Washington City May 9th 1858Mary,

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Yours post marked May 7th (Friday) I recd. here this morning (Sunday)

You say the girls went with Dr. & Mr Johnson & families to Meriden at the graduation of Charlie & William & had returned. Tell the girls that one of them must write me all the particulars of the excursion & the occasion.

You say the garden must not be expected to look as well as when present myself. Perhaps not, but I hope that will see that all the necessary garden vegetables are fully attended to.

Mrs Billings' dear friend Mrs Douglass, for her husband, had a large party of

gentlemen last Thursday evening, composed mainly of the Physicians, several hundred in number, who have been holding a large meeting here. I did not attend. I think there have been no parties here of late.

One of our body, Judge Evans of South Carolina died Suddenly on Thursday evening, having been in his seat in the Senate during the day. We attended his funeral yesterday with the usual ceremonies.

Mr. Morrill returned from his visit north, last evening & says he found his wife & child in usual health.

The city grows more quiet since the spring opens & Kansas is ended; and I see no reason to believe that our Session will be protracted beyond the time now fixed for adjournment June 7th.

I for the amusement of the girls a story here understood to be Substantially true. I understand that Mr. left here last Saturday with his daughter for New York to leave there for Europe to spend the Summer.

Mr Ewing is now here whom you know I am always pleased to meet.

I had a letter from Edward about the middle of April saying he was well & doing as well as he could. Keeps good resolutions &c.

As to my bad boil, it is healed up but is so tender that I still have to keep a bandage on it.

Give my respects to Dr. & Mrs Clement & neighbors & my love to my children & grand children, & accept the same fromYour Affectionate Husband