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Mrs. Clark, Jerusha Williams that was, of Zanesville Ohio was on there with some of her children but I did not get a chance to see her. Goddard, Esther Williams husband is said to be making money fastest of any man in Royalston. I do not know as I have any more news to write about any of the folks. Humphrey is at Grouts helping Joseph A. Since I came here my Vt. & Mass Superior, A.R. Field Esq., then out of business, who was much pleased with me, has taken charge of a new Rail Road, the Ashuelot R.R. from Winchester to Keene to be continued both ways to Concord & to Northfield to connect with Vt. & Mass He was very much disappointed that I could not go on there with him wanted to make me his Second, and so as an inducement even offered to increase my regular salary from his own pocket. We had quite a fire here nearby Sat. Morning 28th. The most dreadful one I ever saw. A large stable was burned up with eight horses, four oxen & a cow. Some very valuable horses, the whole 13 animals valued at over $1200.00 It was a bad sight to see the ruins, & the remains of the animals in the morning. The place, one mile from here, called "Oil Mill Village" in town of Weare, seems to be doomed, almost Last Fall a fire broke out there, consumed the Tavern, two stores, Grist Mill, Saw Mills, Rail Factory, Peg Factory, Machine Shop, Turning Lathe, Large Stables &c In all fifteen or twenty buildings, all the business part of the Village, throwing dozens of men out of employ. No attempt has been made to build up. business stopped entirely. Now this fire & every horse owned in the Village! It does seem to be judgments of God plainly. It has always been the most perfectly irreligious place anywhere. No meeting, & positively no one living even going to meeting anywhere hardly for years! Two or three wealthy men who own all the property, acquired it by Distilling & Rum Selling! It is the most convenient Post Office for me, as I usually pass through there every day: My letters have come there considerably; but lately not liking the looks of the direction, I prefer to have my letters directed to the other Village, where I attend Church, and where I hope you will direct a letter to me immediately upon the receipt of this. The Direction is Goffstown N.H. April has been very cold here & the March prospect of an early spring rather disappointed.. Permit me to suggest that you do not go upon the right plan in your correspondence You are now so far distant and letters are so long in the transit, make it a rule to answer a letter immediately, upon the receipt, within twenty four hours. really easier if you only get in the habit of it. Aff. I.S. Metcalf