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self, across those great thousand acre meadows. I had reputation of an old surveyor when I came on the road, & I have never injured the reputation though it has been well tried; and in reality I had hardly ever used a compass. However I knew enough about it to learn without showing any ignorance; and I believe I am likely to make a really good surveyor, at least I had a considerable time up there. All the care & responsibility of the business & a crew of men, Books &c. to keep in order, and [lanes?] all to be plotted evenings. I expect now not to go upon the mountain survey, but to remain on this road where I shall have a better chance in my respects. There I should be a good common hand. Here I shall have charge over others, but poorer men, though in a business I need more to learn -- Building a road not surveying it. This has been Some meeting day. Great Whig or anti war party gain. I was invited to a whig glorification supper, but do not go as this letter shows. I shall probably be most of this winter between Northfield & Brattleboro', perhaps located at Vernon? I. S. Metcalf