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Westfield March 14 1851

Westfield March 14th /51. Dear brother Isaac For some weeks I have experienced rather a longing expectation of that some one of the four stages lumbering wearily and heavily along, from day to day would bring to my glad eyes a missive from you, but being hitherto disappointed, I sent to inquire the reason. If you are still at Milo taking care of Lucy, and the rest of the folks, why not extend a little to me too? I would be most happy to obtain, in the eye of the mind, a passing glimpse of the present state and welfare of that 'heart of homeliness' - the alone place, - albeit a 'leetle' smoky - called Cedar Grove, alias home, with all its inhabitants both small and great as well as some of its good neighbors. I enjoy Gilfillan exceedingly, am out of conceit with the Tribune i.e., its editor because he traduces it: he must be lazy or shallow pated not able to enjoy or appreciate the rich variety of ideas brought often before the mind at once.