[This page also includes some notes written in pencil listing topics discussed in this letter.]

Washington Feby. 15 -1825 -

My Dear Wife,

I have yet nothing definite to say upon the
subject of my cause coming on, or when I shall leave
this City. The Court go on very slowly, owing to the en-
gagement of the members of the bar in Congress, and
the astonishing length of the speeches of some lawyers. If
I could, I would immediately return -- but necessity is
laid upon me. It is impossible for any Gentleman whom
I should engage, to understand the cause & do justice
to it, & Mr. Ogden declines managing it alone. My
only course seems to be to stay -- at least for the present. Mr.
Webster seems to be determined not to have it argued at
all, if he can prevent it -- why I know not, except
that he has been so much engaged in great state affairs,
making a President &c & is unprepared. I do not feel much obliged to
him for any disposition he has discovered to oblige
me in this affair. I need not tell you how I shall fly home
the instant I can get released.     I have been only
to one party here -- Mr. Muroe's drawing room, the even-
ing of the election of President. The City is full of people &
as full of amusements -- as far as they are to be found
in a succession of similar parties. This evening there
is to be a splendid ball at the Colombian
Minister's. I beleive I shall go. It is delightful

to find representatives here from several governments
in South America -- from Countries which had so long suffered
in a state of the most debasing servitude.

The Presidential election -- Mr. Adams's success &
its causes -- his future cabinet &c are the great topics
of conversation here as you may suppose, & there seems to
be a state of lassitude proportioned to the excitement
that has so long existed. Congress seems incapable of
attending to any business that requires exertion.
I understand the Mass: Claim is to be brought up to
day. I am sorry for it -- There is not the least chance
for it -- and it may occasion an angry & unpleasant
debate as Mr. Adams is just chosen President. Massa:
& Gov. Strong -- a man infinitely better & purer than
any of those who may reproach him -- will receive severe re-
flections & abuse. I heard a member of Congress & no less
a man than Mr. Cambreling -- who was once at our house
say yesterday, that he was determined to vote against
our claims, whether they were just or unjust.

My friend & Classmate Harriss has been here
soliciting the office of Navy agent, and now expects
to be disappointed. He is an excellent fellow & needs the
office much, and he evidently feels the disappoint-
ment sensibly. "How wreched is that man who hangs
on Princes' favors." I often have occasion to think of it
here, amidst people holding on by the skirts of govt

with careworn faces.

I am comfortably situated. James Duncan, my
chum for the present, seems much pleased & interested
here. All is new to him. What with his title of Col:
his property &c &c he is inclined
feel complacently. There is a beautiful young lady here --
a Miss Keyzar from Baltimore -- the prettiest girl in Washn.
in the opinion of most -- & she plays finely on the guitar &
sings very well. She is only 16 & yet in the midst of
Society here -- to be spoiled. Judge Thompson &
his family have apartments in the house. He has
been sick, & I have just called on him as he has
not before been able to see me. Several others are
here among them Master Davis. I suppose Ann
& Caroline will have received my letter before this reach-
es you & I have written to Nathl. to day. My Dear wife
write to me as often as you can -- if it is only a line. It
will give me great comfort.
I hardly dare trust myself to think of home, I wish most
& yet home, with it's associations is seldom absent from my thoughts.     I wish
sincerely I had determined three months ago not to come
on -- but to engage some one else in my place. But
after anxious deliberation I took the course I thought
my duty & under all the circumstances -- best. Tell Ann
& Caroline to write to me.     Kiss my sweet little
Lucy for me.     I can't help thinking sometimes
of the Revd. Mr. C. even here. His whole conduct is infamous
& entirely without excuse, & he has made more trouble than
he can do good if he lives 50 years.     I suppose we ought to
endeavor to improve from trials -- but I shall never cease to regret that
in the ways of Providence he has fallen upon Salem.

Your's always -- most affecty.,
L Saltonstall

[Address]

Mrs. Leverett Saltonstall
Salem
Mass.