I received yesterday your letter and package by Capt. White, and have received the account of the last resolution of the house to disband the army.1 I think the jacobins have now reason to exult, at out-manœuvering the federalists, as it appears they do upon every occasion. The federalists deserve every thing that will happen to them for their apathy. The next thing I expect to hear is that they will sit quietly in their chimney corners, and permit themselves to be robbed and murdered, and have not energy enough to make resistance. Where is the spirit of the country fled?—they will say, I suppose, “la, who would have thought it.”

Our encampment exhibits a scene of melancholy countenances; many of the officers are really distressed; some say, alas, my occupation is gone. And very many will not know how to dispose of themselves; some scold, others lament; but all will endeavour to submit to their fate; some say, what a pity that such troops, who are just getting a knowledge of their profession should be dismissed. If they had in their great wisdom, given each man, and officer, who would have engaged to settle upon it, a certain portion of land, they would have given some scope to their talents and industry. But to 243 return such a number of men into society without employment, is not a wise measure as it respects the community; several young men, who had calculated upon making it their profession, are greately mortified and disappointed; who for want of property or friends, or perhaps talents, for other professions, or business, will now be destitute of any means of support. Others who never would have made good soldiers, are not to be regretted, however easy a life it may be thought. Col. Smith has had trouble enough with them, to bring them into the state they now are; and I will venture to say, that no officers in the service have exerted themselves more, and that there are no troops that will make a better figure in this country; they have not even the consideration of the Africans: “before they disband an army, inquiry is made into the conduct of the different officers, whether they have done their duty, or whether any of them have eminently distinguished themselves; and those who have, are rewarded or promoted.”2

Some of the officers say it is the Col.’s fault: if he had permitted them to be a set of undisciplined rag-a-muffins, that the Jacobins would not have been affraid of them; but they heard so much of their discipline, that they were afraid to leave them embodied.

I hope you will let me know when you set out, and when you will be at Brunswick; as I intend to meet you there.

Yours,

you judged right My Dear Madam, I do most sincerely rejoice in your prosperity and returning happiness, which to my frequent Sorrow, I saw often overshadowd by an anxious and distressed mind during your late visit; it was a silent unobtruding grief which renderd it the more affecting; nor were the gratefull feelings of Your Heart less intresting, upon an occasion which gave more pleasure to your Friends than it could possibly communicate happiness to you.— whilst we endeavour to fill acceptably the station by Providence 244 allotted to us, may we be ever led to trust in that goodness which is over all the works of his hands.

I hope mr Johnsons other affairs which have given him so much trouble and anxiety, will be setled with equal justice, and that your Setting Sun; may be more unclouded than his Meridian height.

we do not get any Letters from Berlin, now six Months Since we heard from our Dear Children. tomorrow I leave this city. I shall hope to hear from You by the return of the President, who is Sensible of mr Johnsons and your kind offer, but who cannot think by any means of encumbering any private family with the company who may expect to see him. he will therefore go to the Inn, which is said to be a good one, but will have the pleasure of visiting You and Your Family, to whom I request you my Dear Madam to present me affectionatly—1

The change in the Cabinet, gives rise to many conjectures here— some say the President is becomeing a democrat, others that he is Electioneering. both conjectures you know he despises; if Popularity had been his object, these strong and decisive measures would not have marked the close of his administration; he has always been too open and decided in his opinions ever to be popular—

Mrs Wolcot desires to be rememberd to you— Thomas is gone upon a circuit. Louissa presents you her respects, and Love to the young Ladies compliments to mr T Johnson. affectionatly Yours