to ^the^ gratitude of your country would have been as much diminished as theirs who have acted so imprudent tho’ tender a part.

It will give you pleasure to be informed that your son and myself are still favored with health, and if you can spare time to give me the same grateful tidings of yourself, you can hardly imagine what happiness you’ll confer upon your affecte Wife

I wrote this letter on monday, but as I knew of no opportunity of sending it, left it unsealed, & in the evening was agreeably surprised by Papa’s arrival at Persipiney, but still more pleased when he handed me your letter of the 10th2 Inst. which I have the pleasure of acknowledging at present— Accept my dearest friend of my sincere thanks for your never-ceasing attention to my happiness. You tell me, my dear, that the greatest gratification you derive from the honor of your late appointment is its being an additional recommendation to my esteem. And do you really imagine that my esteem for you can be heightened by any public testimony of your merit? No no my dear, my sentiments of esteem have long since been confirmed, nor indeed has the public acknowledgment of your merit been wanting to convince me that the respect I felt for you was founded on your virtue.

Yesterday Papa prevailed upon me to return with Kitty & himself to Eliz. Town, and by way of inducement assured me there are more frequent opportunities of hearing from you here than if I staid at Persipiney—he tells me likewise to inform you that unless there is an order of Congress to the contrary he shall certainly fetch your little Boy very soon;— Papa is just going to church, I’ll seal my letter in hopes that in town he’ll hear of some way of forwarding this to you. Please to remember us to Brockholst and be assured that I am unalterably Yours.

Kitty hopes that Brockholst will remind Major Clarkson of a feather that he promised to send her.