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Richmond Virginia 1 octo. 1813. Dear General A serious indisposition at Washington (beginning with the piles and at one period threatening fistula) detained me there after the adjournment of Congress. I was incapable of Travelling for upwards of a fortnight, and then went to the Western parts of Virginia near the mountains-- the search for health was vain for some time-- much debilitated, I recruited my strength but slowly-- was harrassed with bile, and from the impoverished state of my blood, had a visit of the fever and ague-- the circumstance, combined with a consideration of the nature of the climate of Savannah in the month of Sept. and Octor. compelled me to delay my return to about this time. I am thus far on my way home, and have been a little delayed by inclement weather, and tho' recovered it will be utterly impossible for me to think of returning to Washington for the winter