Our dear Shaw, who ransacks his Atheneum and the litterary World to afford me Amusements and Instruction, two evenings and one day in a Week, brought me on Saturday your Welcome letter of the 22d of May.

The true cause of the infrequency of letters between You and me is a conscientious principle on my part. I know that you would answer every Scratch of a pen from me; but I k[n]ow the importance of your Occupations and your indefatigable Attention to them, and no trifling letter from me Should divert your mind from them, for a moment.

I regret to learn from Mr Shaw that Mr Little thinks he Shall not be able to make me a visit. I Should receive him with cordial delight.

I rejoice that a Religion of Comfort and Joy is to be admitted into Washington, and there countenanced instead of a Religion of Gloom and horror.

In delightful hope of Seeing you, in August at least / I am your Affectionate Father