Altho’ the times are big with political events, yet I shall say nothing on that or any subject but the innocent ones of botany & friendship.

I am become the most industrious & ardent farmer of the canton and have so much to do to recover my farms from the desolated state in which I found them after a ten years absence, that I have no fear of ennui.

we have taken their Upper Canada, and shall add the Lower to it when the season will admit; and hope to remove them fully and finally from our continent. and what they will feel more, for they value their colonies only for...

would you believe Madam, that in [this 18th. centur]y, in France, und[er the reign of Louis XVI, they] are [at this mo]ment pulling down the circular wall of this superb remain [to pave a ro]ad? and that too from a hill which is itself an entire mass of stone just as fit, & more accessible. a...

Roman taste, genius & magnificence excite ideas

from Lyons to Nismes I have been nourished with the remains of Roman grandeur

Since I had last the pleasure of writing to you, I have to acknolege the reciept of your favors of 1809. June 12. & Oct. 9. & 1810. March 24. with the first came the seeds of the Paullinia or Koelreuteria, one of which has germinated, and is now growing. I cherish it with particular...

I am now enjoying at home peace, peaches, and poplars ... I am become the most industrious & ardent farmer of the canton

but Botany is the school for patience, and it’s amateurs learn resignation from daily disappointments.