1816 August 2, Cape May, to brother

              Cape May August 2nd 1816

My dear brother

I wrote father on the day of our arrival by Wm. Austin, and mentioned that if we did return I should write again by the end of the week.  Although as respects the article of pleasure I am entirely satisfied, yet I have concluded it would be prudent for me to remain a few days, perhaps a week, longer.    The party I came down with, all return tomorrow; should I return with them, I shall have been here but six days & have bathed but five times.  This can hardly be called giving the water a fair trial.  Thus far I do not know that I have received any benefit; some of our boarders tell me they think I walk better, but I am myself sensible of no change.  We board much farther from the surf than is agreeable to me, but it was impossible to procure quarters in the home nearest the shore.  On the whole I do not much regret it, as our accommodations are much better than can be had in the other houses.
The party we attached ourselves to, engaged a large room with a bed for each and a stipulation that while we occupied it no others should be admitted.  This party con