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Isaac Jonesboro Union Co. Ill. Nov. 24, 1851 Jonesboro, Union Co. Illinois. Thursday, Nov. 20, 1851 Dear Antoinette Your letter of Oct. 28, was joyfully received two days since. I intended to write that day, but press of business prevented. Col. Mason had just arrived here, had very short time to stay, and I had considerable business to attend to and settle up. I have now been relieved of my temporary charge of the Division Engineership, after retaining its honor and dignity -- or rather care and responsibility -- longer than I expected, on account of Col. Mason delaying his return. The new incumbent, L. W. Ashley has also arrived, so that I am again one under authority, though still have power, like the centurion, to say to one, "go" and he goeth, and to another 'do this' and he doeth it. I had hoped, if I decided to remain here this winter, to be able to go East for a few weeks at least. But in the present press of business here, I cannot get away. I have got fairly enlisted in the Location of this Division. No one can take my place, and I must stay until January at least. I told Col. Mason I would start in January then. But he told me I would get to Boston just about as soon to wait & start in March! I suppose there is hardly any such thing as decent travelling here -- crossed out in this region when the river navigation and the easiest way to get East from here in the Winter is to go to New