Certain matters touching the public good requiring that the Senate shall be convened on Friday the 4th Instant, I have desired their attendance, as I do yours by these Presents, at the Senate Chamber in Philadelphia on that day, then and there to receive and deliberate on such Communications as shall be made to you on my part.—1

This morning I received your kind Letter of Feb. 191 and I thank you for the handsome Charge to the Jury in the Newspaper enclosed.

With Sincere Pleasure I learn from you, that Rhode Island is become in heart as well as Voice one of the Family again. Nothing gives me so much Satisfaction as the Prospect of Peace and Harmony among ourselves. The Accession of Vermont and Kentucky are in my Estimation considerable Events.2

The irregular Billows that roll and break in Virginia, N. C. and Pen. I hope will subside. I have not heard any Complaints, that People in office have not cautiously carried themselves. Yet I should not wonder if Clerks should give themselves Airs, sometimes, for altho I 2 have no Clerk, I have a Coachman & Footman and I cannot always keep them from being insolent. In Short there is so much Light, Liberty and Equality, that there is no keeping even menial Domesticks in perfect order.— It is one of the natural rights of Mankind, you know in some Mens political Creed or at least Practice, to get drunk now and then—and in that Situation neither Clerks nor others, are always civil.

The Heads of Departments, have distinguished themselves, much to their honour. The Sec. of the Treasury in particular is an able Man, and has raised himself deservedly a great Reputation. No Man except, General Washington ever had so fair an opportunity to bring himself directly before the People, in so advantageous a Light.

The Indian War is an unfortunate Circumstance, but I hope We shall have a Peace even in that quarter. if not, the War, I hope with you, will be pushed with Spirit.3

Our Interests are not difficult to manage: but our passions are formidable. The human heart has not been enough consulted, I fear in our Constitutions national or Statistical. The Rivalries already arisen between the state Sovereignties and the national Sovereignty: and the other Rivalries, which if not already in Action will Soon appear, between, Ministers of state, and between the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Powers, give me more serious Apprehensions than national Debts, Indian Wars, or Algerine depredations.

Whatever may occur, may the Fœlicis animi tranquilitas4 be your portion and that of your Friend