I do not know why it is thus—but I am dissatisfied with myself untill I acknowledge your tender remembrance—1 Your sentiments are so consonant with my Ideas of resigned sensibility—so replete with that tenderness which has ever been displayed in all your actions—that I view it as a duty to emulate what I admire and approve— If nature has been partial in the distribution of her favores—and diffused more suavity on one—then an other—it should not excite discontent—but a dispossition to cultivate the soil—tho poor; it can be made firtile by application—and productive of the finest fruits— I have met with some few characters that are strangers to the benign rays of this virtue—there manners and countenance are marked with studyed apathy— I have looked at them with pity—and silently exclaim you are lost to the social tie that unites—you know not the sweet emotion that arises from mutual sympathy—

I am little of an enthusiast on this point—and would advise those that are naturally cold—to frequent scenes that will awaken there minds—the tear of compassion—is balm to the wounded soul— I often think of my Dear susan—when I reproved her for not coming to breakfast—she replyed her grandmama was very sick—and had no one to stay with her—and she would not leave her alone— I was pleased with the effusions of her Infantine mind—and condemned myself for being too hasty— I hope you have no Idea of sending her to boston this winter—never part with her untill I am enabled to releive you— I should be miserable if she was away from you— Abby goes to school and is in good health— I repeated the sentence in your letter to her—she has always been Impressed with the Idea that her Grandpapa loved her— I have not been to New York since my return— I sent to Mrs Smith, and to all the Markets for Peaches—but could not procure them— you must this time take the will for the deed— I hope to be more fortunate the next season— we have had 137 alarming accounts of the fever in New York—but cannot perswade Mrs Smith or Mrs Clarkson to take up there abode with us—3 Brother has moved to the goverment house—Nancy is in Philadelphia—she wishes always to be affectionately remembered to you— I have not seen or heard of Mr Adams— You have promised me a visit on their return— you know My Dear Madam thay will meet with a welcome reception— I rejoice that you will have one child so near you—it will add much to your domestic happiness Mr and Mrs Otis called a few days since. on their way to Washington— I have nothing new to communicate—and my Imagination does not teem with brilliancy—of course you will not expose my writings to any one— I feel my Inability—but cannot restrain my pen—where I am so tenderly united— you will give my love to Aunt Cranch—Susan, and Mary Adams—the latter posseses an ingenuous mind—4 I discoved many pleasing traits in her disposition—and I think of her with satisfaction— you will remember me to Loisa—I acted a sisterly part to her—if she has viewed—it as I intended I am amply compensated— I am fearful I shall put your patience to the test— kiss my Dear susan for me—and beleive me your own dear daughter—

I have duly received your letter enclosing the 8 per Cents, and the bank bill, for which I am to give you my best thanks.1

I arrived here safely after a fatiguing journey of thirty hours from Philadelphia, and had the happiness to find my wife and child in very good health—2 Louisa looks better than she has for years before, and I flatter my self with the hope that she will find this climate more congenial to her Constitution than that of Europe— The family are all well, excepting Mr: Johnson, who has a very bad cold with some fever.

I have paid my visits to the President and the heads of 138 departments, and am now ready and anxious to move homewards—3 But a few days, I must allow to my friends, and shall probably get away by this day week.— Our purpose is to go by the way of Frederick, and Lancaster— We hope to reach Philadelphia, by the 4th: or 5th: of next month; perhaps by the 3d:—of which, if you see Mrs: Roberts, I wish you to give her notice.4

Your’s affectionately.