Harrison to Findlay
Vincennes, 22nd Sept., 1804
Dear Findlay,
I have to acknowledge the receipt of your two letters one by post and one by Mr. Thomas. I began to think that you had forgotten me as some of my other friends in Cincinnati have done. I have long wished to pay you a visit but I have been hitherto prevented sometimes by Public and oftentimes by private business. I hope however that this will not always be the case. During the whole of this summer and part of last I have been engaged in building a large House [Harrison House, Vincennes] which will I fear prove rather too expensive for my finances. However the trouble and three fourths of the expense will be at end in a few days and by next Spring I shall be in a situation to accomodate you and your large family,[1] if you should think it worth your while to come and see us. Independent of the gratification of seeing your old friend you will be interested in the Country around this place—the appearance of which is altogether different from anything you ever saw.
I did not accept Mr. [Peyton] Shorts offer because I was informed that $1600 was not enough for my preemption Right; and had I been inclined to have taken $1600 the land which he offered me was certainly not worth $400. I have written to my brother to assist me in paying the first instalment in January next, and as I know he has the command of money I calculate with certainty upon receiving assistance from him unless he has entered into some engagement that I am unaquainted with. I am very much indebted both to [David?] Killgour and yourself for the Indulgence shown with regard to the fees.
Mrs. Harrison requests you to present her in the most affectionate terms to Mrs. Findlay. She (Mrs. H.—) is very much distressed at my being obliged to leave her. I shall set out for Louisiana [St. Louis] about the 2d or 3d of October.[2]
