To George Washington October 13, 1783

From the original letter at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania.

Sir

Borden Town Oct. 13th 1783

I returned to this place last Saturday from Philadelphia, but not in a condition of health fit to wait on you at Rocky hill. — I was taken with a severe attack of the fever last Wednesday while at Col. Biddle’s, accompanied, as is usual in the complaint, with extreme pains in the back. — But as the fever has been but of short duration with those who caught it late in the season, I am in hopes that a few days will terminate mine, as I feel less of it this morning, than at any time since I was first taken, and I shall be very happy when I find myself well enough to wait on you.

I am, your Excellency’s Obliged and obt Humble Servant

THOMAS PAINE