Washington City April 13. 1856Mary,

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My Kansas Speech is not only delivered but is printed & I send you a copy. I do not require you to read it, but you may see its length and labor. I was unwell after it but am now quite as well as usual.

The spring is very backward. The grass in the public ground just beings to look green but no appearance of leaves on the trees. Last evening it was hot, sultry. Thermometer at 80 & a shower. Today it is cool but pleasant.

Two weeks since Mrs. Hall had a small evening party & the family plate &c was left in the

refreshment room and the next morning it was missing & the front door was found unlocked . Amongst the articles taken was a silver waiter worth $50. The loss was about 150 dollars. It is a little curious that some of the most valuable articles standing with the others were not taken. It is thought the thief supposed them plated & not silver.

Another house in the same vicinity was robbed the same night & about double the amount of plate taken.

It is much more the practice now to be absent on visits home by members than when I was formerly in Congress. I entertain the intention to avail myself of this practice & visit my family some time this spring or forepart of summer. In doing so I shall

much rely on your opinion as to time. I should like to go in May but you know I regard June as the perfection of beauty in Vermont & I feel as if I could not entirely loose it this year. You & Mary must let me know what you think on this point.

No news to write but the good news of being quite as well as usual.

Love to you allYour Affectionate Husband