Altho I was much fatigued last Evening, I wrote a few lines to the President to let him know we were safely housed. the Roads were so bad, that the Mail tho two hours before us in the morning did not get in, untill half an hour after us, and there was not any mail from Philadelphia. we took colds all of us; I have a very Soar throat & Louissa a stiff neck— Susan this Morning complaind her stomacke was so Soar that she could not cough, and what Grandmamma makes My neck, just as if it makes a noise, it is so hard I cannot move it— Becky got a kink. I hear no complaint from Betsy; we mean to try the second leaf of the same Book tomorrow Mr Evans has just got home to day, a new carriage, and the Presidents Lady shall certainly have the first ride in it. a Man’s interest will even make him federal; but whether so or not, if they neither break my bones nor pick my pocket; but treat me with the same politeness and attention which I experience here; I shall certainly speak well of them; I had much ado to keep along yesterday. I had so many intreaties, of do Aunt turn back, I am sure this roads cannot be worse in March.— Aunt how could you consent to come this horrid road through this shocking wilderness without some Gentleman with you— Coachman, driver how far is it now? will you get us in before night? pray dont over-set— sometimes I laughd Sometimes scolded, Sometimes braged; that I was too independant to want a Gentleman always at my apronstring—tho be sure it would be very agreable to have one in the way We traveld— yet I had been accustomed to get through many a trying scene, and combat many difficulties alone I was therefore not very timid—

I heard the result of yesterdays ballot by a Gentleman who left the city at three oclock, just as congress rose— Every days ballot I think but wideens the difference. who shall decide? who shall yeald? are serious and important Questions— write me whether any thing has 566 been done with the nomination of col smith; to compare small things with great, that has been conducted with as shamefull delay as the Presidential Election is like to be. can any thing be a stronger proof to the world, that the voice of the people, no nor their Hearts neither are in favour of either of the candidates as President— every day, imposes upon us more caution in expressing our sentiments— I hope the P— will be upon his gaurd, and keep Silence, for every word, look, and thought are strickly watchd & scrutinized— tho we have nothing to hope, or to fear, Yet I know it is best, that no advantage be gained of any of us

I hope to get away in the morning without any ones knowing that I have been in the city.— Judge chase did not come on Yesterday— Judge cushing will be three days getting here— the President will be so much employd that I can scarcly expect a line from him—so you must write me all the news, who & who— Whilst I am in Philadelphia I shall see Thomas’s Letters—so I will not insist upon your writing daily to both—

Present me kindly to all who inquire after me— Mrs Johnson & Family, Mrs Dexter Marshall and stodart in particuliar— affectionatly Your / Aunt

I last week informed you that I had withdrawn from Amsterdam all the stocks I held there, and had remitted to Mr: King, in London fourteen hundred pounds sterling, for which I authorised you to draw, and requested you to place the proceeds in the most advantageous manner; but not in any institution or fund depending upon our national Union; for the generality of our Countrymen are so far from participating in my sentiments upon this subject, that it is not prudent to rest one’s all upon it— I mentioned my preference that it should be placed in the State of Massachusetts because there is my home, and upon a foundation of more solid materials than paper— I am sensible that this is not so easily done, as merely to purchase a certificate of stock and that it requires much more time and more steady, and uninterrupted vigilance— But you complain in one of your letters that your trouble with my affairs is not sufficient to earn 567 your commission, and I am willing to relieve your delicacy, by asking you to sharpen your look out for an opportunity to strengthen the security without abating the profits of my property in your hands.— I am sure you have it in your power by this means to earn your commission as vigorously as your heart can wish.

Do not mistake my meaning— When I use the liberty of urging your care and attention, it is not to be implied that I think that you have always shewn, insufficient. I am perfectly satisfied with your agency and in trusting now to you, every thing upon which I can depend for future subsistence, I give you the strongest possible proof of my satisfaction.

As I would not have so large a sum kept entirely unprofitable any longer than is absolutely necessary you may place temporarily the money in any state bank or fund either of Massachusetts or Pennsylvania as you shall think most secure and most expedient.

You will watch as you have hitherto successfully done for a favourable rate of exchange.— I do not exactly understand what the unit of exchange is between Philadelphia and London— The par, you say is 66 2/3 per ct:— But, if so, 72 ½ per ct: is an advantage not of six but of nine per cent— I expect soon your annual accompts and that will perhaps explain the matter, as much as is necessary for me to know.

I am extremely anxious to hear of my dear father’s health, and my heart bleeds for the afflictions which were in so short a space crowded upon my mother— She has the never failing stay of religion and virtue— God grant they may have supported her in these times of severe trial.— My father has been the benefactor of his Country; and has been treated as the benefactors of their country always are— He was prepar’d for it and will bear it as a natural evil, without resentment, and I hope without complaint.

Once more, ever yours.