University of Virginia Library

---

As I promised to write you as soon as possible after our
arrival here, I thought I would make the attempt this morning, although
I feel so stupid from the effects of a cold that I am afraid
I must give you a very dull letter. We arrived here yesterday and
found almost all the family at the cars expecting us. Every one at
home is well, and of course it makes me very happy to be with them
all again. We reached Culpeper Court House the same day we left you
after quite a fatiguing ride, b ut after resting there that night
and nearly all the next day we felt considerably refreshed, and
ready to undertake the rest of the journey with renewed strength. We
left father and Edward at Culpeper but Mr. Smith thinks they will
probably be at home before this letter reaches you. I did not go
with them to look at Mrs. Bradford's farm, b ut spent the day very
pleasantly with some relations I met there. To-day the rain is pouring
down and although it makes everything look gloomy I am glad it
did not overtake us while we were still travelling. We met Dr. Clagett
in Charlottesville just as we got out of the cars, but he said that
he was just on the point of leaving, so we could only exchange a few
words. We have not been able to procure a cook yet, nor can we hear
of any one at all who would suit, but we will make every effort, for
I do not suppose we shall feel settled or comfortable now until we
get to housekeeping. All the silver came safely, not a single thing
was hurt, the glass and pitcher as well. Ma and all our friends here
admired our presents very much. After we came home we examined the
sugar tongs and butter knives we had here, and found them so inferior
to those which we left with you to exchange that we thought that
we would change