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Pilots, i.e. acquainted with the river its various rocks, currents etc. etc. Cushings runners have 9/s per day. Mr. Eldridge, our Foreman is a very fine man, I think, an old Sea Capt. or a Blacksmith of East Brewer. He is a Temperance man and a member of Cong. Church. The men all like him though they say he is 'straight as an H'! Sheldon is a real clever looking little fellow, about as big as Eliab, and a very boyish look, though his face is covered with black whiskers!!!

 As for the work, I suppose it is pretty hard, at least it is so called, though I dont know as it is harder work than farming if folks work smart. I make out to get along very well with it. As for getting sick, there is no necessity for being alarmed. I have got a ducking several times, but I really believe it is a  benefit rather than otherwise, if one does not take cold, I think I have felt better for it, change my clothes a little, put on a dry woolen shirt.
  The worst thing is, the work makes me sleepy,  go to work at 5 P.M. and work till about Dark 7 1/2 or 8, if I want to go go to meeting, I feel so kinder tired and dull, I cant more than half hear or feel, if I dont actually get asleep. Terribly sleepy in Meeting this A.M.  I dont know but it is a retribution to me. 

How much I have, if not dozed away the time, minded every thing but the preaching in meeting. Now I want to hear. I almost cant. I mean it bothers me.

  Wednesday Eve. Rec' a bundle brought  down by Mr. Coutts, very acceptable, Coat, Stockings & Shirts.  A very little peice of a Letter, better than none though. I do wish you would write good long letters, Mother, I dont think you write to your children as much as you used to, a few years ago. I suppose you have so much work to do. I hope Doctor will get married and take away the Baby, then when Lucy gets Smart, you must have a rest a Spell.
  Charles Wyman & Lady & 2 Children are here tonight, came in the boat. I have not spoken to him though. Franklin House is crowded, full, every night, 20 more boarders crowded into a poor room, 2 in a bed, Great mind to get a new  Boarding house. Old N. England is the Washingtonian House now.