I think You have been exercised in Deeds of Charity to that poor forlorn Man who would once have said, is thy Servant a Dog, that he should become a living prey to worms, or what is worse?1 He is a most striking instance of Indolence; and having no stimulous to action! none of those tender endearing ties of wife, child, sister, or Brother.— Indolence created first an apathy—and apathy crept on untill all that was estimable and praise worthy in Man, was sunk into torpor—like waters that stagnate when they cease to flow. the very it ought to be a warning to every Man, not to contract habits of Sloth, and inaction, to consider that no Man liveth for himself mr Wibird is punished in this Life, not for sins of commission but of omission. talents have been committed to him, which from the same source of indolence, have not been improved to the best use and advantage. for the Good he has done, may the Lord reward 224 him, and for what he has neglected to do, pardon him— We all have much to be forgiven, and as we hope for mercy, so may we extend it to others— but to quit moralizing—last Eveng was My Last Drawing Room. both Rooms were So crowded as to render the Air very oppressive. it was judged that about 200 Gentlemen & Ladies were present; we got through, Some what fatigued you may easily Suppose, but I got sleep which I did not expect, and to day feel bright enough to dine between 20 & thirty persons— on thursday next will be the last dinner of a formal nature Mrs Johnson & son leave me on Monday— Mr Cranch and family were well this week. I heard from him—2 yesterday I sent some Trunks on Board a vessel with my Hearths and Jams. when they arrive and are to be put up, I will thank mr Cranch to be present with his advice. I would have the chimneys made to conform to them I am much affraid of having the chimneys contracted too small which in a Room so large would look bad— I have Mentiond to the Doctor the Method in which I am told the Hearths & fronts must be put up— I will thank you when the Rooms new painted, are quite dry to have the furniture replaced— I expect to leave here the Week after next. it will bring it near the last of May before I can get home—so that I hope there will be time enough for the paint to dry

I will thankfully accept mr Blacks offer for Mr Adams’s Books.—

Congress persist in saying they shall rise the Week after next— the weather is fine indeed, as growing and Luxurient a season as I ever knew. with Love regards &c / affectionatly Your sister

Love to Mrs Norten & thanks for her Letter3

I have not written you for several days, you will easily suppose my time much occupied by having Mrs Johnson, & now our Boston 225 friends here and making preparation to go away. Mrs Johnson will go tomorrow or Tuesday. Mrs Smith on Friday. Thursday will be my last public dinner. Mr & Mrs Stevens can tell you what a crow’d we had on friday evening.1 The rooms and entry were full, and so hot as to give me a great cold. Some of the company appeared really sorrowful others said they were so.

Antifederalism is like to bear sway in New York, if it does the federalists must thank themselves, the conduct of the little General has done more injury to that cause than he has ever done service to this country in any station in which he has ever acted, the Antis think there is no possibility of crushing him, but by a total change in the administration, and it is said here, with what truth I know not, that he has quareld with all his old federal friends, they insisting upon supporting the present executive and he upon setting up some other, in opposition to both P. and vice P. the fact is that the Antifederal party carry the election, and upon that tis said the pivot turns.2 He will draw upon his own head a total annihilation of all his own scheems, for Jefferson will in spite of all his efforts be President. I do not think in that case, that if he could act himself he would overturn the constitution, but the party which brings him in, will rule and govern him, and he has not firmness enough to resist the current. I do not believe that Mr Jefferson has a malignant heart, or that he would act the tyrant, but his party have views very different from him. of one thing I am certain we do not escape a war four years more. However I do not croak, we see but little before us.

I left my letter unfinished that I might add to it this morning, if I should receive one from you which I have.3 Major Tousard said it was sickly he heard in camp. I feared it, I inquired last evening of the secretary of War, he said it was very much so at Harpers ferry, but that he had not learnt that it was so in the Jersies if the small pox is got into camp the sooner innoculation takes place the better.4 I presume Col Smith will take measures to obtain proper directions Since you left me Richard has had it, and very lightly, he was not so sick a single day so as to be laid by. The cooks children have both had it. Genrl Brooks has been nominated to the Senate in the room of General Knox, resigned, the nomination has not been passed upon, the Jacos, have been fabricating a Bill to prevent the President from appointing any new officers. It will not pass in their form, the President is by law obliged to fill vacancies, it will pass it is 226 supposed leaving a discretionary power with the President.5 I heard from Tousard, and from others that the troops were to be removed but where I cannot say. I question whether it is yet determined. General Hamilton I suppose has the direction. As the purveyer of supplies is dead possibly somethings may as well be provided in other places, as the City of Philadelphia more than a dozen applications are already made for the office. Who will have it is more than I can say.6

The President has nominated Mr Johnson Stamp master some of the Senate gaped, some scouted, some wanted more light some more information. The truth Mr Johnson’s daughter married to the son of the President, this was too bare faced to declare, but I know their hearts. Some hoped and solicited the office for their friends were disappointed. It has been already a week upon the table, the fate of it is dubious.7

I sometimes feel sick of human nature, so much intrigue, so much management, necessary to carry through any object. I believe power in one hand better than in many, at least, they should be responsible where it is placed which is not the case in Senate, they have a voice without responsibility.

Adieu Yours &c