Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Lee Shippen

Your very obliging attention to my affairs deserves, as it certainly receives, my best thanks. The horses, I find are in a good way of getting back to Virginia, and I best like the Mode of their returning with the good <Gentleman> you mention, as promising less mischief to the <Ho>rses - But, should they not be put to dry food a day or <two> at Mr. Heilkeimers? - Now for the Breeches - Oh the Breeches - I must have a pair of black breeches - they suit my years, my station; and above all, they please my inclination. Plague on the fashion, it will be trenching on the plans of gravity, and disturbing its operations - But tho this same fashion will not suffer me to wear black Net Silk, perhaps it may permit black of some other kind - Consult my friend Mr. De Bartholt upon this point - and since important points should not hastily be determined - that this may have the weight that wise deliberation may give it, I wish that my good brother your father and yourself may supervise Mr. De Bartholt in this business. The question for consideration is shortly this - Will the fashion permit an old grave Member of Congress to wear black breeches; it being remembered always that he means to accompany the black breeches with black Silk Stockings & white Shoe & Knee buckles - If this should be answered in the affirmative (which I very much hope) the next question is, what sort of black - for black Silk Net it cannot, must not be - Remember again, that except black cloth, black plush, or too thin black Silk - Any black Material that is Neat, genteel and warm, and durable will suit me - Must I add, fashionable - Let this last be as shall be t<hou>ght proper in Council - Now my dear Cousin, <when> this weighty matter is determined - I will then thank Mr. De Bartholt for sending me the Material resolved upon, with the apendages for making up as mentioned in my last, by the first safe opportunity - They may be put up in a small, close, & convenient package, so as not to be of inconvenient Carriage - Jocing apart, I realy want the Breeches very much - And will be obliged by your friendly attention to the subject -

My love always attends the family - God bless you,

farewell.

Richard Henry Lee