WASHINGTON, December
4, 1849.
MY DEAR SON,—I left
home the first of last month, which throughout was a most delightful one, and,
after passing two or three weeks in Philadelphia, New York, and Baltimore,
arrived here last Saturday, the 1st instant. My presence in those cities
excited the usual enthusiasm among my friends, and the customary fatigue, etc.,
to myself; but I rejoice that my health is good, with the exception of a bad
cold, which I hope is passing off. I have not yet seen the President, although
I called yesterday and left my card. I have seen Mr. Ewing, and other members
of the Cabinet have left their cards. Up to this time there is no organization
of the House, which is in a very curious state. Neither party has a majority,
and divisions exist in each; so that no one can foresee the final issue. The
elections this year have gone very unfavorably to the Whigs, and without some
favorable turn in public affairs in their favor, they must lose the ascendency.
I received Susan's
letter of the 19th October and yours of the 5th November, and the perusal of
them afforded me satisfaction. I observe what you say about Mr. Hopkins' kind
treatment of you. He has gone home, but if I should ever see him, I will
manifest to him my sense of his friendly disposition toward you. I am
acquainted with him as a former member of the House of Representatives. I shall
seize some suitable occasion to examine your dispatches at the Department of
State, and I am glad that you entertain confidence in your competency to
discharge the duties of your official position. That is a very proper feeling,
within legitimate bounds; but it should not lead to any relaxation of exertions
to obtain all information within your reach, and to qualify yourself by all
means in your power to fulfill all your official obligations. How do you get
along without a knowledge of the French language? Are you acquiring it?
I have heard from
home frequently since I left it. John had taken a short hunt in the mountains,
but returned without much success. Thomas had gone down the Ohio to see about
the saw mill, and is still there. All were well. Dr. Jacobs is now here from
Louisville. His brother with his wife have gone to Missouri, where he has
purchased another farm. You have said nothing, nor did Susan, about Henry Clay
or Thomas Jacobs.
Give my love to
Susan and all your children, and to the boys. I will write to her as soon as I
am a little relieved from company, etc.
I hope you will
adhere to your good resolution of living within your salary. From what you
state about your large establishment, I am afraid that you will exceed that
prudent limit. How did your predecessor in that particular? I believe he was
not a man of any wealth.
SOURCE: Calvin
Colton, Editor, The Private Correspondence of Henry Clay, p. 590-1
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