"Very Dear Sir,
"Your kind letter gives me an extreme pleasure to find that you and family are well, and that my sons grow in your esteem. I hope sincerely they may continue to behave in such a manner as to deserve a continuance of it. I have not seen Mr. Phelps since I received your favor, but expect I shortly shall, and I will then mention what you desire. We are likely to succeed in getting him ordained for a minister.
"It is a long time since I sent any pocket money to the boys. I shall in a few days send by Mr. Gideon Tiffany, a note for a £hundred, N. Y. C. I would do it sooner, but have not had the opportunity of conveyance. My best respects to Mrs. Wheelock and family.
"I am, Dear Sir, sincerely, Your friend and Humble servant, Jos. Brant.
"P. S. I send a letter of Captain Elliott's son, their cousin, who is much younger than they, to shew them how he improves. [FN]
"James Wheelock, Esq."
[FN] The name of Captain Elliott has repeatedly occurred before, in connexion with the British-Indian affairs at Detroit and the Miamis. Captain Brant, in one of his letters to Sir John Johnson, complained that Elliott was dismissed from the public service, for some reason not stated, and without trial.
"James Wheelock to Captain Brant.
"Marcellus, Sept. 19th, 1801.