My Dearest Friend

My last Letter from you was of the 25 of Nov. I have been anxious least you might have taken cold by too early an Attempt to go to Church and ride out. But I hope for a Letter to Day.

I am almost afraid to send you the enclosed Letters. Yet I think I ought not to withold them. I hope every day to hear of our dear Thomas's Arrival.

I have had a cold as usual upon coming to this place: but ventured out to make my Speech and am much better.

I almost dread to hear of your Attempting to come on. A Journey of 360 miles through bad roads and worse weather requires more strength than I fear Disease has left you. It is not long to March or April. I know you have certain Ideas that you have a Post and that you ought to be at it. But these Duties are superceeded by Necessity, and your obligations are stronger to prepare a Life, that is so necessary to me, than to hazard it for a three months attendance at this place.

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My Relations have no scruple to put my Feelings to the Tryal. Many of them are soliciting Plans. The Senate looks with Vengeance on every such Idea. I am convinced that if I were to nominate Col. Smith to be a Lt. Colonel he would be again negatived. Nay if I were to nominate him to be a Lieutenant I dont believe he would pass.

I am with unabatable Affection,

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[Endorsement -- see page image]