9

Virginia, Orange, 24th October 1797.
Dear Richard
I am pleased to hear you are so agreeably married, and wish you and your consort a great deal of happiness, which will depend much on your united efforts to please each other; and live in harmony with your neighbors. I am pretty certain you have industry, which will be necessary in your new situation.
I heard of the severe trip you had going out last winter. I frequently thought of you and was glad when I heard you got so well through it.
Maj'r Lindsay died about the 1st September, at Rhode Island, where he went early last summer. Frank Taylor is making interest to succeed him in the office, and is gone to Philadelphia about that business-he is strongly recommended. I expected his chance would be good, but some think Mr. Bedinger will be appointed, from being an officer in that line. Frank has been at much expence and fatigue in attending on those who have the appointment, which perhaps will at last be given to some favorite, if he fails in his application I think he will not be in good humor with those at the helm of affairs.
The Yellow Fever has been very fatal in Philad'a this year. Baltimore, Norfolk and Charleston have also felt its effects and it is still raging by the last accounts.
I hope we will have no war with France, and are quite averse to it, it they do not begin it. The English, French and Spaniards continue taking our vessels, and the prospect of a general peace in Europe is doubtful.
I have but little time to write now. Your father and brothers will excuse my not writing to them:-
Pray remember me to all the family and accept my best wishes for your prosperity and happiness. I hope you will not forget your promise of writing often to

Dear Dicky
Your affectionate uncle
Fra.Taylor.
Mr. Richard Taylor Jr.
Beargrass Creek
Jefferson county
Kentucky.