P.S.--April 3d. Since writing the above, I have received yours
of 31st. I am rejoiced to hear that business is so successful
and prosperous--may it continue till _the article_ shall cease
to be merchandize.
I spoke in my last letter of the departure of a "few friends." I
have since heard of their good health in Penn'a. Probably you
may have seen them.
In reference to the expedition of which you think you can "hold
out some little encouragement," I will barely remark, that I
shall be glad, if it is undertaken, to have all the notice of
the _time and manner_ that is possible, so as to make ready.
A friend of mine says, anthracite coal will always pay here from
Philadelphia, and thinks a small vessel might run often--that
she never would be searched in the Potomac, unless she went
outside.
You advise caution towards Mr. P. I am precisely of your opinion
about him, that he is a "queer stick," and while I advised him
carefully in reference to his own undertakings, I took no
counsel of him concerning mine.
Yours,