Washington City
Dec 14. 1856
Mary,
I recd. your kind letter of the 1st. inst, but
as I had written you I answered William I
deferred writing again until now.
This has been a long, dreary, rainy Sunday which
I have spent in my room alone.
At much Solicitation I have been again
speaking, even this early in the Session. In pre-
paring, making & inspecting the printing of 
that speech I have been very closely occupied
for the week past. But I am quite as well
as usual.
I have been as constantly at my room here
as I am at my house when at home. I go to the
Senate at its Session & I go no where else except


to take an occasional walk, in pleasant 
weather. I have not been out an evening
since I came here. I have read with much
interest Dr. Expedition to the Polar Seas
& it brings up anew precisely the same feelings
with which when young I used to read Robinson
Crusoe.
Yesterday was a mild pleasant day, and
as the Senate was not in Session I took a long
walk up to our old house and about that
part of the city. I called at Mrs. Ulricks &
found her well. She seemed glad to see me
& sent much regard to yourself & the girls.
I have been shocked at reading the
death by drowning of the son of Fits Henry
Warren. You have doubtless seen the account.
You may recollect this child. Mr. Warren
often had him with him at the office. He was
then a very nice little boy, & I think his only 
child.
I am gratified to learn that the gas


operates so well. I had no doubt you
would be pleased with it if it operated
well, but I expected there might be much
leakage & trouble in getting it into full
operation. It seems there has not been.
I have no gas in my room but my
old reading lamp answers me a good
purpose.
I have had a second letter from
Edward & he is well. My brother George
writes me he is getting better.
Give my love to our children
& grand children & accept much from
Your Affectionate
Husband.