It was my intention immediately after our late Election to have acquainted you with the expectations that might be relied upon from its result, and also to have informed you of the conduct of the principal Agents who projected and supported it; a serious indisposition however frustrated this intention—

From the public prints you will have discovered that the Election here is now decided, and terminated in the disgrace and defeat of federalism—1 I need not observe that in this City, there exists certain Characters of Considerable local importance who, are associated in the Conspiracy with others, of different States of for overturning the General by means of the State Governments; these men by a long systematic operation have Continued effectually to render this State a powerful engine for that purpose, by becoming members of our Legislature— I had indeed until the present period beleived that there really did exist Virtue Sufficient in this State to defeat their 241 object, but with equal Sincerity, mortification and regret, I now assure you, that more correct information has taught me the fallacy of my Conjecture, and that ignorant of our real interests we have become the instrument I fear of National Calamities—

This City, (from whence the whole State, receives, its Complexion) is peculiar for its Variety of parties, none of which are inconsiderable—the first an inveterate British Interest—a Second who profess federalism, with a strong dislike to the Administration; a third Jacobins, and the fourth by far the weakest Composed of friends to Constitution and Govenmt— the first is made up of British Merchants and Agents, the Second of Americans who think but little, and have received their tone from Some leading men who have been Since the Presidents first Election (at least) opposed to him—the third of the offals of Europe lead by the Livingstonian Aristocracy, and the fourth of the Virtuous & Wise—and from So hetereogeneous a mass what could be formed or what was to be expected?— I will only add upon this Subject, that it is highly probable at the approaching Election for Presidt Mr. Jefferson will receive every Vote—from this State—

Mr. Pickerings removal from office, you Can readily imagine must have given rise to many observations,— The opposers of the French Mission Consider him as a Martyr to his difference of Sentiment upon that subject with the President, and believ’g that to be the only Ground, Condemn the motive—confiding in Mr. Pickering’s popularity they appear to rejoice in the expectation that it will have an influence in placing General Pinckney in the Chair of Govt:— others again pronounce the Cause—Corruption.—

From North Carolina we understand the Presidt. will be unanimously supported, in which Case I consider his reelection as Secure—notwithstanding the opinion of Some Military Characters that he will receive little support from the Eastern States,— I cannot persuade myself they will allow themselves to be imposed upon by any unfaithful plans.— the Mail is just closing— with be pleased to present my respectful compliments to the Presid. and with the most sincre prayers for your health & happiness / I remain Madam / Your Ob. Hble Sert

I received yesterday your letter and package by Capt. White, and have received the account of the last resolution of the house to disband the army.1 I think the jacobins have now reason to exult, at out-manœuvering the federalists, as it appears they do upon every occasion. The federalists deserve every thing that will happen to them for their apathy. The next thing I expect to hear is that they will sit quietly in their chimney corners, and permit themselves to be robbed and murdered, and have not energy enough to make resistance. Where is the spirit of the country fled?—they will say, I suppose, “la, who would have thought it.”

Our encampment exhibits a scene of melancholy countenances; many of the officers are really distressed; some say, alas, my occupation is gone. And very many will not know how to dispose of themselves; some scold, others lament; but all will endeavour to submit to their fate; some say, what a pity that such troops, who are just getting a knowledge of their profession should be dismissed. If they had in their great wisdom, given each man, and officer, who would have engaged to settle upon it, a certain portion of land, they would have given some scope to their talents and industry. But to 243 return such a number of men into society without employment, is not a wise measure as it respects the community; several young men, who had calculated upon making it their profession, are greately mortified and disappointed; who for want of property or friends, or perhaps talents, for other professions, or business, will now be destitute of any means of support. Others who never would have made good soldiers, are not to be regretted, however easy a life it may be thought. Col. Smith has had trouble enough with them, to bring them into the state they now are; and I will venture to say, that no officers in the service have exerted themselves more, and that there are no troops that will make a better figure in this country; they have not even the consideration of the Africans: “before they disband an army, inquiry is made into the conduct of the different officers, whether they have done their duty, or whether any of them have eminently distinguished themselves; and those who have, are rewarded or promoted.”2

Some of the officers say it is the Col.’s fault: if he had permitted them to be a set of undisciplined rag-a-muffins, that the Jacobins would not have been affraid of them; but they heard so much of their discipline, that they were afraid to leave them embodied.

I hope you will let me know when you set out, and when you will be at Brunswick; as I intend to meet you there.

Yours,