Your favour of 2d. ult: was received in due time by the mail at this place. The copy of your letter to Mr. Townsend of South Carolina was communicated to Mr. Pleasants, agreeably to your permission: & it would have been returned to you in conformity to your request, before now, had it not been for my indisposition, leaving me barely time to attend to my indispensable duties at this place. I hope the course taken by Mr. Clay & his friends in regard to the modification of the Tariff will quell the excitement to the South. Thus far no important measure has passed the Legislature. From present appearances, I should infer that very little will be done this winter. The new Constitution has brought in new men, with new views: & the scene appears to me vastly changed. I apprehend that the West will wield its encrease of power to press the subject of emancipation much beyond the point to which the East will be disposed to go: & I fear this subject is to convulse us for years to come. I am truly sorry to learn that your health is not restored. I fervently hope that your Rheumatism will depart, and that you will be restored to perfect health. Mrs. Cabell joins me in every good wish for yourself & Mrs. Madison. very respectfully & truly yours