Dear Sir

Capt Deshon¹ has not yet returned nor do I find that he intends it very soon I have now been here 5 weeks & a month of that time alone with all the Accumulated business of this office upon me & a great part of the time too unwell to be doing any business at all but from Absolute Necessity and under these Circumstances obliged to do more than should properly fall to the lot of One Man in perfect health but Sir while I feel disposed to do anything to oblige my Friends I am absolutly wore down & must be relieved or leave the office to itself let the Event be as it may I would not urge you to come with fears of the Smallpox but I fear the Town won't be Clearer than it is now Some body Certainly must Come I cannot do the business nor will Congress be Satisfied it should be done by one if you don't incline to come do Impress the Necessity of it upon Cap^t Deshon—I am in haste Your Friend & Serv^t—