Washington City Feb 7. 1848Mary,

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Your kind letter, mailed Jan. 30th was recd. & I was sorry to hear of the suffering of my dear Franky, but you say she recovering and a letter I have from William, dated Feb. 1st, says she is better.

You say that Ellen has a wish to go away to school. So far from this being unpleasant to me, I am pleased to hear that such is her wish. I feared she would remain unwilling to go. To whatever school she may wish to go, that is acceptable to you, I am willing you should send her.

I have also recd. a kind letter from Harriet and am pleased to hear that you have felt disposed to avail yourself of a mild winter to go out occasionally. Do so as often as you can do it with any degree of pleasure and give my love and respects to all and particularly to Mr & Mrs Wright.

Last Tuesday evening who should come in but Edward Dana. He had been here through

the day and was in the gallery when I had delivered a speech in the house that day. I took him round and showed him the sights, as he stayed only Tuesday and Wednesday. He says he is going soon to Woodstock and will see you.

You know when a set speech is made what comes next. I was kept out of the house, but succeeded in two days & nights in writing out my speech, which you know is pretty quick for me, but there yet remains the great work of directing and sending off about two thousand of them. It is in the printers hands and will be out in a few days.

There are no new sights or curiosities here except it is Powers Statue of the Greek Slave. I have been to see it over & shall go again when I will write you my impressions of it; but you know my taste or admiration of statuary is not much.

I entertain an intention to make a visit home in the spring if possible, about the first of April. The case on which I went to Montpelier last fall is for argument about that time & they wish me to be then there & Mr Peck on the opposite side, here wishes to pair off with me, and if the public business will permit me shall so do. Providence permitting.

I have nothing further to communicate to night but my love to you and to ours and my gratitude and prayers for them.

Good night Your affectionate HusbandJ. Collamer