We arrived here, my dear Martha, well & without accident, favored on the road by the weather. the caravan also came well, except overpassing their stage the 2d day, sleeping in the woods all night, without cover, and overwhelmed by a rain, in the center of which they were, while it did not extend 5 miles in any direction from them. the spinning Jenny is at work, well while with washed cotton, but very ill when with unwashed. at least this is Maria’s way of accounting for the occasional difference of it’s work. the flying shuttle began a little yesterday, but owing to a variety of fixings which the loom required it exhibited very poorly. we hope to see it do better to-day. I am afraid I shall be detained here in getting Perry off before I go away. if I leave him here I shall have no confidence in his following me. still I shall not fail to be at home within a week or ten days from this date. present me affectionately to mr Randolph and our beloved children, if Ellen will permit herself to be included under that appellation, and be assured yourself of all my love and tenderness.

Th: Jefferson