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I could relate a long concatenation of circumstances the why, and wherefores (nothing very unusual however) but it is of no use - he is now again expecting a chance to sell the Grey but perhaps it will fail. He has borrow'd money of Eliab to pay Everett & the "Division" but must get it for him again by 1st of Jan. He has 6 or 8 tons of hay to sell but it is very low no more than 7 or 8 dollars serv'd - It is no small trial and mortification to me that we cannot send you some money. You enquire about Joseph and his business, I can't tell you much for he is not communicative - Sons and Nephews rather objected to giving him all the wages he ask (have got the same Tom Boynton they had when Jo' went there for still less than Joseph had) but the principle reason of his leaving was his health - they asked him if he expected to make more than they would givie him he told em no but he expected have longer time to make it in- his partner is a Mr. Fulsom a likely man, I suppose but has not much property I guess - They mean to trade in lumber furnish supplies & have begun in a small way. Joseph went up to Boston & bought his dry goods I don't know to what amount. West India goods they get in small lots at Goss & Upham and any more I doubt whether he'll make any more at present than at wages he needs, Eliab with him & will have in time perhaps - you speak of J as clear headed foresighted & so he is - but not more so than E nor so much either consider the difference in age. I suspect you & all of us have undervalued E. He is not only shrewd but clear & deep beyond his years you know he is not twenty yet he can and actually does teach both Mrs Browns boys (& himself besides) in some things. They carry on an immense sight of business & he is (Joseph says) the main spoke in the wheel. Joseph is philosophical, curious and critecising -Eliab has more politeness more natural good feeling perhaps - more versatility and expansiveness of mind but perhaps I have not expressed just my ideas for lack of the right words. You are as you say not much acquainted with him. I wish you were more so he would be perhaps as good a correspondent as Jo if you give him the opportunity. He is quick of apprehension and exceedingly sensitive - I suspect he has the idea that you don't price him quite so high as he deserves in comparison with Joseph. Not the least jealousy tho as I can see about it.