Philadelphia July 10 1784 Regarding it as a circumstance altogether impossible that I should, in the smallest degree, have incurred the displeasure of my dearest friend – I presume again to address him on the belief that my last letter has miscarried I became one of my first cares to communicate my arrival to you, my dear General, and to detail the occurrence of my voyages and stay in England – with the progress of my mercantile pursuits, all of which have hitherto favored my best expectations – Should the same flattering prospects be continued, I think it is permitted me to hope for the supreme happiness of one day demonstrating, in some degree however short of your goodness, the perfect and indelible sense of gratitude which I had impressed. Agreeably to the plan with which you were made acquainted before I left Princeton – I went to England under the auspices of M^r Morris's introduction – and was extremely favored by M^r Simpson's personal friendship in London – Through these mediums I formed the necessary connections, and attained every facility whi[ch] pleased to complete my commercial [objects] – This done, and having passed some time with my friends, all [undecipherable] fortunate and happy in finding well, embarked at London with part of my merchandise in the month of April, and arrived at Phil[adelphia] after a very speedy and agreeable passage – having made the two voyages in forty three days only – 19 out and 24 home. Since my return, the remainder of my goods has arrived, and have commenced Merchant – My sales have been very good, and will, I hope, be continued. ——— M^r Morris has proved me with the most generous friendship, without the smallest ostentation of obliging – M^r Bingham's conduct towards me, while I was in England, will ever command my gratitude, affection, and respect – Colonel Wadsworth, who was likewise in London, made me the most friendly offers – and all my friends here have been very good indeed. Reflecting, as I ever shall do, my dear General, that these advantages are derived either immediately, or a little, from the friendship with which you have honored me – you may be persuaded that no change of circumstance whether fortunate or otherwise, can ever rape the loved re- membrance of your goodness – In prosperity I will cherish it as my proudest boast – in adversity fortune, the reflection that this merited your friendship, will administer heartfelt consolation. I hope my dear M^r Lincoln and the amiable family continue to enjoy every blessing which flow from Virtue and health – They will permit one who loves and reveres them to present his best wishes, and to offer every service of which he is capable – and that they will believe those wishes to be as gratefully sincere as they are justly due. Should my situation capacitate the execution of any commands in this quarter – I hope you will not fail to favor me with them – They will confer pleasure, and be performed with punctuality – Be pleased to address to Mayor Bolfon – as there are two others of my name in trade here I beg leave to trouble my dear General, with my best love to D^r & Mayles – my respects to Col^o & Miss Crafts and their family – M^r Gore – M^r and M^rs A Hill, and M^r S. Barrett – and if it is convenient to mention my wish to Col^o Crafts that the trunk &c, may be sent to me by a vessel coming to this Port – I shall write to you soon again, and your permission, my dear General, I will take frequent opportunities of assuring you, with how much truth and affection, I am yours Wlackfon [Address panel: numeral "8" at upper left; address text, partially legible, rotated: His Excell[ency] / [undecipherable] / near Bo[sto]n; circular postal seal]