Washington Novr 2c'th 1812 Dear Sir 1. have before me your Letter of the 22 d instant. Really you have retired pretty much from the bustle of the World, & I think your retreat very judicious at this ominous period of the police of your City. Indeed it '.gas seemed as '-f as if Baltimore was almost ruined, as a place suitable for Gentlemen who loved Washington & imbibed his Sentiments. Our Sessions hitherto have been rather barren of incident than otherwise. Gov. Wriqht has had another retalliating Bill before the House which went -thro' the Com[mi]tee of the whole, & was engrossed for its third reading. The Govr felt very confident of Success, & in fact his Bill had recd. no opposition until it was on its very last Stage, where a few of us gave it Battle & it was negatived by a Majority of ten. The House have passed a Bill raising the wages of Privates in the Army to Eight Dollars, & the non commissioned officers accordingly - it also authorizes the Enlistment of Minors above 18 Years old, & secures from arrest Debtors of any magnitude or Amo[un]t who will fly to the American Standard, as recently Criminals were protected by the horns of the altar. The Senate have made some material alterations in this Bill where we could effect nothing. I intend to forward President's message & Documents accompanying the Same. Also J. Russell's Correspondence & last statement, which is supposed to have been written in the Latitude & Longitudes of Washington, for important State purposes. Our Northern & Western Armies seem to be doomed to misfortune and Disgrace. one large Item in the latter account is the wonderful propensity which some of our Commanders have to write proclamations - Alex[ande]r Smyth has recently issued one more replete with absurdity than any that have preceded it. Perhaps I may occasionally enclose an Eastern Newspaper I am affectionately Yours, Benjn Tallmadge (Forget not to learn) Addressed to Col. McHenrv