.MTI4NA.MTAzMTkz

Isaac sending money to J McKeen Northfield, Map, Oct. 8th 1848

Joseph This Letter, which is to be, is already dated. If I happen to think of it at the proper time, it shall also have a signature, equally correct.

Dear Brother, Your letter of 21st-23rd inst. was by me received through hands of Rufus Holton & Joseph Stevens, as I was busily employed in "setting grades" &. and directing the "Laying Track" on the Vt. & Map. R.R. some seven or eight miles from here; which occupation is mine at present; and I am therefore obliged, being on the track early & late to board away from home, & only come up here Saturday nights. I like the business very well, and it is a very good chance for me.

        Cousin Joseph Stevens is one of my Assistants at present on the R.R. He and Parsons have dissolved Partnership. You know they were burnt out last Spring; the loss fell most heavily on Joseph. Parsons had much other property; but it was almost Joseph's all. He thought he had not capital money enough to continue the business profitably; and now wants some other; may get some situation, Depot, Freight, or Baggage, Master or something on the Rail Road. Is helping us for a few weeks now driving grade pegs.
    You enquire for the origin of a quotation in my last letter on the Source of Government. I have been trying to remember what the quotation was, but cannot, much more where it came from. Since then have happened to meet with Wm Goodell's Constitutionality of Am. Slavery. Did you ever see the Book? Am very much pleased with some things there, some that tally so exactly with certain ideas of my own which I have never before seen well expressed. "Common Law" So, He does not show much money too, to the celebrated "Social Compact."