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I owe you a letter, my dear young friend. it is a debt I pay with
pleasure, & therefore should not have so long delayed but for the importunity of others
more urging & less indulgent. I thank you for your kind congratulations on
the proof of public esteem lately bestowed on me.1 that you unite in these sentiments
renders them more dear to me. the post is not enviable, as it affords little exercise
for social affections. there is something within us which makes us wish to have things
conducted in our own way, and which we generally fancy to be patriotism. this
passion is gratified by such a position. but the heart would be happier enjoying the
affections of a family fireside. -- It is more than six weeks since I heard from
Maria. this is a proof of her aversion to her pen, & must be her apology for not
answering your letter, which she recieved in due time, & resolved to answer every
day for a month before I parted with her last. she continues to love you as much
as ever, and would give you, as she does me, every proof of it, except writing letters.
she is in a fair way to be again a mother.2 this will prevent her meeting me at
home, in a short excursion I am about making thither. mrs Randolph always
recollects you with her former affection. she is the mother of four children, and
half of another.3 I shall endeavor to persuade them to come & see me here some-
-times, & will not be without hopes it may tempt you to take a flying trip,
which in summer, is of three days only.