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and I know that you all would
most likely be aft— besides, I thought
that the boat perhaps exploded
just before or about the time when
you all were getting on board,
& then the danger had lessened
by the explosion being forward.
I scarcely thought that the Magnolia
Hea had exploded at Frederica
where her stop is so short and
so accustomed, and I have came
to the opinion that as there were
so many of you to get on board
and having much baggage, and too,
knowing that our adored Mother
would delay you with affectionate
farewells, the probability was that
by the Steamer's being thus detained
the explosion had occurred at
Hamilton. This I imagine would
have been fortunate because of the
eas great assistance from and easy
access to the shore, but then I knew
that Mother would be at the
landing and Oh! what would be