Washington DC 27. Feb. 1854 Dear Thomas Your letter of the 8th Inst was received some days ago but not until after Some unnecessary delay in consequence of having been missent as you will see from the envelope. I return that you may show to your postmaster and ask him to look sharper next time. He sent it to Washington Ga instead of Washington D.C. From Washington Ga. it was forwarded to me here. I have sent you a [2] copy of the Census of 1850 which I hope you will get in due season. I am glad the Jews have settled their affairs without further trouble or litigation - After all the bluster in the news papers, such as rumors that Col. Davis had a correspondence waiting Mr. Toombs on his arrival [here &] it seems that nothing is to come of it at last. This is as I expected. Toombs has been here several weeks but Davis has made no movement in the matter. He is not so anxious to pick up a fight when he thinks he could [opt out]. I believe I told you last fall that I did not think Davis would challenge Toombs - The universal opinion [3] here as far as I have heard it expressed is in Toombs favour as the matter now stands - But enough. I have been sick - not ill - all winter - About 12 days ago I got out went to the House and got fired up the first day with a desire to speak in reply to a couple of [Yankees] on the Nebraska bill. Two days after I [took] the floor - could not [get] it before - when I gave them a part of my mind - you will see it in the papers. I will also send you a copy when it comes out in pamphlet form. Toombs also spoke last week. He gave Seward & Summer an [excoriating] dusting - Toombs is now quite sick with violent cold & fever - The same disease I had. It [4] is prevalent here. It is a sort of Influenza - I hope he will be out in a day or two - My best regards to Mrs. Thomas - Your [illegible] respectfully Alexander H. Stephens [Hon.] T. W. Thomas Elberton Ga.