[Col. Samuel Hodgson, Esq. / Philadelphia] [Hon^d by General Wilkinson] [Docket: John Murray / army matters] [Rec'd Nov [undecipherable]] Boston Sept 7. 1799. I am, my valued friend, exceeding glad it is now [undecipherable] your obliging favor is now before me. I feel grateful for every line I am favored with from you. for you are a very respectable character—and circumstanced as you are have every little time to spare. the favor is the greater. And, so, poor blind Bowyer is frightened, and ran away dear man, he need not run. Death, when commissioned to take him, can run faster than he can. tho' [undecipherable] he has not run away because he is afraid of death. only he would not [undecipherable] to die with the [undecipherable: prob. "yellow"] fever. well, for the sake of his connexions I hope it will be many many years before Death will be suffered to call for him in any form— your citizens are flying in every direction. and I am very happy to hear from you that in your opinion it is without Sufficient reason. but alas for them—people in their circumstances cannot stop to reason. "if reason bids, or duty disallows, reason they cry, and duty are their foes." I feel pleased and thankful for the account you give – trust it will be unto you according to your faith. Is your Family in the City? my respectful regards if you, have to your amiable Lady. Do, my dear Sir, tell me if you can, what is the reason we hear nothing from your Friend the Governor? his Sister is extremely unhappy in consequence of his very long silence. If Judge Tilton, who by the by is not yet arrived brings no letters for her, she will be miserable in the extreme. If you had any late accounts from him, I presume you would have let his sister [undecipherable] known it. her life is bound up in him—tell me, is any thing the matter—a state of suspense you know is a state of uneasiness. When I see M^rs Murray I will present your compliments to her. they will be gratefully accepted. she is now in Gloucester with her kindred for a few weeks. adieu Dear Sir, and believe me ever with grateful affection Your obliged Friend and devoted Servant Johns Murray. [Will you have the goodness to forward the enclosed?] [Received from State Dep't Nov. 2[undecipherable] P.O.4013[undecipherable]0]