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writing e're this -- after receiving your letter from Louisville I expected to receive another from some port below which has not yet come to hand, and I deferred writing until I should get some further information from you where to direct my letters - the mail has been very irregular owing to navigation, and for 2 days there has been no mail from Louisville the river being entirely obstructed by Ice - we have had 2 weeks bitter cold weather, snow fell fast and thick for several days which made good sleighing -- yesterday the weather moderated and such a thaw of ice and snow I was not sorry to see and you will not dislike to hear of, as we have the promise of a booming river which will bring us plenty of coal at a more reasonable price and indeed reduce the price of every thing which has been most exorbitant and very hard for the prpage torn coal has sold for torn and 30 cts per bushel wood 5 and 6 a cord and every thing in proportion - I for one feel truly grateful for all the comforts we enjoy, and am willing to do whatever is in my power to assist the poor and needy -- Ann Maria daily comes to me and says how Mother let us talk about Father, as soon as Margaret Jane catches the sound she spunks up and says, no sitty ria,? "my Papa" the little one loves to talk about you - when no one is speaking to her she commences with, Papa come home, go away on boat. she is a complete chatterbox and talks much more than when you were home - she is so endearing that every one notices her-_ I have no trouble with her at night, and all pronounce her a good child -- I have some trouble with Ann M who is very determined to have her own way. I have to be decided and firm; I desire to have wisdom and knowledge to train them in a proper manner, and I feel the responsibility a very important one