Mine I verily believe is the only House in Virginia that ^you^ could visit with out exciting the clamour of the worthies whom you describe. I am so entirely aloof from all the leading & managing people here, that you would have been in no danger of raising the war-whoop of the coalition people ^men^. I am glad to see however, that you have been better employed & I heartily greet you on this new & well deserved mark of respect from your native State. May you "not only beat but rout the enemy"; horse, foot & dragoons.

Of colleges you cannot have a poorer opinion than I have long entertained. There is hardly a pin to choose between them. I think Master Martin’s name will carry him thro the race of life with eclat, & hope that his younger brother will take no detriment from his. You see I am a disciple of Mr Shandy.

I am suffering very severely from ill health & worse spirits. The last very much, but not altogether, the effect of the first. How could I be cheerful with the best health, when I see my family undone & my country, as I verily believe, ruined past redemption?

Remember me to Mr Bleecker & the Patroon.