Washington Dec 3d 1820
My dear friend,
I sincerely thank you for your kind letter of the 20th of Nov.
which is just been received, and which brings the joyful intelligence
that you and the family enjoy your usual health. I can hardly
conceive why my letter from Albany should be so long in reaching
the place of its destination; and I suppose the letters which I have written
from this place will not be received in less than a fortnight after
they are deposited in the mail. However I am determined that every
mail shall bring you one or more, and of course shall not pass any
week without writing; and hope you will be equally punctual.
Samuel has written to me weekly, and altho' he could not give me any
accounts from home later, than has been contained in your letters;
yet I have had the satisfaction to learn that he has been well. In his
last dated the 26 he informs me that a vacation would take place
on last Friday, and I think by this time he may be with you.
I have had the good fortune to enjoy excellent health, so far; and
at present have but little trouble with my hands, which are nearly
well, and believe with care I can keep them so. There have been
but few occurrences taken place here since I wrote last, worth the trou-
ble of relating, or would be interesting to you. In the House, the business
goes on in a dull monotonous track, without exciting any particular
interest; for we have not yet commenced upon any subject of much
national interest or importance. The state of the treasury, which all
are anxious to learn, has not yet been communicated to Congress; but
is expected in a few days: The question whether Missouri shall be ad-
mitted into the Union, will probably be discussed this week, and if there
shall be as much obstinacy manifested, as last year, it my last
for some weeks.
I have been to day to hear a Methodist preacher, who gave us
a sermon in the Hall of Congress. I do not recollect his name, but
understand he is from Baltimore, and believe he is at the head of the
methodist society. He appears to be a man about 50, and is a very able
and impressive preacher, - I have seldom heard those who preach as
well - We had also a methodist preacher on last sunday, Mr Ryland
who is chaplain to the Senate - he also is a very reputable preacher.
Our chaplain is of the congregational order, a young man of talents &
eloquence, but in my opinion he falls far short of the gentlemen,
who preached to day -
I have heard nothing particular from Dr Todd since I wrote
you last, I continue to send him the Newspapers and some documents
which I suppose will be interesting to him; but I have not written to
him, nor received any letters - I intend soon to write, whether he
does or not. All I can learn of him is from Mr Reefs, who occasionally
hears from him indirectly. Mary has not yet performed
her promise which was to write every week or two to me -
I hope she hassome good excuse to give for her apparent break
of promise, and I will thank you
to inform her
that I expect she will make
her apology, and convey it to me in her own hand writing-
My best love to Samuel & Mary - and, that you may all
enjoy much happiness, is the sincere prayer of
your ever faithful friend
Samuel C Crafts
Mrs E Crafts
S.C.C. To E.C.
Dec. 3. 1820