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Newport, N.H. Sept. 16, 1849

Dear Sister Anne
  Your letter of the twenty third ultimo was rather long in reaching me on on account of my present scattering condition. Being engaged on a Survey, and moving from place to place, my letters are directed all along the Line, and reach me just as it happens, sometimes by Stage Drivers, and some time not until some one is coming expressly to me. Your letters probably reached Goffstown ten days since, waited there about a week: and then reached me so full of business that I could hardly stop long enoug to read it until Sunday  You know that I did make the rule to answer your letter the next day after their receipt, but I could not this time.   You mention my visit home.  It was almost an  aggravation. You see I had got my business all arranged so I could be gone I thought some two or three weeks, and I would have a grand visit home and everything go on just as good in my absence &c.   Well I got started, got down to Manchester and there found our President of Board of Directors, N.H.C.R.R. wanting to see me on special business! Somewhat vexations to be sure, but rather flattering withal for so young an Engineer to be selected over the heads of other & older ones whose business it most appropriately was, to make a very important and very difficult Survey. Mr Price said they wanted someone there in whom they had full confidence, so that the same Engineer who made the survey could remain on the work in building. Rather flattering, wasn't it? besides implying the promise of an excellent situation for two or three years, for the Line is over a very difficult country, which will take a long time to build, and be exactly the very best school for a young Engineer. They wanted I should commence the Survey immediately but I finally, not to lose the visit entirely as I was started, got away for a few days, just had time to go home & see Joseph & come right back again.