University of Virginia Library

TO MRS. SHAW.

I write to you, my dear sister, not from the disputed
banks of the Potomac, the Susquehanna, or the
Delaware, but from the peaceful borders of the Hudson;
a situation where the hand of nature has so
lavishly displayed her beauties, that she has left
scarcely any thing for her handmaid, art, to perform.

The house in which we reside is situated upon a
hill, the avenue to which is interspersed with forest
trees, under which a shrubbery rather too luxuriant
and wild has taken shelter, owing to its having been
deprived by death, some years since, of its original
proprietor, who kept it in perfect order. In front of
the house, the noble Hudson rolls his majestic waves,
bearing upon his bosom innumerable small vessels,
which are constantly forwarding the rich products of
the neighbouring soil to the busy hand of a more
extensive commerce. Beyond the Hudson rises to

our view the fertile country of the Jerseys, covered
with a golden harvest, and pouring forth plenty like
the cornucopia of Ceres. On the right hand, an extensive
plain presents us with a view of fields covered
with verdure, and pastures full of cattle. On
the left, the city opens upon us, intercepted only by
clumps of trees, and some rising ground, which
serves to heighten the beauty of the scene, by appearing
to conceal a part. In the back ground, is a
large flower-garden, enclosed with a hedge and some
very handsome trees. On one side of it, a grove of
pines and oaks fit for contemplation.

If my days of fancy and romance were not past,
I could find here an ample field for indulgence; yet,
amidst these delightful scenes of nature, my heart
pants for the society of my dear relatives and friends
who are too far removed from me. I wish most
sincerely to return and pass the recess of Congress
at my habitation in Braintree; but the season of
the year, to which Congress has adjourned, renders
the attempt impracticable. Although I am not
the only person who questions their making a Congress
again until April, yet the punctuality of Mr.
Adams to all public business would oblige him
strictly to adhere to the day of adjournment, however
inconvenient it might prove to him. He has

never been absent from his daily duty in Senate a
single hour from their first meeting; and the last
month's business has pressed so hard, that his health
appears to require a recess.

Shall I ask my sister why she has not written me
a line since I came to this place? With regard to
myself, I own I have been cautious of writing. I
know that I stand in a delicate situation. I am fearful
of touching upon political subjects; yet, perhaps,
there is no person who feels more interested in them.
And, upon this occasion, I may congratulate my
country upon the late judicial appointments, in which
an assemblage of the greatest talents and abilities
are united which any country can boast of; gentlemen
in whom the public have great confidence,
and who will prove durable pillars in support of our
government.

Mr. Jefferson is nominated for Secretary of State
in the room of Mr. Jay, who is made Chief Justice.
Thus have we the fairest prospect of sitting down
under our own vine in peace, provided the restless
spirit of certain characters, who foam and fret, is
permitted only its hour upon the stage, and then shall
no more be heard of, nor permitted to sow the seeds
of discord among the real defenders of the faith.