Washington City
Dec. 20. 1857
Mary,
I have recd. no letter from
home the past week but presume I
shall have one in a day or two, & in
the mean time I shall presume all
well.
It has been a very busy week with
us especially for so early a stage of the
Session & before the holidays.
Mr & Mrs Douglas & occupying much 
public attention & remark. His opposition
to the course of the President as to Kansas
is quite a topic of political circles. He
has built a new house here, which is said
to be a very nice one & [the soom is now]
[ofered for courtasy] & all were invited
to attend Mrs. D's first reception at
any time from 11 A.M. to 4 P. M. The


Senate
was in Session all day, although it
was Saturday, So I did not go & cannot
tell you anything on the matter but I am
told that few but republicans, that is
that few democrats, called.
The House of Representatives have gone into
their new hall, a gorgeous affair, but in
my opinion, inferior to the old hall in
architectural character & grandeur.
I have been this day to hear Dr. Smith
in 9th street. He seems exactly the same
as when I first heard him & the house &
congregation appear unchanged.
It is proposed to adjourn next Thursday
for about a week & no doubt it may as
well be done for no business is in face
done from Christmas until after new
year & the members from Maryland, Virgin
ia, & even some farther, go home. M who
are from a distance must remain & this
lengthens out the Session in the Summer. I do
not like it.


I shall be at leisure next week and
be lonesome. I wish you were here for the
weather is mild & pleasant & I think you
would enjoy it. It is the condition of
this house that each family occupies its 
own rooms almost exclusively & goes & comes
in its own way. I called on Judge
McLain & lady & they together returned
the call the other evening. I hardly
expected that.
I have no other matter of news
to write you. I am as well as usual.
Affectionately
Your Husband