Washington Jan. 30th 1820Dear Sir,

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It has been so long since I have written to you, and in fact since I have received any letter from you, that I begin to feel some goadings of conscience on that account; and have therefore come to the determination to attempt to renew a correspondence, which heretofore has afforded me much pleasure; and which I flatter myself will again, occasionally, afford me the satisfaction of receiving an answer from you. For my own part I must pleased guilty; for, upon a full examination of my defense, I find that I have no good and sufficient excuse to offer in my justification; and hope, since I am so sensible of my default, that you will require no further penance. On the other side of the question, it may be as well for me, perhaps, to be silent.

I have learned, with much pleasure of your remove to Hartford, and your establishing yourself there, in the practice; as I am persuaded that in a place where you are so well known, you can hardly fail of having as much business as you can attend to, and with vastly less fatigue of both body and mind, than in Farmington; or, indeed, in any country village: and at the same time you have not been obliged to make the sacrifice of the society of your numerous and valuable friends.

I receive letters from home nearly every week, and have the satisfaction to inform you that my family all in good health and spirits, so lately as the 18th [    ] the date of their last letter. Mrs Crafts has enjoyed a good state of

health for more than a year past, without [occurence] of any symptoms of her old complaints. Samuel is teaching a school in our neighborhood this winter, and lives at home. Perhaps Mrs Crafts, or Samuel has written to you, since I left home; if so, you have already all the information which I can give.

I conclude that you learn from the papers what we are doing at this place. The fact is, however, that we are not doing much to any purpose. No plan is yet devised to supply the deficiency in the treasury. Uncle Sam, like other people who have lived up to the full extent of their income, when his resources fail, finds it unpalatable to make retrenchments. And notwithstanding I am of opinion we have it in our power to dispense with unnecessary expenditures, to the amount of the apparent deficiency in the treasury, without any detriment to our affair; yet, so difficult is it to select, every item having its friends and advocates, [     ] it is even probable that no retrenchments will be made, and that we shall authorize a loan for the deficiency. The debates have at length commenced, in our house, on the Missouri question, and probably will continue 3 or 4 weeks; and, I expect, without changing one vote; presuming that every member has his mind as formed on that subject, as it will be when the debates are ended.

Doctor Todd

Be pleased to present my affectionate regards to Mrs Todd and family, and accept the assurance of the continued esteem and respect of your friend,Samuel Crafts