I have nothing better to send you than an old song, but indeed I could send you nothing better. it was much in vogue when I was of your age, & has lost nothing of it’s pathos by time. it shews the wonderful sources of comfort which open themselves to every condition of man. I have not heard from the family since I left them at Monticello, but I always hope the next post will bring me a letter. your friends here are all well. as Congress will meet this day week, we begin now to be in the bustle of preparation. I am this week getting through the dining all my friends of this place, to be ready for the Congressional campaign. when that begins, between the occupations of business & of entertainment, I shall become an unpunctual correspondent. this letter is written Stylographically, not Polygraphically. the latter mode you know; the former is new & may be explained to you hereafter. kiss your dear Mama for me, not forgetting your sisters, remember me affectionately to your Papa, to whom I send newspapers, and accept for yourself my tender love