University of Virginia Library

Yours of 5th inst is at hand. I had been expecting a
letter from E. & got it a few days ago. Tell him to write often &
that I will write him soon. I hope his new location will be pleasant
to him. You seemed to regret his choice, but do not say why.
I hope his associations will not injurious to him. He is so steady
that I have but little fear of him, yet I charge you to notice him
strictly. Summy informed you both of our poor G. M. departure. Although
she was so much of an invalid & was conrined to her room,
there is still a gap left which makes home a little gloomy. We have
reason to trust that she is better off.

In regard to the matters about which you are so highly
interested just now. I shall have time to think about & enquire
about soon. A man just now called to enquire about B.d Run & says
he will look at it. I cant say how soon a sale could be effected,
if the necessity arises I can try it at Pub. sale.

I will go up to Lisbon in a few days & make all inquiries
about the prospect etc etc & will let you know. In the mean time
make further inquiries about Alta Vista. I should like first to
inspect it before purchasing. I do not recollect whether you stated
the no. of acres in the tract. You may have done so to E.d but I
have forgotten. My impression is that there are about 1000 acres.
You say 300 acres are in wood & that it takes 10 hands to cultivate
the lands. If so there must be a large amt cleared. Butler cultivat[OMITTED]
ed 350 acres with 3 constant hands, occasionally hiring others. If
the land of Alta Vista is good & the Estate is a great bargain I
could make the first payment without selling B.d Run, say 3000$,
by getting a temporary loan & if I go to the country & sell out
here my property here, Houses, lots, mill & store would realize
some 8 to 10 thousand dollars & I have honds & accts worth 10 thousand
which w.d enable me to work along, health & life continued.
My income from farms & rents is some 2500$ at the lowest calculation
But I would prefer as you w.d I have no doubt to sell B.d Run &
so be enabled to get on easily, stooking the farm etc. Let it be
understood that I must see the farm ere you purchase & I will now
inquire by what route I could reach it most expeditiously. In the
mean time let me suggest that we shall have time enough to arrange
for your settlement within the year that you will be employed at
the Uni. I have conversed with yr. uncle Edward who thinks that if
your health will remain good that you had better continue at the
Uni. as long as you can & in a casual conversation with B. W. Harrison
I mentioned your scheme. He replied that you ought by all means
to continue at the college. I merely mention these things for your
reflection as in the contemplation of a change in business all of
the circumstances & matters connected ought to be well considered.
I like your plan of an independent school It would suit well for
both you & Edward, & if a good Providence will so order the matter
that you should settle near, Summy & How.d could so easily avail
themselves of the opportunity to get their education much more
satisfactorily to myself. My great anxiety & prayer to God is that
I may be able to start my Boys well in the world, in that business
that will insure to them happiness & usefulness. I know the perplexities

of your mind. We are so short sighted. Let us refer the
matter to that wise & good Friend who has always directed us. I
find that watching the openings of Providence & profiting by
those indications is a safe course.

I suppose you wish to fix the time of your marriage. If
do let me know what is your wish as to that event & keep a cool
judgement at work on all these subjects. Write often & I will
write again as soon as I see about the Lisbon school. With great
solicitation for your health & happiness, I am yr aff Father