.MTI4MA.MTAyNTY0

Ducoign Dec. 3, 1854. (Isaac) Dunbarton Dec 12. 1854-- Ducoign, Sabbath Dec. 3 1854 My Dearest I did not get any mail last week all the week long, until I got here on Saturday afternoon, near night, Then the Ducoign Mail was here in large amount; lotos of newspapers etc but the rascally Mr Hawkins PostMaster had not sent along the Mail from that office. So I started a messenger immediately after it; and by about Seven o clock had the gratification of receiving two most excellent letters from your own dear self. One was mailed Nov. 14, one Nov. 21st; just a week apart in starting, but reaching me the same day. The first was commenced Nov. 12, just 20 days in reaching me. So you did not go to Pembroke after all; only got as far as Concord. Well, you had a pleasant ride, and that is one good thing. The DuQuoin people have not yet got a preacher. They have given a call to the Rev. Albert Smith late of Peru, formerly I believe of Middlebury College, but it is doubtful as yet whether he accepts it. The People got up a Subscription to raise 250. The Home Missionary Soc. to pay the other 250. of a 500 Salary. The Old Town was to raise 125. & the New 125. But I guess that both have done, or intend to do better still than that Mr Smith was down here, came with the D.F. Seminary Teachers, and preached I think two Sabbaths; and they sent the call on to Peru after him. He hd expressed a wish to move down here on account of his health, and partly bargained for Geo. S. Smiths' place at Old DuQuoin. The Seminary they say is prospering--that is Miss Paine & another Teacher I