Baltimore Feby. 24. 1825-
My Dear Wife,
I am writing to you in Richard's
parlour.
I came here yesterday as I was desirous of visiting
him before my return, and I found there was no prob-
ability of my business in Court requiring my at-
tendance for some days. I passed, no doubt, a letter
from home yesterday on the road-- but it will be
sent to me to day. We have had only three
pleasant
days since my arrival at
Washington -- but this
day is most delightful. It is like one of our finest
days in May. Richard & I have been rambling a-
bout the City, which will well bear examination.
It is certainly beautifully situated, &
it's publick
buildings will not suffer by comparison with those
of any City in the U. States. It is particularly
proper
that I should dwell on the beauties & advantages
of
Baltimore, as you never happened to meet with
any
one acquainted with this City, who was disposed to
do it justice.
We have ascended by 220 steps to
the top of the Washington monument,
from which
there is a very extensive prospect of the City & the
Coun-
try around.
Mrs. S. is much better than
when
I passed thru' this City, & is now gone to ride. I think
quite as well of her as when I first became acquainted
with her. She is certainly a very fine woman. Her
Mother is here, & has passed the winter with her.
The
boy is a very handsome & promising child -- with
all
the beauties his Father ever possessed in his best days &
ning about, & talking very well for a child only 17
months old. How he reminds me of my sweet little
Lucy! Don't let her forget her Father, who. As to the
City of Washington -- the principal news there, is the challenge
of Mr. Webster by Mr. Randolph -- tho' probably it will be
no news to you by the time this reaches you. I don't know
the particulars, but it grew out of Mr. Websters remarks in Congress last Session
upon John Randolph's letter to his constituents on his sai-
ling for England last year. It is said that Mr. W. replied
that his remarks were true, & that he was supported in them
by all the Committee, & that it was for him (Mr. R.) to prove
the truth of his own assertions before he was entitled to
demand satisfaction as a Gentleman. There are various
rumors about it -- I cannot give any accurate account of
the business. Randolph's message was carried by Mr.
Brinton a member of the Senate from Missouri I think, a
man of the highest reputation. Many think it will be a very
troublesome business to Mr. W. I hope he will so conduct as
not to suffer in his reputation. He has no doubt been a good
deal perplexed, & it accounts for his conduct of which I
have been somewhat disposed to complain. On my return
to Washington I hope I shall learn something decisive as to my
business. I would not stay an hour for the Coronation, & having made
my visit here there will be nothing to detain me, so that I shall
start the moment I am released, & return with the utmost expe-
dition. It will be very awkward if I am obliged to return with-
out accomplishing my business, after two journeys of such length. Judge Story told me the cause was No. 40 on
his docket -- but I found it 54. The Court generally dispose
of about 80 actions -- sometimes 90 -- but at the rate they
have gone on they will not try 50. It is too bad -- & I cannot
think of it with patience. Whenever we come to the cause in the
course of the docket, Mr. W. will try with all his might, & that
you know is not small -- to get it continued. He will find
our friend on the bench, but I do not think he can succeed.
I have been to Mr. Adams's drawing
room.
Four rooms were opened -- all crowded -- one as is always the
case jam'd. What gregarious animals we are. The party was
conducted as I have before described them -- dancing in the
crowd -- constant passing -- the hum of conversation -- servants
with waiters aloft to carry [there?] refreshments to
the Ladies,
safe from the grasp of Gentlemen as greedy for ice creams as
for offices, -- and they don't suffer from modesty in
one case
more than the other.
Mr. Adams
is now the rising sun,
& of course finds many idolaters. You can hardly
conceive
the strange appearance he makes -- so cold -- so unbending
rigid muscles amidst such smiles, such good humor,
gaiety -- & at his among his own guests
too. It seems a mi-
racle that he has ever been chosen President of the U. States.
Is it an invincible proof of his eminent merit, or the result
of a singular concurrence of fortunate circumstances?
Mrs. A.
is the very opposi antipode -- if you will allow the
term to be ap-
plied to a lady. She is so polite, -- bows so gracefully
and univer-
sally -- smiles on all -- has a little to say to all -- & yet in a way
to please all -- an elegant courtier (if you will pardon the
term
again) to the Sovreign People. And I fear that she
has a Cour-
tier's hart—or like him is heartless. She seems
to me something like
an automaton -- Jacob Perkins could make
a machine that go thro'
the same movements.
I should find no lack of society & civilities
here. Since I have begun this letter I have had four calls -- of the first
lits.
R--'s wife's friends. She is a great
favorite.
But how much should I prefer
being with my dear wife & children.
May
heaven preserve & bless you
my dear Mary, & soon bring us happily together again.
[Address]