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I was going down to the old Town to Church today; though there will be no preaching, I should only have to read a sermon: but it is so very, very hot, that I am about to back out. In the first place I should have to go half a mile or more, through this sunshine, which burns like a hot furnace, after the horses: then the ride down there and back -- really all together it is rather too much for my courage. Do I wrong or right? I was greivously disappointed not to get any letter from Ettie yesterday. It was a week since I got any, and I hoped. Now this week I have got to be away up to Centralia, and most likely can get no letters before another Saturday. Well then maybe I will get two. We expect Letters to be irregular in this country. This week comes the Fourth of July. There is to be a great Celebration at Carbondale (The R.R.Track you know has now reached there) They propose to have an Ox roasted whole etc. I have received a special invitation to be present; but if the weather continues so hot, I think I shall prefer to ? of such a crowd as there will be there. There is to be also a Celebration at Richmond, and two! at Centralia, or the opposition cities each side of Centralia, One at Central City 1 1/2 mile north of Station, one at South Centralia 3/4 Mile South. At Central City is to be a great Ball, where unto go J.C. Smith, H.H. Given etc. If the weather continues like this, comfort at least, will be found, if at all some where else than in a crowd anywhere. It is uncomfortable for me in a crowd at any time; but with the Thermometer, above 90 in the shade, it would be too bad. I want you should write to me all about your visit to Milo and Brownville, all the particulars you can think of. I hope it was not in very warm weather; and that you had pleasant weather, and the babies were both very well. I have got no letters from any where East for the last week.