University of Virginia Library

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I left Utica on Tuesday morning without receiving a letter
from you. I have now heard nothing from you since your return
to the Univ.y. Indeed I do not know that you have gotten any letter
I have written you since I came North. I am exceedingly anxious
to learn how you are, and if not letter comes, shall feel
like cutting short my stay here.

We went on Monday (two of us) in company with Dr. Copeman
of Utica ro Canastola to see the great Mr. Spencer, the maker of
microscopes. We found him very affable & kind. I think I shall try
one of his instruments if you will allow me to spend so much money.
On Monday afternoon, I packed & forwarded a large box of specimens
to the University. If it is sent to our house as it doubtless will
be, please allow no one to open or disturb it but have it put in a
safe place, where it will be kept dry. Ruesday we left Utica for
Scholaric where we arrived by stage at sundown. Scholaric
valley is the most beautiful I ever beheld. I cannot imagine a
more delightful spot in which to spend a few weeks. It is secluded
comparatively, by not being intersected by any railroad. We may
see & enjoy it together some of these days. We remained there geologising
until yesterday. Professor James Hall of Albany joined us
day before yesterday, & has been a most agreeable addition to our
party. Yesterday at noon, after much shaking of hands & expression
of good wishes, our party broke up Some of us coming to Albany
& a few staying a day or two longer with Col. Jewett.

MacReady & myself stopped here over night, in order to accept
Mr. Hall's invitation to visit his private collection of
geolog.l specimens this morning. I shall remain here today & go
to New York tomorrow in the steamboat. On Monday I propose to go
to Middletown, Conn, in order to examine what is called "the new
old sandstone" in which I expect to be assisted by Prof. Johnson.
On Wednesday I desire to get to Providence R.I. where the Scientific
Assoc.n begins its meeting on that day. I do not know how long
I shall wish to stop there. If I get no letter from you, I must
vut my visit short, for I cannot endure the suspence, especially
as your health was precarious when I left.

It requires 2 or 3 days for a letter to come from the
Univ. to this region. You can therefore calculate where to direct
it.

My health is quite good, notwithstanding my dissipation
in cigars, for which you will scold me.

Accept. my dearest wife, my warmest love, & the assurance
that I prize more & more the treasure of your affection. I pray
God to bless you in soul & body, & to sustain you in the hour of
your necessity. Believe that your husband fondly preserves your
image in his heart & that his last thought at night is of his
dear Mary.