I received some time since your letter of the 21st of Febuary—and am very happy to find that you suppose my apprehensions respecting any embarrassments which may be thrown in your way are premature—1 I have heard from all quarters that the Choice of President has been highly approved of and is perfectly Sattisfactory to all parties even the most violent Democrats in New York have 27 expressed their intire acquiessence in the Election and I am very happy to find Mr Jefferson has come forward with such fair and Candid sentiments as his address to the senate discovers—2 I beleive many persons will be agreeably disappointed with respect to his pursuits

you must not my Dear Sir judge unfavourably of me—from my silence at this period—when all Connected with you are I presume offering to you their Congratulatory addresses—upon your assention to a Station so highly important—and which you are undoubtedly better prepared to fill with advantage to our Country than any other Man—or suppose that it is the result of indifferance towards you or any want of fillial affection—for I seek with avidity for every thing that is made public to us respecting yourself at this time, and have read with much pleasure your speach at the inauguration—and I Lamented that you should not have had one single Brance of your own family present at the interesting Scene— if I had been in a situation that could have rendered it proper, or Possible, I would most certainly have been present

that I am retired from all society and have no intercourse with any one out of my family would be no mortification to me—if it afforded me an opportunity of Educating my Children; there is no Personall gratification nor individual advantage that I should not readily relinquish if it could afford me an opportunity of Seeing them improve or advancing in their Studies— but the Place we are in neither affords a school or a Clergyman—and I am much at a loss to know, what to do with them—

William is now at an age when it becomes necessary for him to have constant and regular attention—and I think every day he passes is a day lost to him—3

what is to be their or our future destination is hid from our view by “that impenetrable veil which you observe covers futurity”—4 I see nothing in prospect for them but the most undistinguished stations in Life— and I expect that they will have to acquire as much self command and experience as many humiliations and mortifications of spirit as can be necessary for them; or as any one can wish them to encounter— but thease things are directed by an Higher Power and all Human Exertions are inadequate to Counteract them

whatever fate m[ay be] in reserve for me I hope I shall be supported under [it] without repineing—and that my Heart may be steeled against the misfortunes which seem to await us— but I must 28 beg your forgiveness for obtruding upon your time, and important avocations

with every wish for your Happiness I am affectionately your Daughter

The vessel which was up for Hamburgh by which I promised to write has changed her Voyage, and the vessel for London is just upon the point of sailing, so that I have only time to inform you that your old Friend William Vans Murray is appointed your successer.1 This will give you pleasure, because he is a sensible Worthy Man, and a firm Friend to his Country. You will now be released, and enabled to fulfill the most pleasing of all your engagements Heaven bless and prosper you.

Since I wrote you on this Month by the last post from Philadelphia, your Father sent me the Letters he had received from you, and your Brother. December 17 No 26. No 25 has not reachd here. Thomas was dated Novbr 25 & Decbr 12.2 both Letters gave us great pleasure. I have Written to Thomas and to you since your of Novbr to me. I do not however recollect whether I mentiond that both mrs Welch and I had received our table Linnen, which proved more satisfactory than the former.3

I Inclose to you the address of the Vice President upon his taking leave of the senate, their answer & his reply.4 all at present seems Harmony and internal Peace.— the Antis many of them say they are gratified by the Elections. We shall soon see how measures opperate. by the papers I see that the President issued notifications to the senate to convene, the day after he was sworn into office. the Vice President arrived and was Sworn at the same time. May peace and Harmony prevail. French influence declines, America is made to feel, and that has cleard the films from her Eyes.

It is impossible for any Man to carry with him into retirement, more fervent, more sincere and gratefull testimony of the Love, respect esteem and veneration; of a whole people; than is the happy portion of the Retireing Patriot.

I do not know when I shall go on to Philadelphia. I wish to defer it untill the Fall, but that will depend upon circumstances. I have not time to write again to Thomas. His Father says he must have him, here. I shall want him very much at Philadelphia. I hope he will not delay his return. I have a Number of cupons to send, but do not know of any Passengers and am fearfull of committing them to the post I shall embrace the first opportunity.6 I Should be glad to have Thomas bring me 20 yds of what is calld faun coulourd Sattin I will send him a Bill for the purpose by an early conveyance perhaps Mrs Johnson will undertake the commission for me

adieu my Dear son. When you arrive in England I hope to hear oftner from you, tho I presume Your stay will not be long there. the consul in Portugal you know when the Dangerous vice was written, the Author little thought of Such circumstances taking place as are now in being.7 it would ill become a King of France said Henry the 4th to avenge the Injuries of the Duke of Navare.8 I always admired the Dignity of that sentiment, but this does not prevent a watchfulness and a Distance.

I know not when to lay asside my pen. it must however be done least I lose the conveyance.

I am with every sentiment / of Love and tender regard / Your affectionate Mother