34

Raleigh July 9th 1837
My Dear Wife
I was truly gratified at receiving your
letter announcing your safe return from Warrenton. I did
not expect that you would remain there so short a time,
for I was afraid, the visitation of your mother would prevent
your leaving her so soon. I am sorry that I cannot
be with you to day as strange as you may think it. I am becoming quite anxious to see you all again.
I hope however to have that pleasure some time during the present week towards the last of it, I expect.
I think it probable that I shall have to go north sooner
than I once expected, and you had better have all
my clothes [etc] prepared by the last of this month. I
begin to dread the trip, which would be quite agreeable
if you could go with me. I have not heard a word from
General Iredell, except as I understand that he has written
to his family here that he expected to return
about the first of August. If that be so, I presume the
work if progressing more rapidly than we anticipated,
and though I shall have to go on earlier, I trust
I shall not have to stay from home so long.

We had the usual parade speeches [etc] have on the
4th. Columbus delivered his "oration" rather better
than I expected. As to its quality, I must refer you
to the newspapers. The Star says that it was eloquent
and patriotic. What the Register will say I cannot guess,
except that I have no doubt it will be something complimentary,
What I think of it, I will tell you when I
see you. On the evening of that day Amos came into
the city, and I spent a short time with him quite pleasantly