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able to "make a raise" and go right out with the Road in the Spring; and extremely anxious to have me not engage elsewhere, but go on with this road. If they can only go on with this, there is no question but I could do much better to stay here than to engage any where else. As far as I can see, I am in the best possible favor & popularity here; while every thing else is in the greatest trouble & turmoil. Hon. Noyes Poor is just publishing a Pamphlet decrying the management, some of the Doctors, the business Agent, Mr. Price, Mr. Chase especially, to the very worst, and about calling a Stockholder's meeting to overhaul matters, and if possible turn out the Officers etc. Some even want to turn out Mr. Chase and put me in as Chief! but that of course is ridiculous. I should have more sense than that myself. I do not pretend to be fit for that place. Mr. Chase is a good Engineer and would do well enough and be well liked if it were not for Noyes Poor; if it were not for his miserable brothers, but they will hardly get along with them much longer, and the "fuss" may overset Mr. Chase. At any rate, I do not see but I am the party most likely to profit by almost any thing that may turn up.

 I declare I shall really dread to get up a little higher, and have the responsibility all fall on my shoulders. Heretofore, higher heads have been over me to make all the enemies etc. and I have only reaped friends & good will.