1I could have wished that you had been able to reach Bithynia without any complaint from your poor body or those of your people, and that your journey from Ephesus had been like the voyage which you had enjoyed as far as there. 2On what day you had reached Bithynia, my dearest Secundus, I learned from your letter. 2The provincials, I believe, will understand that I have looked after their interests. 2For you too will take care to make it plain to them that you were chosen to be sent to them in my place. 3But first of all you must examine the accounts of the cities; 3for it is well enough established that they are in disorder.
3As for surveyors, I have barely enough even for the works under way either at Rome or nearby; 3but in every province men are found who can be trusted, and so you will not lack them, provided you are willing to examine things carefully.