These were the subjects with which they filled their letters to one another and to their friends at home, and the subjects upon which these same friends chiefly dwelt when they sent letters in return.

[Footnote: Clay MSS.

and Draper MSS., _passim: e.g._, in former, J.Mercer to George Nicholas, Nov.

28, 1789; J.Ware to George Nicholas, Nov.

29, 1789; letter to Mrs.
Byrd, Jan.