N. York June the 4th. 1785.
Explains to his nephew why payment for his "Sword Cutler" has been delayed, provides direction for the shipment of his chaise or "Chair" from Philadelphia to New York by water, and thanks his brother-in-law, Dr. William Shippen, Jr., for procuring his servant who has "just arrived." As for dining in New York: "The Black fish, Sheepshead, & Sea Bass are now numerous & fine. I wish most sincerely that we had our good Brothers - your father - company here to assist in the discussion of some of them. Besides, the Champaign, Claret, Madiera & Muscat are good. I know that your philosophy is above temptation - Yet I cannot help wishing now that the inducements might so far prevail as to give us the pleasure of your company a while. It will be unfortunate for us if Mr. Gardoque should not be a Smoker and so not be provided with Havanna Segars. The most worthy Don Juan Miralles used to supply us so copiously that he has occasioned us to loose all appetite for other smoking. His most Chn. Majesty has just announced to Congress the birth of another Son called Duke of Normandy."1
Receiver's copy, Shippen Family Papers, Library of Congress.
1 This March 27 announcement from the French king was read in Congress June 6 and referred to secretary for foreign affairs John Jay who drafted a congratulatory reply for Congress which was approved June 14. See JCC, 28:433n, 457 - 58; and PCC, item 190, fol. 44.