We are both excessively grieved at dear Matilda's illness, whom we have ever regarded with the greatest respect. Pray God, your next news, which we shall expect most anxiously, shall give hopes of her recovery.
Mary keeps her health very well, and joins in kind remembrances & best wishes.
A few more numbers, about 7, will empty my Extract book, then we will consult about the specimens, by then I hope you will be able to talk about business. How you continue your book at all & so well in trying circumstances I know not. But don't let it stop. Would to God I could help you, but we have the house full of company which we came to avoid.