My Rhode Island character has not yet arrived, nor do I know that he will be here before I shall leave. I shall remain here until Monday and return in that days stage, as he might come on Friday or Saturday. The ride from Sandy Hill on Tuesday was not very pleasant only one passenger a gentleman from Ticonderoga. I have done little or nothing since I have been here, but hear & talk about politics. I have got very much tired of it, and have told several I would not go to see them again if they introduced that subject. It seems to engross the whole soul of the greater part of the community. M. Van Buren is very urgent on me to stay two or three weeks, which I certainly would not do on any condition, even if I had no dear wife and child who wished me to be at home. For I have a great deal to do before May, and must set about it in good earnest, as soon as I return. Expect the sleighing will be all gone by Monday, in the meantime, I shall endeavor to find a way of sending or bringing up the carrioles &c. I have got several things to do which I shall set about with all diligence, and I think nothing will detain me longer than Monday. At all events if my health should not prevent you may expect me on Monday. I make that <resolve> because we know not what a day may bring forth, and in our all calculations we ought to add with our own dangers the presumptions of precedence. I have been interrupted by a very unexpected visitor, no other than my father. He came up to day from Kinderhook to attend to some Legislative business, returns tomorrow morning. Says the family and our friends at the <Landing> are all well. I had no idea of meeting me here and am very happy that he happened to come first at this time.

I have made but few calls since I have been here. Mr. Olcott has been to see me, makes an excuse for Mrs. Olcott not calling viz: that they had company & moreover that the weather & walking were bad for ladies in peculiar circumstances.

I hope Mr. Holbrook has not failed to supply you with the Beef, and expect on my return to find you very much recruited & fatted up. Excuse this short letter. I have really been interrupted in writing by my fathers coming in, and it is near 5 oClock. Kiss dear little Margaret a thousand times and believe me