April 8th 1848
My Dear Joseph In trying to recollect & think over any thing & every thing you said when you were here I seem to obtained a little dim light which fills me with apprehension I seem to see you setting out in a Dark mist and thick fog to cross on a slender plank a deep unfathomable abyss - probably I have not express'd myself just right but as you are pretty shrew'd you can perhaps guess at my idea when I tell you I suspect your are about choosing your weal or woe for life I should advise a young man as I did you to get married at the same time it is as - Charles says running a fearful risk - & I feel particularly anxious when any child of mine is about making a choise especially my boys now I have not a word to say pro or con in the matter and would not willingly have, if I was well aquainted with the person only I would say if the die is cast - if you have pass'd the rubicon just let me know & I'll cease to worry. If you have not besure and get all the light you possibly can - - which is after all, just about none at all - in most cases - now be frank and clever and let me know all about it, not that it would do any good as I know of except to afford me a great gratification without much cost on your part
You enquir'd if the purchase of the comprehensive commentary was money well laid out or something to that effect. I dont know exactly in what sense you meant. But I think it was well the gratification as good which it has been to me has in my estimation been more than15$ laid out in bank stock yealding 50 percent if you children have not profited by it tis your own fault __ 12th You are requested to send up by Sam'l 2 rolls of paper suitable for the kitchen and little Bedroom & two rolls like the others for the chamber. Albina has made out to an Order on her Uncle Charles for the ten dollars if she could have got the interest too it might possibly been enough for Carpet ha!