Tomorrow Congress will close; but I hardly expect to get away under a week. it will take that time at least to get all the laws put into a course of execution & some other matters settled. on Monday last mr Randolph & myself took a ride to Maine’s to engage our thorns. the day was raw, he was without a great coat, and was before indisposed, as I had mentioned to you. that evening he was taken with a chill & fever, which went off on Wednesday, but returned in the same evening. the last night he has had another intermission, and the return this morning is so moderate that we hope it will quit him finally this evening. he is considerably reduced & weakened, and I shall endeavor to prevail on him not to attempt his return till I go; because I could keep him down to short journies, whereas if alone, he might push so as to produce a relapse. he will return in my chair, and, if with me, I should be with him & stay with him should he have any fever on the road. Mr. Burwell will leave this on Wednesday or Thursday & will call on you. our obligations to him for his attentions to mr Randolph are infinite; & so also to Dr. Jones who scarcely ever leaves him. he has decided absolutely not to offer again for Congress. in saying that I expect to get away in a week, I merely guess. it may be some days longer: so that I cannot fix the day when we shall call to take you on to Monticello. Adieu, my beloved Martha, take care of yourself for my sake & every one’s sake.