Washington May 16th 1824My dear Friend,

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I have no doubt but you will be disappointed in receiving a letter from me dated so late as the middle of May. But I intend, thro' the blessing of Heaven, to leave here before another week shall pass away. It is not very probable that Congress will adjourn so soon. This circumstance will not alone keep me here - I had made my calculations when I wrote my last to have set out for home on tomorrow morning. But, as evil luck would have it, the bill for the encouragement of domestic manufacturers, which has consumed so much of our time, and which is considered by our part of the country of so much importance - will detain us two or three days longer. And it has unfortunately happened that Congress has been so equally divided on the subject, that by the absence of one member at a decision - the whole measure would be defeated - and if it should be lost by my absence, nothing short of the most imperious necessity, for the circumstance, [     ] would exculpate me. I know, as well as feel, the necessity of being at home at this season of the year, even if you were all in good health - and much more since Samuel

is so unwell, & your health so precarious. I know also that the boys will find it difficult to plan and perform the work necessary to be done this spring. Altho' I have no doubt they will do all they can, and with that I ought to feel satisfied. By Samuels letter of the 27th ult, which I received five days since, I learn with pleasure that they had so far, not only been attentive, but had been successful in the business entrusted to him [    ]. As I intend to be at home soon after you get this letter, it will be unnecessary to say anything more on this subject. If my last letters have been received the boys will learn what my wishes were about the work. Samuel informs me that your health continues bad. I grieve to hear it. And if it should be my good fortune to meet you, in as good health as I enjoy at present, I will do my best to relieve you from the cares and fatigue you have been subjected to since I left home, and which I fear has brought on your present feeble state of health.

I am yet rather undecided whether to return by Hartford or Burlington - this will depend in some measure on what day I can get away. If the stages and steam boats shall happen to favor me, I can get home sooner, as well as cheaper, by Burlington - which way I think I shall return.

S. C. Crafts May, 16, 1824

Mrs E Crafts

Give my love to all our friends, and particularly to Samuel & Mary - whom, as well as yourself, I most ardently desire to meet again. Most affectionately yours &cSaml C Crafts