Well My dear son S Carolin has behaved as Your Father always Said She would. the concequence to us personally, is that We retire from public Life: for myself and family I have few regreets; at My 480 age and with my bodily infirmities I shall be happier at Quincy. neither my habits, or My Education or inclinations, have led Me to an expensive stile of living; So on that score I have little to mourn over; if I did not rise with Dignity, I can at least fall with ease; which is the more difficult task— I Wish Your Fathers circumstances were not So limited, and circumscribed as they must be, because he cannot indulge himself in those improvements upon his Farm which his inclination leads him too, and which would serve to amuse him, and contribute to his Health; I feel not any resentment against those who are comeing into power, and only wish the future administration of the Government may be as productive of the peace happiness and prosperity of the Nation as the two former ones have made it— I leave to time the unfolding of a drama. I leave to posterity to reflect upon the times past—and I leave them Characters to contemplate upon.— my own intention is to return to Quincy as soon as I conveniently can; I presume in the Month of Jan’ry the peice of linnen I orderd, need not be sent here. the other articles I wish to get, and you will oblige me by making an inquiry of Bringhurst or any other trusty coachmaker whether they have any well made new Coachee by them, or could get one ready in a few weeks. it must be strong well built Such a one as I have now, only they shape them different. Bringhurst once Made me an excellent one, that was close all round with a coachmans Box, but this I should not require.1 I would chuse to have it open as the one I have with Glass Windows let Me also know the price, with one Brass harness for a pr Horses—

You must write Me immediatly upon this subject. You wrote to William shaw inclosing me Some cotton. You may obtain what you want much nearer than N England, by giving the sample to mrs Kirkham— she can get it at a shop very near to her own, where I have often bought it, three threaded which is the strongest and best will be about 2 dollors pr pound—2

Gov’r Davie arrived Yesterday with the treaty. judge Elsworth was landed in England for the benifit of his Health3 the public curiosity will be soon Satisfied. Peace with France, a Revenue increased beyond any former Years—our prospects brightning upon every side What must be the thoughts, and the reflections, of those who calling themselves federalists, have placed their country in a situation full of dangers and perils—who have wantonly thrown away the blessing heaven seemd to have in reserve for them? the Defection of N york has been the Source. that defection was produced by the 481 intrigues of two Man; one of them Sowed the Seeds of discontent & division amongst the federilist, and the other Seazd […] lucky Moment of mounting into power upon the shoulders of Jefferson— the triumphs of the Jacobins is immoderate, and the federilists deserve it— it is an old and a just proverb, never hallo untill You are out of the woods So compleatly have they gulled one an other, by their southern promisses—they which have no more faith, when made to nothern Men, than Lovers vows—

I have not heard from N York Since I wrote You last

I am My Dear Thomas Your ever / affectionate Mother

The letter from Genl: Pinckney to Genl: Marshall apprising him of the probable result of the South Carolina election, seems to be considered here as deciding the great political contest, which has excited so much interest, throughout the Continent, for some months past.1 The issue is like to be different from that which the federalists have, of late allowed themselves to anticipate, and their disappointment is proportionably great. I must confess, for my own part, that I have never counted with confidence upon the votes of South Carolina, and from this distrust, as a New England Elector, I could not have consented to give an equal support to the two Candidates, so that the Rhode Island Electors, who have been sneered 482 at & vilified for their preference of yourself, on this occasion, acted in my judgment, with an honest independence. I had calculated upon some scattering votes in the other N England States, but from the returns yet known, there were none.

You are to be relieved from the cares, the high responsibility & the vexations of guiding the helm of State. Such is the will of the sovereign people’s representatives— Be it so— You will carry with you into retirement, the gratitude of many, the regret of some, and I confidently trust, the veneration of all your Countrymen, whether friends or foes. This is a reward beyond the reach of intrigue or caprice, and were it the only inheritance left to your family, they might esteem themselves rich in possessing this.

I have it in charge from Mr: Ingersoll, the District Attorney to acquaint you with his fixed determination to resign the Office he holds under your appointment, so soon as it shall be ascertained that you are no longer to continue at the head of affairs.2 When he communicated this intention to me he observed, that having come into office under one system, he did not think fit to continue when that system was likely to be changed. I said that in my opinion, Mr: Jefferson would not remove him should he be chosen; Mr: Ingersoll replied, that he was not in want of the employment, and another person might be more agreeable, than himself, to a future President.

The foregoing is the amount of the conversation, which passed on this occasion; the result of which I was requested to communicate to you.

I am with great respect & attachment / Your Son