I received a few days ago your kind favour of the 10th: instt: with the letter that accompanied, and thank you for the care of it—1 I lament to hear that your health continued so feeble and infirm, but I hope as the Spring advances, you will find yourself better— I approve much of your intention to wean John, and rejoyce at the information that he has recovered.

I have been into Boston only once since my return home; and that was the day, when I wrote you last—2 I was to have gone this day; to a public entertainment given Mr: Gore, on his return from Europe; but the weather which has been these three days and continues stormy, confines me to the house—3 I saw Mr: Gore, when I was in Boston— He has reduced himself by his diet and regimen, more than any man I ever knew. You will scarcely credit me, when I tell you he is at least as thin as Mr: Hellen— His appearance is so much altered, that it was sometime before I recognized his features— He says however that he is in very good health—

The Spring here is so late and so much in arrear, that I have yet scarcely began my career as a farmer— But I have set out an Orchard of nearly an hundred trees; which will I hope one day produce fruit for our children— Mr: Whitney quits the house the first of next month— If I can find a tenant, I shall let it for another year— At least I shall not go to expence to fit it up for your reception, untill I determine to make it my own continual abode— It is not and never can be made such a place as I could wish to provide for your residence; but it may prove a shelter hereafter, and supply means of subsistence, to ourselves and our children, when we shall find none else— My situation and circumstances since we married, have very materially declined— As the alteration affects myself, I would not waste a thought upon it; but as it has taken from me the means, of contributing every comfort and enjoyment that your heart could wish, it is a perpetual source of concern, and anxiety to me— It is with extreme difficulty that I now find the means of defraying our necessary expences as they rise, without intrenching upon the little property which helps to support us— Additional expence, without any prospect of additional income, would infallibly lead to my ruin; and what would be to me ten thousand times worse, to the greatest distress to you and our children— These considerations alone have induced me to wish that you could have reconciled your mind to this place, and to so humble a residence as that house— As however you cannot, you shall at all events reside where you yourself choose— I will bear the charge, as long as I have the means, and trust to Providence for future support.

Mrs: Charles Adams left us last Saturday, on her return to Newark; with her youngest daughter— Susan remains here.

I suppose Mr: Hellen still receives one of our Boston newspapers, from which you will find that Governor Strong has again been elected— The opposition made against him however is greater than it has before been for three years— Mr: Sullivan runs up in numbers at no great distance from him—4 In New-Hampshire, it is probable the present governor Gilman has lost his election, and Mr: Langdon chosen in his stead— From New-York, I suppose you will hear before this reaches you.5

Give my affectionate remembrance to your Mamma, Mr: & Mrs: Hellen—your brother and Sisters—not forgetting all the children— Et pour Monsieur George, Papa s’attend qu’il parlera bien Français quand il reviendra—6

Your’s ever faithfully

I recieved your letter my best friend the day before yesterday which afforded me much pleasure as it assured me of your safe arval at home1 I know not but it appear’d to me that your letter were not in good spirits when you last wrote you do not say you are well and I fear the fatigue of your journey has proved injurious rather than serviceable beneficial I had 20 Cents to pay Postage for your letter the Paper had announced your arrival at home which was the reason I suppose that they made the charge—2

The Children are both well George grows so extremely wild it is almost impossible to do any thing with him I am fearful he has lost his french already though I take every possible means to make him speak it but I think his pronunciation very much altered which must be owing to me it grieves me very much but I have repeatedly told you this would happen if I undertook to talk to him—

I have not yet had an opportunity of sending your Trunks nor do I know when I shall be able I think of sending them to Alexandria to 367 wait for a Vessel and you may depend on having them by the earliest opportunity—3

John has not yet been innoculated Dr. Weems has not been able to procure any infection I wish you would endeavour to get some of Dr. Waterhouse but you must do it immediately or the Season will be too far advanced4 he has two more teeth nearly through he bids fair to talk very early as he already says Papa Kitty & Esther I am sorry to say there is no prospect of his walking yet—

We have had a great Fresh in the Potomac which has brought down such quantities of Wood that almost all the poor families round have stocked themselves for the next Winter there were between 50 &. 70 Cords taken at Mr. Hellens Wharf the water had risen ten feet above the little Falls it has carried away a large part of the Potomac Bridge—5

We have no news here there is nothing stirring I saw Mr. Sheldon last evening—6

Adieu my most sincerely beloved friend that we may soon be reunited and never again suffer the misery of a separation is the ardent prayer of most faithful and affectionate Wife