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                                                                                                            I.S. Metcalf
                                                                                                                March 26, 1849
                                                     March 26th, 1849. Stormy Morning

Dear Brother Joseph

                 I believe I wrote last week to inform you that, contrary to my expectations of a week since, I have not yet reached Bangor. Where I really am, is perhaps a more difficult matter to affirm positively.

About as much as I know is that I am on the Line of a New RailRoad, to be called the "New Hampshire Central Rail Road" designed to extend from the City of Manchester clear across the State to Winsor, Vermont. Twenty five miles of it, or as far as Henniker, is to be built this Season.

  Witness the uncertainty & vanity of human expectations, One week since, I expected to visit before this time, Worcester, Woonsocket, Boston, Portsmouth, Portland, Bangor, Home, and Friends. Turned out of my course, the first day, I reached Boston instead of Worcester. The next day the city of Manchester. Then I thought I would take stage across the country through Epping, where I have a particular friend to Exeter, there to take the R.R. but being too late for the Stage that day I got lost on the other side, and here I am.
  I did intend to deliver some "funds" to you for safe keeping. Since the first of February I have received nearly $300.00 Some of it was due, I spent some. I believe I sent $40.00 to you, or to Eliab for you. I did intend to carry home $100.00. but I spent $40. or 50. for clothing $18. for a New Trunk, $10 or 20. for Mathematical and Engineering Instruments: some for books and c. etc. besides "current expenses"; until there is not much left