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Isaac Jonesboro Union Co. Ill Nov. 24, 1851

                                                                                                          Jonesboro, Union Co. Illinois
                                                                                                          Thursday Nov. 20 1857

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 Divisions 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 having 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 in this region when the senior Navigation and the Eastern way to get East from here in the Winter is to go to New