Richard Henry Lee to Thomas Lee Shippen

I thank you for your care and punctuality in sending my Snuff, which I received in good order this morning.

I also wish that you were acquainted with Mr. Hardy, because from similar possessions, I am sure you would have pleasure in the company of a Man of Talents and virtue. I wish you could have informed me that your mother was recovering her health and spirits again - We have not yet a Congress - perhaps it may be the next week before we get members enough. Strange insensibility this, to public duty! You will greatly oblige me my dear Cousin by attending to Mr. Hilkeimer now & then, to quicken as much as is prudent the sale of my horses - for the longer they remain unsold, the less probably will be the neat proceeds. When they are sold, and Mr. Helkeimer satisfied, I would have the ballance paid to the Coachmaker and his receipt taken expressing that it is for a Chair to be made by him for me. The hundred & 20 dollars that he demands with my old Chair to boot, is a high price, and demands on his part that he delivers to me a very complete Carriage, in every respect fitted for duration as far as consists with a reasonable neatness, and the Chair to have a moveable inside lining (over the Cloth) made of some handsome striped Manchester stuff. The Trunk sufficiently large, lined with Green Bays and secured with a good lock & strong hinges. If you will inculcate this now & then, I shall probably have at least as good a Chair, as the former one has been, by means of your worthy father & my good friend. As far as I can judge, from the conversation here, if Congress moves from this place, Philadelphia stands the fairest chance to be the seat of its future residence.

Give my best love to your father, mother, & Sister - and when you see the old Gentleman, do not forget to let him know how sincerely I esteem him. God bless you,

farewell.

Richard Henry Lee

P.S. When the horses are sold, let me know, & for what. === NOTES: