I cannot lose the opportunity by Mr. Isaacs1 to write a few lines. He could inform you of my existence and of my good health— But I must persuade myself that you would receive the information from my own hands without displeasure, perhaps with complacency. I have not lost the recollection (nor is it impaired) of the agreeable and instructive hours I was formerly admitted to pass with you. If I could possibly forget them, the present miserable condition of my degraded country and the comparisons I am continually making between past and present times between public spirited and noble minded men, and the charlatans that now occupy the public stage would fully refresh my memory.

I feel much regret that my absence from Albany last September deprived me of the pleasure of seeing you here. It was truly a disappointment to me. I have always an intention however (and I console myself with that) of coming to see you at Bedford when circumstances shall favor me.

I am assured that you continue, tho retired, to look at the scenes and politics of the day thro your telescope at Bedford. They are scenes indeed that tend rather to disgust than amuse. While however there is hope of relief and of better times our attention must necessarily be kept awake; And hope itself tho it grows out of the very corruptions and follies of mankind, will in some measure keep down our rising disgusts. It is questionable indeed what hope we have other than what springs from excess of folly. Folly is playing a great number of extravagant tricks; and an occasional majority may become displeased or ashamed of these extravagances. A revulsion may take place, and a new modification of democracy may receive the name of reform. It would seem that real solid reform is hardly to be expected from either of the three active parties as at present constituted headed and managed. The only one that has pretentions to character has itself rather too many petty interests and too much of intrigue. If by the force of circumstances however the Federal party should rise to such an elevation as to enable them to expose with effect the inanity of the Jeffersonian system, and its delusions; and if this should have also the effect to draw into the field our greatest and best men, our most experienced capacious and energetic minds, then perhaps something might be done for the nation and posterity—

The federalists just now are obliged to work with very weak instruments, and it must be confessed they handle them rather awkwardly. But so it is, pressed by circumstances and encouraged with hope, they must act, and for that purpose, are under the necessity of getting off their stilts. I trust that partly by exertions and partly by force of accidents, the general comple[x]ion of the next Legislature will be much altered for the better.2

I pray for your continued health and happiness, and intreat you to present my sincere respects to Miss Jay and to your son— I am, with perfect respect & affectionate esteem Dear Sir your Obed ServT.