TO JAMES MADISON.
MAD. MSS.
Alexandria Decr. 18th. 1788
I arrived here this morning on my way home. I
did not write you my intentions sooner because they
are rather of recent date, and I wished to be able
at the same time to let you know the day on which
I should get to Fredg. This I have not till now been
able to fix. I now find that I shall get there on
Friday week, and shall accordingly then stand in
need of your assistance for the completion of my
Journey. It will be necessary for me to have the
use of the chair, as well on account of my baggage
which consists of a Portmanteau Trunk and a Portmanteau,
as on acct of some remains of the piles which
for some weeks past have been very troublesome.
Whoever brings the chair must bring a saddle proper
for the portmanteau. No horse need be brought for
a servant, John having been left in N. York given
over as incurable, and another having been engaged.
I wish the chair to be in Town certainly on that day,
and shall request the favor of Mr. Ramsy to send this
by a hired messenger, if no other conveyance can be
secured.—I shall remain in this neighbourhood till
thursday next when I shall fall into the stage at
Colchester & proceed on Friday from Dumfries for
Fredg.—I could reach Fredg. on no day so well as on
that above mentioned. An earlier day would be too
soon for the carriage to meet me; and a later one
would leave me on the road on Sunday, or oblige
me to postpone my resuming my journey till the
tuesday following.
I have nothing to add on the subject of news, but
what may be better communicated verbally on my
arrival. In the mean time with my affectn. regards
to all the family I conclude your dutiful son.
