Washington City Dec. 14. 1856Mary,

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I recd. your kind letter of the 1st. inst, but as I had written you I answered William I deferred writing again until now. This has been a long, dreary, rainy Sunday which I have spent in my room alone.

At much Solicitation I have been again speaking, even this early in the Session. In preparing, making & inspecting the printing of that speech I have been very closely occupied for the week past. But I am quite as well as usual.

I have been as constantly at my room here as I am at my house when at home. I go to the Senate at its Session & I go no where else except

to take an occasional walk, in pleasant weather. I have not been out an evening since I came here. I have read with much interest Dr. Expedition to the Polar Seas & it brings up anew precisely the same feelings with which when young I used to read Robinson Crusoe.

Yesterday was a mild pleasant day, and as the Senate was not in Session I took a long walk up to our old house and about that part of the city. I called at Mrs. Ulricks & found her well. She seemed glad to see me & sent much regard to yourself & the girls.

I have been shocked at reading the death by drowning of the son of Fits Henry Warren. You have doubtless seen the account. You may recollect this child. Mr. Warren often had him with him at the office. He was then a very nice little boy, & I think his only child.

I am gratified to learn that the gas

operates so well. I had no doubt you would be pleased with it if it operated well, but I expected there might be much leakage & trouble in getting it into full operation. It seems there has not been.

I have no gas in my room but my old reading lamp answers me a good purpose.

I have had a second letter from Edward & he is well. My brother George writes me he is getting better.

Give my love to our children & grand children & accept much fromYour Affectionate Husband