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Mr. John Nicholas proposed a resolution to disband the last 12 regiments of troops raised, due to the expense; hopes that Congress will not adopt the measure, or else it might have an adverse effect on negotiations with France; he does not trust France, based on her past conduct, and feels America should not let her defenses down; further discussion of France and the XYZ affair...

Discussion of an upcoming local election, including his opinion of an opponent from the "anti-party," Mr. Joseph Lewis, Jr., and what influence the people in surrounding areas such as Centreville will have; the Congress has been debating over a proposed amendment to a bill proposed by Mr. John Nicholas which prohibits "commercial intercourse" with France—discusses effects thereof...

Discussion of debates regarding Jonathan Robbins really Thomas Nash; Congress is considering an amendment of the Judiciary System Bill, which greatly alarms the opposition; Virginia continues to oppose the "General Government," and has forbid any person holding a state office to hold a federal government position also—the same may soon apply to her courts; details of William Duane...

Mention of the President's speech and the dislike by some of "that part of it which spoke of the Mission to France"; his own opinion is that of agreement that it was right to send the envoys to France, since the French had made the first advance to settle the differences between them; tells of news about "British depredations on our Commerce"; a committee has been appointed to draft a bill on bankruptcy. Includes a copy.

Gives details of a session of Congress, including a joint session, a visit and speech by the President John Adams, the election of Mr. Theodore Sedgwick as Speaker of the House, and the continuance of the old Clerk Jonathan Condy for the session.

Personal business matters; discussion of the beef he raised and the good reputation derived from it; the French treaty is before the Senate, and he believes that "they do not know what to do with it"; feels that the stipulation of returning armed ships to their respective countries is degrading to the United States...

Farm discussion, including beef prices, the threshing and distribution of clover seed, and amounts of corn coming in from tenants; tells of several days of debates in Congress over whether or not to continue the Sedition Law; doubts that it will pass, even though he voted wholeheartedly for it because he was "sure that my constituents were not afraid of a law which went to punish...

Tells of his correspondence with his opponent Mr. Joseph Lewis, Jr., and concedes that he, Lewis, was correct "in his official duties, as well as Attentive"; he will run for office again; no certain word yet on the presidential situation; a letter written to someone in Berkley by Thomas Jefferson has been printed and may end up doing him, TJ, more harm than good; he is still quite distressed... Includes a copy.

Lengthy discussion of the Congressional voting for President, with his prediction that Jefferson will be elected tomorrow; does feel, however, that Jefferson's supporters had to make several concessions in order to win more votes, particularly with respect to the U.S. neutrality situation and the navy; discussion of farm business and clover seed.