Washington Dec 3d 1820My dear friend,

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I sincerely thank you for your kind letter of the 20th of Nov. which is just been received, and which brings the joyful intelligence that you and the family enjoy your usual health. I can hardly conceive why my letter from Albany should be so long in reaching the place of its destination; and I suppose the letters which I have written from this place will not be received in less than a fortnight after they are deposited in the mail. However I am determined that every mail shall bring you one or more, and of course shall not [     ] any week without writing; and hope you will be equally punctual. Samuel has written to me weekly, and alth'o he could not give me any accounts from home later, than has been contained in your letters; yet I have had the satisfaction to learn that he has been well. In his last dated the [       ] he informs me that a vacation would take place on last Friday, and I think by this time he may be with you.

I have had the good fortune to enjoy excellent health, so far; and at present have but little trouble with my hands, which are nearly well, and believe with care I can keep them so. There have been but few occurrences taken place here since I wrote last, worth the trouble of relating, or would be interesting to you. In the House, the business goes on in a dull monotonous track, without exciting any particular interest; for we have not yet commenced upon any subject of much national interest or importance. The state of the treasury, which all are anxious to learn, has not yet been communicated to Congress; but is expected in a few days: The question whether Missouri shall be admitted into the Union, will probably be discussed this week, and if there shall be as much obstinacy manifested, as last year, it my last for some weeks.

I have been to day to hear a Methodist preacher, who gave us a sermon in the Hall of Congress. I do not recollect his name, but understand he is from Baltimore, and believe he is at the head of the methodist society. He appears to be a man about 50, and is a very able and impressive preacher, - I have seldom heard those who preach as well - We had also a methodist preacher on last , Mr Ryland who is chaplain to the Senate - he also is a very reputable preacher. Our is of the congressional order, a young man of & eloquence, but in my opinion he falls for short of the gentlemen, who preached to day -

I have heard nothing particular from Dr Todd since I wrote you last, I continue to send him the news papers and some documents which I suppose will be interesting to him; but I have not written to him, nor received any letters - I intend soon to write, whether he does or not. All I can learn of him is from Mr Reefs, who occasionally hears from him indirectly. Mary has not yet performed her promise which was to write every week or two to me - I hope she has good excuse to give for the apparent break of promise, and I will thank you to inform her that I expect she will make her , and convey it to me in her own hand writing -

S.C.C. to E.C.
Dec. 3. 1820

Mrs E Crafts

My best love to Samuel & Mary - and, that you may all enjoy much happiness, is the sincere prayer of your faithful friendSamuel C Crafts