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P. E. THOMAS TO WORTHINGTON

Balto 2 Mo 24 1812

My dear friend

On receipt of thy favour of the 22 Inst. I called up at the School for the purpose of having some conversation with thy daughters on the subject of their return to Washington and also to make such arrangements for their journey as might be need- ful. I did not have an opportunity of seeing either of them, but I conversed with the school mistress who informed me that they were engaged upon a piece of work which could not be compleated before Saturday and that it would be much regreted if they could not stay to finish it, as it would if perfected be highly ornamental and do them great credit, she therefore intreated me to give thee this information and wait thy reply before they were taken away. this I accordingly was obliged to say I would do - If it is not important for them to be in Washington earlier they can get away at any rate by monday next and if an opportunity offers sooner and they get through with the work that now engages them I will be careful to avail myself of it to send them down, or if it is still more agreable to time to have them sooner. I will on rect. of thy letter by return of mail comply with thy instructions

I enclose thee to days Gazette it contains inteligence three weeks later than we had before: the Regents speach upon the opening of Parliament is inserted - I am glad to perceive no expression of Hostility towards this Country. I had feared that the British upon hearing from us would have been disposed to anticipate our measures and fall upon as before we were prepared I was the more apprehensive of this as I am persuaded that the present posture of America is more injurious to her than an open war would be

We learn here that the Constitution Frigate has brought out a treaty with France I sincerely hope this may be so provided the treaty secures indemnity for the past and promises security for the future.

Letters have been received in town from England which announce that a commercial arrangement has been effected between France & England by which a very considerable trade is carried on under licenses and that cotton goods have in consequence risen in England. Brandies, wines &c are recd in Exchange in Grt. Britain from France - Should England succeed in finding a vent for a large quantity of her Goods it may defeat the effect of our Restrictive measures

[Ed. Here ends this ltr.]

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