BELKNAP TO HAZARD.

Boston, July 29, 1787.

Dear Sir, — The letter which you inclosed to me was from Mr. Carey, in answer to what I wrote to him, and passed open through your hands, on the subject of his Annual Register, wheh he now thinks a work of more magnitude and expence than when he offered me 20 guineas for the historical part. He seems now to have almost dropped the design, both on account of the expence of collecting materials, and his precarious state of health.

I have heard nothing from you since I wrote by Brother Cutler, and sent Jo's indenture. I wish that affair was closed.

You mention your design of writing me soon. I impatiently expect it.

Our friend Waters desires me to inclose some pamphlets, of which he begs your acceptance.

Mrs. B. joins me in affectionate regards to all your family, and I am, dear sir,

Your friend and humble servant,

Jere. Belknap.

Don't forget to inquire about Magee. His friends are in the depth of anxiety and distress.

HAZARD TO BELKNAP.

New York, August 2, 1787.

My Dear Sir, — I think Dr. Clarkson and Mr. Ball determined wisely in the affair between Mr. Aitken and Josey. As there was no prospect of an hearty reconciliation, it was certainly best that a separation should take place.# A variety of occurrences prevented my sending on the indenture to Dr. Clarkson as soon as I could have wished; but it was sent, and I have not since heard from him, though it is probable I shall soon.

You doubtless know, before now, that J. Bull has made his appearance; and I suppose he has made a second e'er now.

I am not sufficiently acquainted with Carey to know if he is equal to the task of conducting an Annual Register. There is, in my possession, a spare Musseum for March, which came enclosed in a perfectly blank cover, so that I do not know the design of it; but I seem to have some recollection that you formerly, in an open letter sent to me, desired C. to send you one. I therefore forward it.

You have gratified me much by introducing Dr. Cutler to me. I had not as much of his company as I wished, but was well pleased with what I had. He was successful in the business he came here upon, which I consider as a njatter of great importance, not only to the Adventurers, but to the United States. The Doctor was introduced to Dr. Clarkson, and speaks feelingly of the attention he paid him.f

I hope your children have perfectly recovered by this time. You are right in keeping my catalogue out of sight 'til something is seriously determined on by the Corporation. If they conclude to make a collection, and appoint a committee, with power for the purpose, there will then be some prospect of success; but I think it will hardly be worth while to say any thing about it before then.

I do not know Mr. Dallas, but think I have heard him mentioned as a lawyer. Magazines and Musseums are not sent free by post, and therefore do not go by post at all. As to what concerns yourself, you need not be uneasy, but freely make use of me, as you have done; what I wrote formerly related only to such letters as you mentioned in the one I then answered.

Captain Magee has not arrived yet: some of the owners begin to be uneasy.

Mrs. Hazard and two of Judge Breese's daughters left me on Saturday, and I have since heard that they had a fine passage to Shrewsbury. Such of us as are left behind are well. My mother joins in cordial salutations to Mrs. B. and yourself with, my dear sir,

Your affectionate

Eben. Hazard.

BELKNAP TO HAZARD.

Boston, 16 August, 1787.

My Very Dear Friend, — Since I wrote you last, I have been engaged in the busy work of moving: we can do it here at any time of the year, without confining ourselves to May-day. The house where I first lived was pretty good for summer, but would not do for winter. I am now in one which, though it has not so many gardens round it, yet is better accommodated in the material articles: it is on the S.W. side of Summer street, or, as it is commonly called, Seven Star Lane, between Trinity Church and the Main Street. Your attention to my request about Captain Magee is truly obliging. I had not the pleasure of first announcing his arrival. A vessell which met him at sea, off Sandy Hook, brought the news here a day or two before your letter arrived. His friends now wear a better countenance. We have 7 French men-of-war here. A whole rabble of officers, from the Admiral downward, to the number of about 100, passed us to-day, as we were coming out of *Thursday lecture, on a visit to the Governour, to drink punch and parler frangais. The country people expect to raise the price of butter and cabbages. The merchants and tradesmen are enquiring what good bargains they can make; and thus we are shewing our love to our good allies!

Yesterday, I am told, there was a very extensive and violent whirlwind in the county of Worcester: the particulars I have not heard. The inclosures you will know how to dispose of. Pray have you got Jo's indenture? Cutler passed homeward on a Saturday, so I did not see him. I expect he will emigrate. Mine join me in love to you and yours. Your affectionate friend,

Jere. Belknap.

HAZARD TO BELKNAP.

New York, September 4,1787.

Dear Sir, — I am much obliged to our friend Colonel Waters for his polite attention, and beg you to thank him for the pamphlets, which will be added to the farrago. I wish I could send him something from hence in return, but our sterile soil produces nothing worthy of attention.

Josey's indenture was sent to Dr. Clarkson, whom I desired to make the exchange, and he promised to attend to it, which I am sure he will do, but suppose other matters have interfered to prevent it as yet.

My sweetheart has returned, having spent a few weeks very agreeably, and enjoyed perfect health during her absence. She left the family well, except the Judge, who was in the gout.

So you have been moving? is not it pretty business? If my masters will let me alone, I think I have done with it for one wThile, as the house we are in suits us very well.

The French men-of-war coming to Boston will bring you some money, but I do not think they will mend your morals much. I see, by the papers, that you begin to make a fuss with them; and I suppose some Chastellux among them will tell us in print, bye and bye, which of you gave them the best dinner, and had it served up in the most proper manner. The "enclosures" were disposed of as you wished, and I suppose the needful has been done with them e'er now. I shall probably know this certainly to-day. I am of your opinion respecting Cutler's emigration: he has fairly entered into the spirit of the Western business, and I think will find it profitable. I hear the most flattering accounts of those lands from all quarters; from persons who are not interested, as well as those who are. The actual settlement of the lands will encrease their value fast; and settlers, who have a little cash to spare, will doubtless have opportunities of making advantageous speculations. I have become a subscriber for one share in the company, in hopes of either making a little money for myself, or that the lands will be valuable to my family hereafter.

Since Mrs. H.'s return, both our children have been very sick, but have got (like a certain Colonel after an alarm was over) "considerably chirk now" We all retain a very sincere affection for yourself and Mrs. Belknap, and I am Your friend, Eben. Hazard.