Richard Anderson writes Jonathan Clark from his home, Soldiers Retreat, near Louisville, with William Clark as the letter's carrier since he is traveling east to Jonathan's. He discusses land business, his son Richard Jr., attending school in Virginia, and his instructions and goals regarding his education.
Anderson writes his brother-in-law, Jonathan Clark, a letter from his home near Louisville about what the newly seated Kentucky legislature has accomplished. He writes of the dreadful state of American-Indian affairs, with two recent defeats at the tribes' hands and failed negotiations. He fears his friend Colonel John Hardin, who has been sent to negotiate with them, will be killed, like Major Freeman. As gloomy and discouraging as the situation, Kentucky is too promising a country to abandon. Jonathan's presence would be of great assistance to his parents and one of his siblings who are suffering from an upsetting situation that his father-in-law John Clark has discussed with him several times, but he has not been authorized to discuss it and shall say no more other than to inform Jonathan that there is a situation of concern regarding the elder Clarks and a sibling. [Although not specified, the situation most likely concerns Fanny Clark's tumultuous marriage with James O'Fallon.] William Clark has been assisting Anderson with Jonathan's land investments and has sent records.
