To Thomas Jefferson from Benjamin Henry Latrobe, 14 June 1807

As soon as I had put all my things on board the Vessel, I prepared to set off to Washington from Philadelphia, & the same evening recd. a letter from the Attorney general summoning me to appear as a witness at Richmond on Mr. Burr’s trial. I immediately sent my Son to Wilmington to represent to him the impossibility of leaving my family in the state they then were, without the common conveniences to keep house in Philadelphia, my whole arrangement for the purpose being broke up,—and just ready to proceed in a journey & removal which could not be given up without total ruin to my affairs.—On Thursday my Son having returned I immediately set off intending to sleep at Chester, but I had not crossed the Schuylkill when one of my horses, in play, kicked the coachman on the box so as to lay open the bone of his leg for 4 inches removing skin & muscles entirely. I was therefore forced to return, and immediately to apply to Dr Physick. I could not again proceed till Sunday, & arrived here till Wednesday, having in the excessive heat compleatly knocked up my horses. My youngest Child arrived with symptoms of the Summer complaint, & I therefore waited on Thursday for his recovery, & to give the horses rest. On Friday & Saturday, the weather rendered it impracticable to stir.—I hope to arrive this evening or early tomorrow morning, & will immediately wait upon you—

I am with the highest respect, Yrs.