Washington Jan.23d 1819Dear Samuel,

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Although I have nothing very special to write about, yet to prevent your feeling any anxiety respecting me I feel it my duty to write every mail - Your letter of the 2d of January is the last I have received from home, or even from Craftsbury; but I flatter myself there may be some on the way which I shall receive soon - I want very much to learn how you succeed in passing the winter - I have heard that the weather was very cold in Vermont the latter part of December - but I expect it has laterly been more comfortable. It was severely cold here for some time, but for nearly or quite a fortnight the weather has been much milder, the snow is all disappeared and the frost mostly out of the ground, which is very muddy - You wrote me in your last letter that you expected to tarry at home, and pursue your studies there - If you can do it to as much advantage to yourself, I shall be better pleased to have you at home, as it will take considerable burden and trouble from your Mama, who, I fear will find, after all you can do to assist her, as many inconveniences and privations as the infirm state of her health can endure. I rely upon your discretion in attending to the concern of the family with the advice of your Mama - I hear nothing from Farmington, except what I get from Mr Pitkin, from whom I learn that our friends were well a week or two since, perhaps, and I hope it is the case, that you have received letters

from your uncles family before this - I have sent the [intelligences] regularly to you - I have informed some of my friends there, Mr Young, ? that they may have the privilege of reading them, as they may have a desire to examine the documents and debates with which they are filled - But I wish to preserve them - and after they have had an opportunity to peruse them I wish you to endeavour to collect them and lay them by - Congress has been debating for a week upon the propriety of censuring General Jackson for his [[           ]] of the war in Florida last winter and spring - this subject has created a great deal of warmth of feeling - the debate will probably continues for another week - but I think there is no probability that Congress will agree to pass a vote censuring the General - General Jackson has lately arrived at Washington, but I have not seen him - as he will not attend in Congress until this dispute is at an end - The [intelligences] will contain the speeches upon the subject -

Give my best love to your Mama and to Mary; tell Mary I will write her a letter in a few days -- With sentiments of the sincerest affection towards your Mama, Mary & yourself. I am your friendS C Crafts