The Samaneens were a sect of Philosophers of India They embraced the doctrine of Butta or Budda whom the Indians have placed among their Gods and beleive him born of a Virgin One peculiar difference between this sect and that of the Brachmans was that originally the Brachmans were all of one tribe or Cast The Samaneens did not exclude any class from their body The were much respected and venerated. It appears by the history given of them in the Encyclopedie that they suffered persecution on account of their principles and were expelled from many parts of India “Il n’en reste plus de traces sur les côtes de Malabar et de Coromandel Le culte des brachmes â succédé a celui des Samaneens; ceuxci selon le temoignage des Brachmes ont été detruits par le Dieu Vischnou parce qu’ils blasphemoient ouvertment contre sa religion; regardoient tous les hommes comme egaux n’admettoient aucune difference entre les diverses tribus ou Castes, detestoient les livres theologiques des Brachmes et vouloient que tout le monde fût soumis a leur loi.[”]1 This article is interesting I have made an abridgment for you, as you desired me. I could wish neither to speak or hear of Col Smith his flights are too sublime for my comprehension In his late capacity of Committee man he has gained the honor of putting much more milk and water into the Resolutions than would have been mingled had he not been there. I have received your favors of the eighth and tenth inst In answer to the Question Whether all connection had ceased between me and The family of Smith I shall say that it was my wish to have concealed in my own bosom 111 every chagrine I never go there I have not even seen my Sister more than once in three months and that by accident Why should I be called upon to say anything further I know not. How to answer the other question? Should I use deceit towards my father and tell him that I am perfectly convinced of [my] weakness and error? Were I to say so, it would be far from the truth. Were I to declare that I did not entertain the same opinion of Sally Smith that I ever did, I should declare a falshood If you have questioned too closely it is not my fault I have obeyed2

With every affection I am your son

I have all along flattered myself with hopes that I might with Propriety have taken Leave of the Senate and returned home, as soon as the Roads might be settled: But such is the critical State of our public Affairs, and I daily hear Such Doctrines Advanced, and Supported by almost and sometimes quite one half of the Senate, that I shall not prevail on myself to abandon my Post. This Day the senators were equally divided upon a Question, which seemed to me to involve nothing less than Peace and War, and I was obliged to decide it, to the no small Chagrin of a Number.1 If this Country is involved in War, it shall not be by my fault. But if it comes either from the Malice of our Ennemies or the Imprudence of our own People it 112 may perhaps be found, that I shall not shrink from its Difficulties, sooner than some who now seek it in disguise. Business is now carried on with rapidity in both Houses, and I shall have a month of Severe Duty. I have not been Absent a Day. It is to be sure a Punishment to hear other Men talk five hours every day, and not be at Liberty to talk at all myself: especially as more than half I hear appears to me very young inconsiderate and inexperienced.

The Boston Town Meeting as it terminated did a Service to the Public. If Government must be affronted or intimidated by popular Clubbs and partial Meetings of the People, it is a Pity that our Cities are not all as capable as Boston of discussing great questions. But in New York and Philadelphia there is Meeting against Meeting and Clubb against Clubb, to the Utter Confusion of the public opinion.

It is rumoured that We are to loose two Ministers of state by resignation, but I would not have the report propagated from me.2

I Suffer many Melancholly hours on Account of my dear Mother, and as many on your Account. Your Tryal must be severe, and I often wish I were with you to chear up your Spirits and share a Part of your Cares.

The Spring opens: The Birds sing; the Weather is fine, and all Things chearful but my thoughts about my home, and our public Prospects. Adieu my dear Partner, ever / your