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spring respecting M^r Astor's first expeditions; that the Vessel, after landing some people at the Columbia had been seized with all the people on board, who were all inhumanly butchered. I hope the report may prove false. Innocent mercantile people, I think, above all others demand our Pity in these distressing Times.

My Dear Sir, I am justly and gratefully impressed with a deep sense of the interest you take in my behalf. Your kind Hint is certainly but too apparent as matters now stand. But what can be done: A retreat would come with a bad grace, I am afraid – at all events I may pause a little. It is in such cases we feel the want of Real Friends. My retired situation since I came to this part of the Country has been much against me in many respects.

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