Stony field Quincy March 24 1801. Sir I have received your favor of March 8th, with the letter inclosed for which I thank you. Inclosed is a letter to me of your domestick Joseph Dougherty Had you read the papers inclosed they might have given you a moment of melancholly or at least of sympathy with a mourning father. They related wholly to the funeral of a son, who was once the delight of my eyes & a darling of my heart, [sent?] off in the flower of his days, amidst very flattering prospects by causes which have been the greatest grief of my heart. heart and the deepest affliction of my life. It is not possible that any thing of the kind should happen to you & I sincerely wish you may never experience any thing in any degree resembling it.
This part of the union is in a state of perfect tranquility & I see nothing to obscure your prospect of a quiet & prosperous administration which I heartily wish you.
With great respect I have the honor to be Sir your most obedient & very humble sert