6

start another subject.
Brother Henry came to Raleigh on Thursday evening last
just from Philadelphia. he stayed two days with us and was
quite unwell all the time. I hope however that it was the
effects of travelling and that he is now as well as ever. He
could not give me much information respecting our kindred
for he had been some time from home. Bro Wm. met him
at the Warren depot who told him they were all well except
Alfreds wife who is diseased, I am told both in body and mind
pretty much as she was after the birth of her second child
she was then at M. Alstons. I am very sorry for it for I do
not believe there are many more amiable women in this
world than Frances. Brothers Kemp and Tom were here
week before last at the great celebration. how I have forgot
ten that you are more than a thousand miles from here and
probably never heard any thing of it at all. Well I will in
form you that the good folks of Raleigh gave a great festi
val in honour of the completion of the Rail road and State
Capitol to which there were 3000 persons invited. There
was a great dinner given at the depot at which 700 gentle
man sat at table at one time. I am told that it was a
splendid dinner. that night the State house square was
illuminated in an elegant manner. the next night there
was a ball held in the Senate chamber and a concert
in the Commons hall for all who do not like to attend
Balls, and on the next night there was another ball.
I can assure you that I never witnessed so large an assembly
of people nor did I ever see people seem to enjoy themselves
more. we all had our houses filled. there were numbers here