Phil. 27 Jan^y 1798. My Dear Sir, I have been for a long time past so hurried and so loaded with business, that altho' I have [strikethrough: to have] [strikethrough: it is not] had a moment which I could [strikethrough: with multiplicity] devote to private satisfaction correspondence — correspondence [strikethrough: or] moderation. I am exceedingly [undecipherable] [strikethrough: belonging] sorry for it, because I foresee if it it may without some change, become quite insupportable. Enjoy your happy situation, or if it is to be disturbed, let it be [strikethrough: transient] domestic cares, and the pain of only by sympathising with those whom you have placed stationed in places where there are more thorns than roses. I inclose you a letter from M^r Murray which I reed yesterday, and two or three letters from M^r Smith which though of ~~old~~ old dates may serve to amuse you. As I have not answ^d the latter you will be pleased to return. Do you recollect that your old slate carriage is [strikethrough: now] still here at in expensive lodgings. B^t W^m Smale has pass-[strikethrough: ed] it to one allen for keeping it and has called upon me for instructions. Will you be pleased to give them. [27 Jan^y 1798 To Gen. Washington] [In Washington's hand]