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The Tract Laying is commenced on this last Division of Vermont Rd Mass. To me attaches the dignity of having the charge of this important operation, "Setting Grades" directing where and how high said track shall be laid in advance of the forty or fifty workmen who pack down the sleepers, and spike down the Rails. This gives me and my unclear assistants plenty of business and as the Track Laying commences at the lower end of the Division, for ten miles from the force, I have now to board most of the time away. Have a very pleasant comfortable place, six miles off, only go home Saturday night & when something is wanted of me there. Oh, I can tell you some news. Cousin Joseph has dissolved partnership with Albert. You know he lost much by the fire: he thought his remaining Capital not enough for the business. I think very fortunate in settling so easily. couldn't if Joseph had claimed as some would. He receives $100.00 per year of his earnings or savings, and deducts exactly his share of the loss by fire. He wants other business, hopes to get it on R. R. Charge of Depot, Baggage Master or something. -And- is now at work for the Engineering department with me, one of my men, driving Grade pegs unclear. Joseph is a good fellow. and we are politics this Fall. He & Mr. Field & others & I, are revolutionising old Northfield. Even Old Northfield, a strong old fashioned Democratic Town, we intend shall give a "Free Soil" majority vote hits Fall. You know I am no speaker or talker, but I can make a good Free Soil Man out of most any really sensible conscientious man in a short time-- even I Give him just the right things to read, we have plenty of it, and say just the right things, about the right time. Here what a letter I have written. Do write to me often. Love to Almeda & Albina & all the little ones. How is Jenny? is she not going to Lucy's. Affectionately J. S.