We this day received your kind favour by Mr Whitefoord. After a silence of more than a year we hardly expected ever to hear from you again.9 We are always happy to learn you are well, which Mr W. assures us you were when he saw you. I was much surprised to find you did not know of our removal to this place, as Mr Alexander1 saw us here in Feby. last. He slipt away without paying us a second visit, or we should have sent you a letter by him.

Mr Whitefoord gives us a pleasing description of your situation and so flattering an invitation from you, that we could almost resolve to undertake the journey. My mother sees no obstacles; but I confess the expence we must incur and the difficulties we must incounter in travelling so far through a foreign land without a friend to assist us on the way are considerations which make me shrink from the attempt. My mother has of late been much out of health, & her spirits are bad; I believe indeed nothing could do her so much good as being with you; I wish there were no obstacles in our way, for I have no doubt but I should be well pleased at the end of the journey. But I hope you will come to us, and that will be better.

I and my children thank God! are well. My boys are still at Cheam, I know of no better school. My girl remains with me.2 She has begun to learn French of a woman whom Hutton3 recommends. She learnt to write a little while before we left Cheam, and I intend she shall have music & dancing very soon, the rest I take upon myself. A trip to France would certainly compleat her.

I must dispatch my letter immediately so cannot add more than that I am as ever your obliged & affecte