Washington July 7 1842
My dear Sister,
Having a little leisure at this time, I have come to the
conclusion that I could not well put it to a better use than
writing a few lines to you. Although you have not written
to me, I have nevertheless heard from you every week, and am
thankful to hear that your health, and that of Mr Corbins, has been
better of late, than it was in the spring. Mr Hill and Mary have
written to me regularly as often as once a week, and, among other
items of information, have given a particular account of the health
of our friends and connexions. They have also mentioned the late
visit of cousin Pliny, his wife and little Royal. It must have been
very pleasant to you as well as to them, and I am very sorry
that this visit took place at a time when I could not be present
and participate in the happiness which you and our other friends
at Craftsbury have derived from it. Mary writes me that Mrs
Clark was comfortable for her. She has of late had so many sudden
and violent attacks that I feel very much concerned, lest, if they
continue, they may prove too servere for her constitution to bear.
It has been my good fortune to retain my usual health thus far,
and I am in hopes I shall be able to keep so while I remain here,
which will probabaly be three or four weeks longer. The weather
of late has been very warm, yet it is not unhealthy. August and
September are considered the most unhealthy months in this cli-
mate. The house where I board is out of the thick part of the city
in an elevated and airy situation, and being very regular in
my habits, and exercise whenever I can, I am in hopes I shall
be able to tarry out the session without being sick.
As I do not visit much nor attend the parties which are very
frequent, I know but little that occurs here, except in Congress. On the
fourth of July, I am informed there were many meetings and for va-
rious purposes, among which were the Juvenile Temperance Societies
which walked in procession with their banners in front of the Capital,
they were very numerous and made a pretty appearance: the scholars
of the sveral Sabath [Sabbath] School Societies met, and walked in procession to
the Presidents, and made him an address, to which, it is said, the Pre-
sident returned a very appropriate and feeling reply. The colored
Sabath [Sabbath] School children, consisting of near five hundred scholars, also
met on that day with their teachers who are also of the same color.
These schools consist of children from four to sixteen or seventeen
years of age, and were addressed by their colored clergymen.
I am informed by a gentleman who was present,that the addresses
were sensible and porper, and that the scholars were very orderly,
and the most of them appeared to be intelligent and good scholars.
I inclose for you a miniature print of President Adams.
It is a very exact likeness; with his name written with his own
hand over the print. I think you will be pleased with it. I
have procured a few for my particular friends.
My love to Mr Corbin, Docotr Dustin, Laura, and family,
and be assured that I remain most sincerely and affectionately
yours, Samuel C Crafts