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There - I have fairly filled three pages with 'Self.' I guess you will not want any more for a spell. The fact is your letter with most of my other plunder is down at Grouts'. and I am at Northfield, today. This very rain day, only 18 at Church. So I cannot answer your letter today I found here last night a letter from Mother by way of Hampden, All well at both places. Charles lost half his crop about, but his horse which has been very lame or sick is getting better. I was most astonished and mortified to hear that Charles is like to vote for Taylor. Strange. If I had known it a day or two sooner I would have made another last desperate effort to open his eyes: but it is a day or two late, 7th being Election day. You must have had a very pleasant journey I think from your account of it as far as Buffalo. I am extremely anxious to hear about the rest of it over the Lakes by steamboat, and how you are pleased with Racine, and your new home, situation and all circumstances in which you are placed. You must excuse my neglect of writing, considering the case, that the place, circumstances, & leisure have absolutely presented. I shall certainly do better in future; and I hope you will write if you have not before, immediately on receiving this. You have probably been no more surprised at not receiving this letter before than you would have been, if you had received it post marked "Mobile Ala." and there was certainly one day in which I considerably expected that such would be the case. Our folks hereabout are all well as I hear. Cos Joseph works for the R.R. Co. but not now with me. James' little one grows beautifully. Dr Gillett I see by the papers of Hallowell. Sec. of Maine Milo. Soc. &c. You know is just dead. Monday not a moments' time My Post Office direction is Grouts' Corner Mass

Along the side: I.S. Metcalf Nov. 5th 1848