1832 November 27, Philadelphia, to S.

              Philada. 11mo. 27. 1832



I may say the worst that I have for years
I have had a dreadfully bad cold, and though I think it would have done me good to see thee, I must now bid all hail! to Susquehanna County, and did not feel much inclined to go into company nor was I in a very suitable condition for so doing.  I hasten to the country of cloud-capped eminences, invigorating breezes, placid lakes, ever-varying surface and romantic scenery.-  there to feel myself reinstated in the occupation which is the height of my ambition, that of an independent farmer.-  an occupation for which I do not think my partiality as yet has diminished.  "Ye generous yeomen, [---] the plough"!  before taking my flight, I wish to let thee know that I did not forget the subject of "Friendship’s Offering" relative to which we had some conversation during our last rural walk.  the reason for my not sending the said work, I will give when I again see thee.  this seems to be a small matter to [---] to, but I think it best thus to do it, as I have never yet forfeited my word or violated an engagement, and I do not wish to give any cause for so however slight for supposing that I wd. do so.  if thee gets married to any one, while I am gone, be sure that it is to a clever fellow.  I am still somewhat inclined I should like to have had one sweet kiss of thy pretty mouth, before, peradventure, I should forever be [---] the opportunity (5); however thee knows we ought to learn to submit