Robert Carter writes to his son-in-law, Colonel Mann Page, December 5, 1727, concerning the affairs of Nathaniel Burwell's estate, the stroke recently suffered by Nathaniel Harrison whose positions as member of the Council and as auditor general of the colony will become vacant on his death. Carter believes the best person to replace Harrison on the Council will be John Clayton, the attorney general, who is expected back from England at any time. He adds news about his family and their and his health, Charles's trip to the falls, and concludes with affectionate greetings to his daughter and all of Page's "fireside." In a lengthy post script he notes Clayton's arrival and that he soon hopes to hear the results of Clayton's presentation to the House of Lords about the Northern Neck proprietary.

     I am indebted to you for two letters
this cleans the score Mr Perry in a long letter intermixed with several
other subjects says what follows relating to Mr. Burwells
concerns which I give you in the enclosed paper in his own words the packet
you sent me Yesterday contains Only his invoice for the Estates goods
now in the Spotswood which I return to you by Peter I would have
Camp copy it & let me have it again

     Poor Colonel Harrison has had death so long in
his view that I hope this Sudden stroke has not found him un

     Were I to give my Opinion impartially for a person
to make up the breach of Colonel Harrison in the Council and to hold
up his place as a judge, I can think of no person so properly qua
lified as Mr. Clayton All mankind must allow we want such a man
in the Court. And to Compensate the loss of his other iincomes I would have
in the Auditors place into the bargain & I fancy the Attorney has very
good interest both by his own relations & Mr Perry who pushes strong
where he's hearty I think of Several others will be Candidates for this
place kissing Generally goes by favour I shall remain only as a spe-
ctator though wishes that merit may take place

     Here is the Negro ship that I last sold off will be ready to
sail I believe some time next week if you have any letters for
Britain my son Robert Acquaints the Governor with it & intends
a Messenger to receive the Govrs Commands his dispatches a few days before the
ships Departure pray forward Robins letter now Coming
by Peter I thank you for the Care you take of my boy George
I order Camp to send Peter with him to Rappahannock I Expect Carter Burwell with him

     My Son Charles has now been gone up to the falls
al l most three weeks he had particular Directions to see your new settle
ment My Carpenters have been building there I reckon above a month
I should think a few hands to be sent there forthwith might be pr
oper but that to your own Conduct

     I am sorry for the indisposition of your Children
hope all will issue well my family within doors all in Good health
& are yours & their Sisters humble Servts My own health much
as it used to be sometimes better sometimes worse I have such