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My dear Mother

I am very glad to hear from you before I leave here - have a great deal to say, but no time now, for it is almost six o clock, & I am packing our trunk for my journey the other to leave here to be taken to the other end of the street to what seems now a strange house - my future home. Tomorrow is the day at ten the cars leave 11 half: I expect to reach Chicago sometime Thursday stay there a day then visit Dr. De Witt's friends in Rene Princeton to Alton - from then take the nearest road to Isaac's place: I have written him so he is expecting us & he shall write you every particular - I do not wonder you think it sudden, it seems so to me. I can hardly realize it I knew you would feel some anxiety but I do believe you need not, I cannot conceive what I could reasonably ask more favourable if such change is to be made - I have seen this new friends almost every day several hours at a time - think I have experience I have had much thoughts, fears misgivings enough to appreciate character in some good degree & you may be assured that external advantages would not tempt me without the right qualities of mind & heart. My own convictions of the direct leading of providence on this matter as respects myself