Your kind letter should not have lain so long unanswered had I not impatiently waited for the event so much wished by me, an event which to myself and Family gives great pleasure, and I beg leave to congratulate you with the greatest Sincerity1

I am happy to find the Country have not forgot to be grateful to so good a Man, and firm Friend. I have no doubts but the place of our Worthy and great President will be well filled by him. With confidence I can say that had He had the appointment it would have fallen as it has

I joyn with you that the task will be an arduous one. I however feel so much confidence in the Abilities, and am so sure of his good intentions to do what is right, that I am quite easy.

That there will not be wanting many who will try to plant thorns in the way I am sure, but I pray they may meet their proper rewards. That your Health may be Adequate to your task is my sincere wish, and if that should be the case, I think there will not be any thing wanting in that part of the Administration.

I wish the time had been nearer that Congress is to come to this City, as I am sure you would regain your health in this Montpelier of America. I flatter myself I shall be so happy as to see you here soon as, I can assure you it will be expected from the President. It has been one reason given in this quarter against his Election that he would not be a Friend to the City, and that he would not Visit it: both of which I Ventured to affirm was false, and I hope there will be no occasion for my Veracity to be called in question, and that I may not be disapionted the pleasure, and if I may now hope, the Honor, of seeing you at my House, where you can not doubt of a sincear welcome2

It would give me great pleasure to be near to you. I wish it was like to be the case. I regret very much that your Health is not more firm, but hope by this time you find yourself relieved from the feverish complants that so have long affected you, and in the Spring quite recovered, and by haveing an healthy situation in Philadelphia you will be very happy, and meet the rewards of the many Sacrifices you have made for the good of your Country, which we are very sensible off.

Mr Dalton, and my dear Daughters, joyn me in sincear 499 Congratulations and best wishes for your Health and happiness. Love to Miss Smith.

Polly Tailor is with me, but not more happy than usual, says she will go to House keeping in the Spring, but since the late event has taken place She talks in her way of paying you a Visit in Philadelphia. I fear She never will acquire a placid Temper, and I am sure her present disposition can never make her Friends— She is I think very much to be pitied I often tell her so to very little effect. She begs me to present her thanks to you for your good wishes. if you will please to Say to Mrs Brisler She is very Sorry for her loss

It always gave me pleasure to be with you, and I never wished the happiness more than I do at this time, as the Vice President used to say we should have a great deal to talk about. I hope that time will soon arive till when and ever, / and affectionately.— / I am very truly, / Dear Madam / Your Friend

The Cold has been more severe than I can ever before recollect. it has frozen the ink in My pen, and chilld the Blood in my veins, but not the Warmth of My affection for Him for whom my Heart Beats with unabated ardor through all the Changes and visisitudes of Life, in the still Calm of Peace Feild, and the Turbelent Scenes in which he is about to engage, the prospect of which excite, neither vanity, or Pride, but a mixture of anxiety and solisitude, which soften, but do not Swell the Heart.

By the last Post I receivd Yours of December 27th & 30. Janry 1 & 3d The extract from mr Madisons Letter I believe to be the genuine sentiments of Mr Jeffersons Heart. tho wrong in Politicks, tho formerly an advocate for Tom Pains Rights of Man, and tho frequently mistaken in Men & Measures, I do not think him an insincere or a corruptable Man. My Friendship for him has ever been unshaken. I have not a Doubt but all the Discords may be tuned to harmony, by the Hand of a skillfull Artist. I See by the paper of to Day that the extract is publishd in the Centinel, not through Eve, I assure you, for I have not disclosd it. it has gaind as Most storys Do, that mr J. 500 declares he would not have taken the Vice Pressidency under any other Man. the writer adds not unaptly, from shakspear,

My Authority for the Author of Aurelias, was William Shaw who going one Day into Nancreeds Book store saw a young Gentleman correctting the press. Nancreed introduced him to William as the Writer of Aurelias and gave him one of the Books; notwithstanding this, he may only, as he has on former occasions for our son be the Channel only, to convey & foster the ospring of an other.2

You ask me what I think of comeing on in Feb’ry? I answer that I had rather not if I may be excused. I have not for Many Years enjoyd so good Health as this Winter. I feel loth to put it to risk by passing a spring in Philadelphia. I know not what is to be Done. I think an inventory ought to be taken of what belongs to the United States a House ought to be provided and furnishd in such a Manner as they chuse, or a Committe appointed to Do it, if a sum Should be granted for the purpose. I desire to have nothing to Do with it. there are persons who know what is both necessary & proper. if this is Done I should not be against going to assist in the arrangement of the Household.

I will make the necessary inquiry respecting a Carriage and write you word as soon as I can obtain information. my old Chariot, I have purchased Runners and put it on. Dr Tufts Says it must never be hung again. it has long been too shaby for use. I was beholden to My Neighbours for a conveyance before I got them. it answers very well for that purpose. the Sleighing is remarkable fine and has been so for more than a Month. I have had one Succession of visiters & company, more than for any two years past. every Body who ever knew one comes to pay compliments & visit who would not have been so forward perhaps . . . .3 a little prematurely too, but it shews their good wishes.

I see no prospect of the fall of any article. Grain is as high as ever and all West India articles risen beyond bounds. Such Sugars as were purchased last Winter at 12 Dollors pr hundred are now 18. Loaf Sugar 2/6 pr pd. Tea Coffe Chocolat risen in proportion. at this rate we must be Starved if the House of Reps have not a sense of Justice before their Eyes.

What is to be Done with our places? I have not advertized, nor have I seen Vinton or French since you went away. Burrel I believe will stay on if we find him a yoke oxen & cart. he has not had a Drop of water since last july. Billings is getting steady. he had but a Small flight this last time, but he wants his Money as fast as he earns it

I have been so much hindred by company that I have not been able to write for these ten Days only one short Letter to you.

I took up the Note and Destroyd it.

I inclose You a Letter from an old Friend it contains some just sentiments.4 I need not say to you how necessary it is to lay ones finger upon their Lips—and to be upon our gaurd with all foreign Characters, and most domestick ones— I want to acquire an habit of silence, or of saying unimportant things.

We have had a Wedding in our Family too in the last week which has occupied some part of my Time. Nancy Adams was married on thursday last, and to Day the New married pair dinned with me.5 Mr and Mrs Shaw are here upon a visit to keep Sabbeth with me, and desire their Respects to you— I am Sitting up after all are a bed to write you that tomorrows post may not go without a Letter. you will write me and inform me what I must Do, or what you wish— Cabot says I must go on or all the Wheels will Stand Still, but I know better.—

Yours most affectly