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1838.

Chapter XII
1838

Reading, O. Jan'y 14th 1838.

Dear Brother,---

Yours received. No news, but war and rumors of war, which I suppose you care nothing about. The Seminoles have killed 130 of our troops and eight officers, and the Canadians have captured a steamboat, killed fifteen or twenty persons and sent the boat in the night blazing over the Falls.***

Respectfully yours brother,

I.A. Lapham, Esq.

Darius.

Tail Engineer of Wis: &c. &c, &c.:

----

Milwaukee Feb' y 4th 1838.

My dear Brother,---

I have just received yours of the 14th.*** We have organized a company under the authority of an "Act to incorporate the Milwaukee and Rock River Canal Company" of which I send you a copy, two thirds of the stock is already subscribed and if Congress can be induced to make a donation in land, (and I think it can) we shall have no difficulty in constructing said canal immediately. I shall act as secretary of the Board of Directors or perhaps as engineer. The office of secretary will be a very important one if the project is carried into effect.***

I have commenced writing what might be called a Wisconsin Gazetteer, though it is not certain it will ever be published. When it is all done perhaps I shall lay it on my fire: It affords me employment for my leisure hours, which I have these long winter evenings, and is a useful exercise of my skill in composition. I shall be able to make quite a large book and perhaps, one that will be useful.

I am happy to learn that father will be able to move in-