Jefferson discusses vaccinations in Philadelphia, the impact of his sending a message rather than making a speech at the opening of Congress, the political implications of suppressing taxes, and his desire to live a long, healthy, and useful life.
Jefferson notes that he has appointed Dr. Waterhouse to the Marine hospital in Boston, in return for his introducing vaccinations to the country, and describes the political fallout from the appointment. He plans to send his 15-year-old grandson to be with Rush in the Fall. He mentions Dr. Rose, and the impact on an embargo on relations with Europe.