I wrote to you last Evening requesting You to meet me at the susquahanah; but I did not reflect that it was two days Journey.1 this Evening Leiut Parker has arrived and has tenderd me his services; Mr Evans furnishes me with a carriage to Philadelphia provided we can cross the River if I cannot get over, I must depend upon the chapter of chances—2 if I can get over I expect to be in on twesday. Supposing You have engaged me Rooms at mrs Staales I shall drive there.

No President Elect yet—and yet there are two Presidents Elect— they balloted twice yesterday, but no Man was changed. they met Meet at Eleven to day, and play the same Game again I suppose. the Castles can not be stormed nor the Kings taken, tho they have met with check & mates oh what a lesson upon Elective chief Majestrates! it is Said one Member was so apprehensive that the feds would go in the night, carrying members enough from ten states to vote in a President, that he got ten armed Men & Watchd all night in the Capitol—this is no joke. I could name the Member; but he must have had a head of Clay, or he could not have been so stupid. no body can suppose, as Harper Said, that I mean one of that honorable Body— yet they were men in that house; I began this Letter to inform You that You need, not Sit out to meet me; as Leiut Parker will bear me company— I will pay your postage when I arrive yours &c

Altho I was much fatigued last Evening, I wrote a few lines to the President to let him know we were safely housed. the Roads were so bad, that the Mail tho two hours before us in the morning did not get in, untill half an hour after us, and there was not any mail from Philadelphia. we took colds all of us; I have a very Soar throat & Louissa a stiff neck— Susan this Morning complaind her stomacke was so Soar that she could not cough, and what Grandmamma makes My neck, just as if it makes a noise, it is so hard I cannot move it— Becky got a kink. I hear no complaint from Betsy; we mean to try the second leaf of the same Book tomorrow Mr Evans has just got home to day, a new carriage, and the Presidents Lady shall certainly have the first ride in it. a Man’s interest will even make him federal; but whether so or not, if they neither break my bones nor pick my pocket; but treat me with the same politeness and attention which I experience here; I shall certainly speak well of them; I had much ado to keep along yesterday. I had so many intreaties, of do Aunt turn back, I am sure this roads cannot be worse in March.— Aunt how could you consent to come this horrid road through this shocking wilderness without some Gentleman with you— Coachman, driver how far is it now? will you get us in before night? pray dont over-set— sometimes I laughd Sometimes scolded, Sometimes braged; that I was too independant to want a Gentleman always at my apronstring—tho be sure it would be very agreable to have one in the way We traveld— yet I had been accustomed to get through many a trying scene, and combat many difficulties alone I was therefore not very timid—

I heard the result of yesterdays ballot by a Gentleman who left the city at three oclock, just as congress rose— Every days ballot I think but wideens the difference. who shall decide? who shall yeald? are serious and important Questions— write me whether any thing has 566 been done with the nomination of col smith; to compare small things with great, that has been conducted with as shamefull delay as the Presidential Election is like to be. can any thing be a stronger proof to the world, that the voice of the people, no nor their Hearts neither are in favour of either of the candidates as President— every day, imposes upon us more caution in expressing our sentiments— I hope the P— will be upon his gaurd, and keep Silence, for every word, look, and thought are strickly watchd & scrutinized— tho we have nothing to hope, or to fear, Yet I know it is best, that no advantage be gained of any of us

I hope to get away in the morning without any ones knowing that I have been in the city.— Judge chase did not come on Yesterday— Judge cushing will be three days getting here— the President will be so much employd that I can scarcly expect a line from him—so you must write me all the news, who & who— Whilst I am in Philadelphia I shall see Thomas’s Letters—so I will not insist upon your writing daily to both—

Present me kindly to all who inquire after me— Mrs Johnson & Family, Mrs Dexter Marshall and stodart in particuliar— affectionatly Your / Aunt