Dr Sir: Yours of the 11th. has come to hand this day, and it unfortunately happens that Mr Joseph Smith is away on a visit to his friend up the and will probably be gone two weeks. I a[m] satisfied he had forgot our note through the great press of business has overwhelmed him of late and not having left any orders I am at a loss to know what to do. However, if you called at on your way to . I think I can guarrantee to have the money or a great part of it ready for you and most probably Mr Smith would be at home by the time you could get [2 words illegible] [here. You?] will see the impossibilty of sending it to you after [2 words illegible] [his return?] and would it not be best for you to call this way as I [3 words illegible] thinking it would I have consulted some the subject, but as I have already said, should you conclude to come this way I will try to have the money ready and whether he has got back [2 words illegible] I shall feel justified in paying it, knowing that that is his wish

Hoping this will be satisfactory under existing circumstances I subscribe myself Dr Sir