Your kind letter dated this day week, has just come to hand.1 I rejoice to hear of your arrival once more at the farm house & that you have so far recovered from the unlucky accident, which befel you, as to be able to walk about. The return of my father was announced in the newspapers & with the addition of a line, signifying that “his worth would make him welcome there.”2 It is a source of great satisfaction to me, that so much real respect is entertained for the character & services of the late President, by the only portion of his Countrymen, whose opinions are of any value. His successor in Office is welcome to enjoy all the pleasure & all the honor, which his conscience will yield— I envy him not; for, the reflections of any man, who stoops to mean artifice & base intrigue for the sake of an high station, never can be placid, nor can he enjoy [“]the soul’s calm sunshine.”3

I read the letter to which you allude and was angry at myself and all our family for retaining so much regard for the character of the writer, which we have all more or less indulged & cherished. I despise hypocrisy and when it is once fairly unmasked, it is my fault if I am ever deceived by it, again. The speech has operated like—oil upon the ruffled surface of a mantling pool—the style—the sentiment & the principle even, are alike applauded— How easily we poor feds are gulled. Ben Russel is not the only federal fool that I know— Sometimes I feel very indignant at the supineness & inertion of the friends to the late administration, and censure them for their silence; but when I take my own pen to write on the subject of politics—I find a sudden lassitude overtake me, which soon compels me to throw it aside in disgust— What is the government to you? Is the first question which suggests itself, and as my answer will always acquit me of any special interest—selfishness prevails over public spirit, & I continue to groan in spirit for the misfortune of others, but without the power of utterance.

I have no news to write you— The Carriage shall be shipped by the first good opportunity— The equinox has been as outrageous here, as with you. Almost incessant rains for two or three weeks—

I shall write to Dr: Tufts in a few days & make him another small remitance. Thank you for the Rect:—&ca:

With best love & duty I am dear mother / Your Son

I had not time to write before the departure of the post to day, to both you & my mother, and having received a letter from her she was best intitled to my earliest regards, though, if I rightly remember, you favor written at Suffield has not yet been acknowledged—1

Watsons Bill is enclosd as you desire— Dickins is not your debtor But you are his to the amount of four or five dollars, as I wrote you before.2 How shall I pay you for the Book you brought me?

I exhibited the order for the three remaining vol’s of the journals of Congress to Hyde, who says only the 11th: is yet printed and that the others will not be ready these two months—3

What interest is making for a new Governor in your State? Will Gerry run again for the seat?4 We hope to create a diversion in favor of Genl: Muhlenberg here—the Republicans are divided as to him, & if he would consent to run, the Germans would nearly all vote for him; the federalists, I fear, will let slip this only chance of getting rid of the old rascally tyrant, who goads & vexes them without mercy—5 I would vote for any united Irishman, as soon as I would for McKean— Hear a fact of recent date. Col: John Shee who held the office of Inspector of flour, under the Governor was appointed to supercede the Marshall— He declined the honor intended him, prefering less honor & more profit in the place he held— The Governor signified to him his pleasure, that he should accept the proffered appointment, since he could no longer continue as inspector of flour, the office having been bestowed on his son Mr: Robert McKean—6 36 We must say of Mr: Mc:Kean, that he acts independently, for in spite of all that his party can do, he will provide snug birth’s for his family—

I enclose you a paper, which I wish you to exhibit to the Clerk of the Circuit Court, and to ascertain whether the costs in any of the enumerated cases, have been received—7 If so—whether he is disposed to pay them over to you, when you shall be authorized to receive them?

When do you begin your studies? With whom & where?

I am, Dear Shaw, / Your friend