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and her children I am all impatience and eagerness to see them.
Sister Mary will join us and then we shall truly be a happy
circle. Do hope I shall succeed in making their visit comfort-
able and agreeable. Mr resources are few and poor but much
can be done with good cheer and hearty welcome and considerate
attention - Sent for oysters and Oranges every trip of our packet-
arrangement and re-arrange until we despair of their coming -
Brother Abe pays us a visit - greatly disappointed he did not
bring Bettie according to agreement - Proceeds to N. O. -
Back to Bunch's Bend returns here to take a boat-gives me 5
minutes to write letters and fold parcels, pack boxes, send messages,
say parting words etc. etc. as he expects to be off in a twink-
ling. At the end of three days here still. No boats to be
seen. One would think they were ice bound- dreadful weather -
It storms without and storms within. At length, on the
third day, he descries a "boat" - A joyful sight; The sight of
land was not more grateful to Columbus. Mr. Hilliard and George
took passage on the Scott-Alone - Keep a Bowie knife under my
pillow and Robert plays sentinel in the adjorning chamber. Take
these precautions by the advice of bro. John Mr. Raynor arrives
and stays all night. The long looked and muched wished for came
at last. Steamer America landed Bishop Polk and his family
Tuesday morning, Dec. 18 - 5 children; pretty and smart - most
grown since I saw them last. My sister has not recovered from
her mother's death - looks saddedned and subdued. I hope change
of scene and heerful company will restore her spirits. Mr.
Hilliard lands home about day light 22 Dec.