University of Virginia Library

XXXX-01-22

The fatigues of my journey were
solaced this morning by a happy meeting with
your father and mother. The very favourable
accounts which I had of your father's
health fell short of the reality. He is asto-
nishingly recovered. The reception he gave
me was more than usually cordial; for which
I am no doubt indebted to your recommendation.

The pleasure of this was
heightened by that of dining in the presence
of a lady for whom I have a particular
friendship. I was placed directly in
front of her and was much occupied
with her during the whole dinner — She
did not appear to her usual advantage,
and yet she was very interesting. The
eloquence of silence is not a common attribute
of hers ; but on this occasion she employed
it par force and it was not considered
as a fault. Though I am fond of hearing
her speak, her silence was so
well placed that I did not attempt to make
her break it. You will conjecture that I

must have been my self dumb with admiration.
Perhaps so, and yet this was not the reason
of my forbearing to invite a conversation with
her. If you cannot find yourself a
solution for this enigma, you must call in
the aid of Mr. Church — and if he should fail
to give you the needful assistance write to your
friend Mr. Trumbull for an explanation.

Your sister Margaret is
also wonderfully restored. She and Mr.
Rensselaer supped with us — She never
was in better spirits. The sight of these
friends has diminished though not dissipated
a sadness which took possession of my heart
on my departure from New York. I am
more and more the fool of affection and friendship. In
a little time I shall not be able to
stir from the side of my family &
friends.