I arrived in good health at home this day se'nnight. The mountain had then been in bloom ten days. I find that the natural productions of the spring are about a fortnight earlier here than at Fredericksburg; but where art and attention can do any thing, some one in a large collection of inhabitants, as in a town, will be before ordinary individuals, whether of town or country. I have heard of you but once since I left home, and am impatient to know that you are all well. I have, however, so much confidence in the dose of health with which Monticello charges you in summer and autumn, that I count on its carrying you well through the winter. The difference between the health enjoyed at Varina and Presqu'isle[45] is merely the effect of this. Therefore do not ascribe it to Varina and stay there too long. The bloom of Monticello is chilled by my solitude. It makes me wish the more that yourself and sister were here to enjoy it. I value the enjoyments of this life only in proportion as you participate them with me. All other attachments are weakening, and I approach the state of mind when nothing will hold me here but my love for yourself and sister, and the tender connections you have added to me. I hope you will write to me; as nothing is so pleasing during your absence as these proofs of your love. Be assured, my dear daughter, that you possess mine in its utmost limits. Kiss the dear little ones for me. I wish we had one of them here. Adieu affectionately, TH. JEFFERSON. [45] A former residence of Mr. and Mrs. Randolph. Again, on April 9th, he writes: My love to Maria. Tell her I have made a new law; which is, only to _answer_ letters. It would have been her turn to have received a letter had she not lost it by not writing. Adieu most affectionately, both of you. An extra session of Congress recalled Jefferson to Philadelphia during the spring; and the following extract from a letter written to Edward Rutledge while there gives an animated picture of the bitterness of party feeling at that time. _To Edward Rutledge._ You and I have seen warm debates and high political passions. But gentlemen of different politics would then speak to each other, and separate the business of the Senate from that of society. It is not so now. Men who have been intimate all their lives, cross the streets to avoid meeting, and turn their heads another way, lest they should be obliged to touch their hats. This may do for young men with whom passion is enjoyment, but it is afflicting to peaceable minds. The following charming family letters will be read with pleasure, I feel sure: _To Mary Jefferson._ Philadelphia, May 25th, 1797.