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Saint Louis July 28 1840

My dear Ann

I can inform you that we arrived here safely last evening, after rather a long voyage for the "Monsoon." We were detained about 12 hours in the canal at Louisville otherwise we got along very well. The water was just high enough to admit us to pass, by touching a little at the worst places, we were obliged to lay by two nights on the passage, unclear and might get aground, and have trouble in getting off. I have concluded to lay the "Monsoon" up at this port for a while, how long, or which way I shall proceed with her next, I have not yet determined. I shall remain here a few days until I can settle my business here, and then proceed to Galena how long it will take me to go to Galena and back to this place, and back to this place, I do not know but I expect from 2 to 3 months as the water is very low ahead. On my return to this city from Galena, I expect to proceed