Baltimore Apl 13 1853
Dear Bro. Smith
It seems difficult to tell why it is that we have not
heard from any of you so long. We have concluded that it was because
we are out of Office and unsettled. You are aware that on
the 21st of last month the Census Bureau was disolved and with the
rest I was put out. They promised to give me another place in a m
more permanent Bureau, but they have not done so yet, and I dont
care much about it, as all the clerks are to be turned out on the
30th of June next by a Law of the last Congress, and it is understood
that no Whig will be suffered to remain after that. The
Chief Clerk sent for me and asked me if I was a Whig. I indignantly
told him I was, and unless I saw better reasons to change than
I have ever yet seen that I should continue to be a Whig. Many
have changed among whom are Kepler and Turner and Bates etc. We
thought it was best for us to leave Washington, lest we should be
considered an Office seeker, a most despisable idea among the more
respectable. If they give me an office soon I may accept of it,
but I do not intend to make application any further than to wait
upon their word of promise. Bro. Slicer has been very sick with
inflamitory Rheumatism. Dr. Davis has also had a spell of it, and
is just recovering from it. The rest of us are well. By the goodness
of the Lord, in whose mercy we trust, we are trying to do
justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with Him. We attended one of
the most delightful Love feasts at Exeter meeting last night. Old
Aunty Brown was there and spoke with her usual good feeling. We
hope you are all well. Kate will be married on Tuesday next. She
will have no wedding except a few witnesses. She will be married
by a German Reformed preacher, her pastor. Our love to Ellen &
the family.
Truly
M. G. H.
(From M. G. Hamilton)
