Washington Jan 2d 1825My dear friend,

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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 receiving 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 succeeded 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 snow, 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 preclude all doubt.

I 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.

Jan 2d. 1825 SCC to EC

Mrs E Crafts

Present my best respects to Doctor & Mrs Todd - and also to the young ladies - and accept the assurance of my continuous love and esteemSaml C Crafts