Washington Jan 2d 1825
My dear friend,
I have just got your letter of the 29th and one from Wm 
Paddock of the 24th which are all I have received either from 
Craftsbury, or Hartford, since I parted with you- I should have written 
to you sooner but have been waiting in daily expectation of re-
ceiving a letter from Mary, as she promised me she would write often, 
that I might be able to inform you of her health, and also how she suc-
ceeded with the family in our absence- And I had just commenced 
writing to you when the messenger delivered me your letter and the
 one from William. I assure you, my dear friend, that I am highly 
gratified to hear that you are so comfortable, and that your health is 
improving - and sincerely hope that no circumstances may occur to 
prevent its perfect reestablishment, and that soon- Why Mary has not
 written to neither you nor me I cannot conceive. As William in his
letter informs me that she is in good health and spirits, and appears to 
get along with the family pleasantly and without embarrassment. 
He states that she has received the letter you wrote to her, as well as one 
of the two which I have written- I conceive you need be under no 
apprehensions on her account as she is in the midst of friends, who would 
render every assistance she might stand in need of- I had a letter from
 James Paddock dated at St Johnsbury a few days after we left home, 
which states that E Paddock was better and expects to be at home about 
the 10th of December - which is the latest news I have heard from him, 
Abba was still with him- 
My health remains as good as usual, and hope it will continue 
so until we meet again - the weather here has been very pleasant 


more so than has been witnessed here for many years - until yesterday 
which was a very rainy day from the N.E. - and in the night it changed to 
snowing, which to day covers the ground to the depth of two or three inches 
with a cold wind from the NW- There has very little of much interest 
taken place here since my arrival- The introduction of General Lafayette 
to the two houses of Congress took place before my arrival, and as he has 
made several visits to other cities since, I have not yet had an opportunity 
to see him. I have attended no dinner parties, nor tea parties, and of 
course am but little acquainted with what is transacting in the beau 
monde, nor indeed do I much care- You may inform the Doctor
 from me that Mr Adams will, without doubt, be chosen President 
by Congress, notwithstanding there are so many speculations and predictions 
to the contrary. Altho' there are many here, who hold a contrary opinion, 
I think I have acquired much information upon the subject, as will pre-
clude all doubt- 
I inclose you a few dollars for present want, and will hereafter 
send as you may require- I hope you will write often, and I assure
 you that I will in future be more punctual myself-     
Present my best respects to Doctor & Mrs Todd - and also to the 
young ladies - and accept the assurance of my continuous 
love and esteem
Saml C Crafts
Mrs E Crafts
Jan 2d. 1825
SCC to EC