Washington Jan. 28 1821.Dear Sir,

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It is so long since I have received a letter from you, & in fact since I have written myself, that it requires a considerable effort to recommence. This I assure you does not proceed from any abatement of friendship or esteem towards you or your dear family, who I trust will ever occupy that distinguished place in my affections, that has heretofore contributed so much to my happiness. I have been so fortunate as to enjoy a good state state of health this winter, notwithstanding it has been uncommonly sickly among the members, much more so than has been pubslished in the papers. I believe there are not more than ten or twelve at this time who are not able to attend to business, and none of these are now considered dangerous.

I have lately unfavorable accounts from home of Samuels situation - he has for some time been afflicted with a complaint, which the physicians consider to be seated in the liver. He has since the first of December been confined to the house, not much of the time to his bed, they have put a [      ] in his side, and put him upon a course of salivation from which I am informed he thought he had derived some benefit. the last letter I recieved was dated so far back as the 8th [       ] and I am anxiously waiting some additional information. Doctor Smit of Hardwick and a Doctor Wright a young physician a foreigner, who studied his profession at the

at Glasgow, and [         ] is considered a young man of talents & information - have had the care of Samuel, and I believe Mrs Crafts feels perfectly satisfied with their treatment. Samuel has at times for two or three years been troubled with a pain in his side, which would continue for a few weeks, and then leave him sometimes for several months. I have had the satisfaction to learn that Mrs Crafts health has remained good notwithstanding the care and anxiety which she has experienced on Samuel's account. Mary has always enjoyed good health. I will leave this subject and give you some account of our affairs at this place.

Tomorrow Mr Clay has promised to bring up again the Missouri question. Altho' the house refused to admit her upon a resolution originating in a Committee of our house, yet the Senate passed a joint resolution for the admission, and sent it to us, where it has remained until this time. Tomorrow this will be taken up on Mr Clays motion, and very likely will occupy the whole week. And after all I expect that Missouri will be admitted, negroes and all. The same dough faced gentry, who acted so conspicuous a part last winter, are still here; and it is understood that some of them, at least, will vote for the admission - and as it will require but a small number to change their votes in order to pass the Senates resolution. I presume enough have been received to effect the object. The Florida treaty has not yet arrived - still I believe there is no doubt as to its having been ratified by the Spanish government.

I wish you would write to Eunice, as she takes it rather hard that you have not written for so long a time.

Dr E Todd

Give my respects to Mrs Todd and the young ladies & and accept the assurance of my continued affection and esteemSamuel C Crafts