I brought the inclosed book to this place, the last fall, intending to forward it to you; but having a neighbor here who loves to laugh, I lent it to him to read; he lent it to another, and so it went the rounds of the neighborhood and is returned to me at my Spring visit to this place. I now forward it, and if it diverts you for an hour or two, I shall be gratified by it. I was myself amused by it’s humor as much as it’s object would permit me to be; for that is evidently to deride the republican branches of our government. I left all well at Monticello, except Benjamin whose health is very precarious. Lewis is become the favorite of all. his vivacity, his intelligence, & his beauty (for the mark in his forehead is disappearing) make him a perfect pet. you will perceive from these senile details of the nursery that I am becoming old. I wish I had no other proofs. but I am weakening very sensibly. I can walk no further than my garden. I ride however, and in a carriage can come here without fatigue.

I fear however this will not long be the case. your friends mr & mrs Divers, tho’ they think themselves getting crazy, are in better health than usual. I am hastening back to their first pea-dinner, but I think I shall be too late. in your Southern situation I presume you have them now. Mr Randolph has been siesed with the military fever. he expects to be called to his regiment at Blackrock this month. he will be a great loss to his family, and no man in the world a greater one to his affairs. the loss of our old friend Dr Rush you will have heard & regretted as all must who knew him. Accept the assurance of my constant & sincere friendship and respect, with a tender of my devoirs to mrs & mr Gilmer

Th: Jefferson