This evening ought to have brought in the Western mail, but it is not arrived. consequently we hear nothing from our neighborhood. I rejoice that this is the last time our Milton mail will be embarrassed with that from New Orleans; the rapidity of which occasioned our letters often to be left in the post-offices. it now returns to it’s former establishment of twice a week, so that we may hear oftener from you: and in communicating to us frequently the state of things I hope you will not be sparing, if it be only by saying ‘all is well.’ I think Congress will rise the 2d. week in March, when we shall all join you. perhaps mr Eppes may sooner. on this I presume he writes you. it would have been the most desireable of all things could we have got away by this time. however I hope you will let us all see that you have within yourself the resource of a courage, not requiring the presence of any body.—since proposing to Anne the undertaking to raise Bantams I have recieved from Algiers two pair of beautiful fowls, something larger than our common fowls with fine aigrettes. they are not so large nor valuable as the East-India fowl, but both kinds, as well as the Bantams are well worthy of being raised. we must therefore distribute them among us; and raise them clear of mixture of any kind. all this we will settle together in March, and soon after I hope we shall begin the levelling, and establishment of your hen-house at Pant-ops. give my tenderest love to your sister; to all the young ones kisses, to yourself every thing affectionate.