Washington Feb 2d 1820
Dear Samuel,
I have received your letter of the 18th of January
and am thankful for the information it contains, that
the family were all well, and as you expressed some anxiety
respecting my health, and particularly about that trouble-
some humour on my hands; I have the satisfaction to inform
you that my hands have got nearly well and for two or three
weeks have given me but very little trouble; and my health is
otherwise pretty good. I feel the want of exercise- the weather
has been extremely unfavorable for walking - and indeed every way
unpleasant - Since the 30th of December the ground has been covered
with snow, except the roads which have become bare, and are either
very muddy, or very rough - and for the most part has been windy
and very cold - I should like well to learn what kind of a winter
you have in Vermont, I expect, by what we have here, that you
have a severe winter. Give me some account in your next.
You expressed a wish to be informed of the bounds and
extent of the proposed state of Missouri. I do not recollect that
there is any correct map of that part of Louisiana in Craftsbury.
I have therefore sketched a map of Missouri, and the adjacent coun-
try from [Millishes] map, which is considered the most correct of any
map published - The proposed state of Missouri, is contemplated to
be bounded agreeably to the black pencil line, on both side of
the Missouri river, as you may see by the plan. But it is yet un-
certain whether the boundaries may not be altered. I have also
laid down the state of Illinois, with small parts of Indiania [Indiana], Kentucky
& Tennessee - that you may see the relative situation of the proposed
state. The question of excluding slavery from Missouri, is now &
has been
under discussion in congress, for about a week; and will probably
last a week or two longer - How it will be determined, I am not yet
able to foretell - The northern members are, in general, against the
introduction, but the Southern are united by in favor-
Give my love to your Mama and Mary and to all my
friends - and believe me to be yours, affectionately,
Samuel C Crafts
S P Crafts-
A MAP of the proposed State of MISSOURI