To James Monroe.

DEAR SIR,— * * * * * * * * * *

I have not received a line from Philadelphia on the subject of the speech, or, indeed, on any other. To me no explanation of the phenomenon is necessary, having been on the ground for observing the progressive apostasy from the principles of our Revolution and Governments, which marked the period of your absence. If events should not be unpropitious to the monar- chical party, you may prepare yourself for still more wonderful indications of its spirit and views. Those who tolerate at present the fashionable sentiments, will soon be ready to embrace and avow them. The active characters who promoted Mr. Adams to his station, knowing him to be what he is, cannot at bottom have been much averse to his political tenets, and will find in the spirit of party, and in personal attachments and animosities, sufficient motives to go all lengths with him. Let us hope, however, that the tide of evil is nearly at its flood, and that it will ebb back to the true mark, which it has overpassed.

Mrs. Madison, as well as myself, would be very happy to pass a few days with you and Mrs. Monroe, being not discouraged by the picture you give of your offices. But we are under an engagement to make a visit to our sister, near Richmond, on which she will set out the last of this week. I shall not follow for eight or ten days; and it will give me great pleasure, if I can, in that interval, to ride up; but the cause of my not accompanying her will, I fear, put it out of my power. I expect some workmen, who are to be put into a plan of business which will keep them employed till our return from below. Mrs. Madison offers her love to Mrs. Monroe, in which the family desire to be joined.

Believe me, dear sir, your sincere friend and serv.