I Thought It Prudent to Retire

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Philad^a 20^th Aug^t 1798 Sir, To day I was so unwell as to be unable to attend to business — The prevailing Sickness spreads so very rapidly I have thought it prudent to retire, by so doing I trust I shall not meet your displeasure; when I asked leave of absence last year (If I recollect right) you told me — altho' you apprehended no danger and meant to Stay in the City, those who did might retire. If you fully knew the State of my mind relative to Staying I am sensible you would judge this Step most prudential for me — I Shall hereafter let you know the nearest post town to my residence in the Country With respectful consideration I am Sir Your most Ob^dt Serv^t Peter Wilson [Sam^l. Hodgdon Esq^r.] [Address leaf: Samuel Hodgdon Esquire / Philadelphia] [Docketing notation, partially illegible: Peter Wilson / Aug^t [undecipherable] 1798]

Type

Autograph Letter Signed

Description

Wilson is so unwell that he is unable to attend to business and asks Hodgdon if he can retire from Philadelphia. The prevailing sickness is spreading rapidly and his state of mind relative to staying is such that it is prudent for him to leave. He asked for a leave of absence the previous year and, though Hodgdon anticipated no danger and intended to stay, he allowed those who were afraid to depart.