1793 May 26, Alexandria, to Esteemed Cousin, Philadelphia

              Alexandria 5mo 26th 1793



Esteemed Cousin, I am sorry I had to leave the City without biding thee fairwell, and yet I found the task verry difficult, in taking leave of the few Friends I did; I am at the time safely arrived in a fruitful Country, and have a prospect of continuing here. Business appears to me to be carryed on to a very good Amount.  Hats I find a very good article, if thee has a mind to send me the Children's Hats, thee got of me, I think I could find sail for them much sooner than thee will be likely to put them off in Philada. I would take them at the wholesail price, and if thee has a mind to send them: apply to my Father and he will pack them up in a suiteable Caske, I wish thee would put up three Quire of large Hat paper in the Caske, thee will get it of Joseph Shoemak[er]. I have taken a Small Store in King Street. I have not been long enough here to positively assert that I can do Business to advantage, but I have scarely a doubt of it in my mind; I wish thee to send me, 2 doz of Sellerses Wool and Cotton Cards, 1 doz of each, if thee has any steel [---] Chains I should wish to have one doz of them . I likewise wish to have 2 Cards of steel keyes if thee has them not thy self thee may get them