I have a thousand times wish’d to express to you my gratitude for the attentions I received from you during your residence here; and most particularly, for your kindness to my dear mother and family during her late severe illness; but a consciousness of the inadequacy insufficiency of language to give a faithful representation of my feelings, has hitherto imposed upon me a silence which I fear may be construed into insensibility. I know that a consciousness of your benevolence is the only return your heart asks for, and I know that your gratification is highest when your good deeds are done in secret. I am sensible also that a superfluity of expressions of Gratitude is often meant as a cover’d and mode of requesting new favours. Thanks to the democrats, my language can not now be liable to this imputation; and the feeble attempt to express my thanks, will, I presume to hope, be received as the sincere Effusion of my heart.—

I hope the roads & the weather, have permited you to escape the fell orgies of democratic exultation. To the eternal disgrace of George town, a dinner was yesterday given, at Barney’s, to the wretch Duane. I have not heard how the thing was conducted, but I am told it was set on foot, by that other wretch Duncanson. How can Virtue refrain from hiding her head in obscurity, when vice and falsehood when calumny & sedition are thus rewarded. It can not be possible that any man who reveres the memory of Washington, and every other character who has done honour to our Country, should join this homage to every thing that is base.— The times are changed, but I pray God that my Countrymen may not change with them. It would be good for them to smart a little. They deserve it for their supineness—for their treachery to themselves.—

As I could not accompany you, I have determined to defer my Journey to New York untill after the 4th: of March; as I wish to see what Congress will do for the Government of the Territory of Columbia, and how they will dispose of the duties of the Commissioners.1 Mr. Davis has brought forward a resolution, censuring the Conduct of the Speaker in turning Smith, the printer, out of the house.2 It is expected to be called up to day, and that the debates will be conducted with great asperity.— The appropriations are made.—

The Evening before the choice of President was decided, a small mob collected under my window and h[…]’d “Jeffe[rson] or no 575 Constitution”—but they could not […] force enough to effect any thing. On the Evening of […] choice—A Mob of 40 or 50, went round and obliged us all to illuminate our windows. They were all strangers. I have been told that six of them were the stoutest Butchers, and bloodiest bullies of Philadelphia, the true representatives of the Sovereign People. These insults will I hope unite the minds of people in forming an energetic government in the district. They shew clearly what would have happen’d if the Election had been held in Philada.—

I shall write my parents, as soon as I have liesure—in the mean time, present them my filial affection, and accept every sentiment of affectionate veneration from your grateful Nephew

I write You once More from this city. the Trenton River is impassable, and has prevented my Sitting out. we hope however that the Rain may clear it. I sent Townsend of to day; I have heard Some of the Democratic rejoicing Such as Ringing Bells & fireing cannon; what an inconsistancy Said a Lady to me to day, the Bells of Christ Church ringing peals of rejoicing for an Infidel President! the People of this city have evidently been in terror, least their Swineish 576 Herd should rise in rebellion and Seize upon their Property & share the plunder amongst them; they have permitted them really to overawe them; I foresee some day or other that N England will be obliged to march their Militia to preserve this very state from Destruction—

There is great uneasiness with the Merchants. they Say the senate by rejecting the article in the convention to which they have excepted, have plunged them into great difficultys— that they know not what to do— that a better convention as it respects Commerce could not have been made and why it should be hazarded by the senate they cannot conceive the difference Mr Breck told me it would make to this Country in one year, would be nine Millions of dollors— the Chamber of commerce meet this Evening, and send off an express tomorrow to the Senators of this state, hopeing that Something May yet be done; that the President May be requested to return the convention to the senate with his reasons, and by Means give the Senate an other opportunity of accepting it. the Mr Breck says that he wrote the Sentiments of the Merchants of this city to mr secretary otis requesting him to communicate them to mr Bingham & others, Whilst the convention was before the senate; they regreet that they did not exert themselves more2

I could not help smiling when Mr Breck told Me he had conversed with mr Wolcott, but could get no satisfaction, only mr Wolcott Said that there was no faith to be placed in French promisses treaties or conventions

I have shall leave this city tomorrow I believe there is scarcly a Lady who ever came to the Drawing Room but has visited me, either old or young—and very many Gentlemen; as to a return of their visits, they cannot expect it; I believe they have made a point of it; who publishd my arrival in the papers I know not, but the next morning by ten oclock rainy as it was, they began to come and have continued it by throngs ever since—3 I thank them for their attention & politeness, tho I shall never see them again—

adieu My dear Friend— I wish You well through the remainder of Your political journey— I want to see the list of judges— pray tell all who inquire after me

With Love to William / yours affectionatly