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My Dear friend

Mulberry Grove Feb 24, 1838

It was with much satisfaction that I recd
your very acceptable letter pr. the last mail. It always
contributes much to my gratification to hear of the continued
good health of my near & dear friends. I was much pleased
to hear of your safe arrival from the 'far west,' and
would have addressed you a little sooner could I have
been _____ of your return. We are all in tolerable
health. Julia is in daily expectation of the appear-
ance of a little stranger. the Dogs grow rapidly
and it is my oppinion that I. [?] W. is hard to beat
even by one of the same common stock. I hope we shall
have an opportunity to compare not long first. I shall
look untill I see you and my dear sister with us.

The information communicated of the Dr & my sister [E?]
gave us much satisfaction as I have not recd a
letter from him since last July. He seems to have lost
all recollection of No. Carolina & of old friends
and connections - but better late than never. If
you can visit us shortly keep the letter directed to
me untill you come down - if not open the letter
and take the notes out and keep them untill we meet