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I.S.M. Northfield Isaac
Oct. 22, 1848
Northfield, Mass. Oct. 22d, 1848
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Dear Mother
What would you all have thought if you had found this letter, or at least the next one you received from me, dated at "Mobile, Ala." ? Well you need not be frightened; though I certainly came full as near to it, as the boy did to getting his pig! My CoWorker on the Vt. & Mass. R.R. Mr. J.L. Leonard, who formerly served under Capt. Childe, now Cheif Engineer of the great "Mobile & Ohio RailRoad" is going: - And- he has just four days including Sabbath, from first hearing of it, to get ready and report himself in New York City ready for the Journey! I do not go just at this time as it happens - so my letter is not & at present is not likely to be date at Mobile!
But I went down to Springfield yesterday, and had an "interview" with the "Capt. Childe" himself. I judge that the old gentleman was pleased with my appearance condition etc. He possessed himself of my address etc so that he "could call upon me at any time" he said; and perhaps I may be justified in somewhat expecting some time or other, any time from two months to two year hence, a Call to the aforesaid "Mobile & Ohio R.R." the greatest Rail Road projected in the world, about five hundred miles long!
I thought it was pretty sudden when I heard the story about it at half past 10 at night & started off for Springfield at three, just to see about it; Got to Springfield, some 50 miles before 8 oclock. But just think of winding up one's business a good month's work, & starting for Mobile in three days! Perhaps you would say, would have advised me not to go there, even if I had the chance, and would not have lacked reasons therefore.