.MTI3Nw.MTAyMTEw

I really want to go over there but I do not know when I shall. This business confines one very much. It is next to impossible to get away for a day or an hour. Possibly one may have nothing to do just now, but he must be all ready for it if it comes next minute, next hour or next week. As for myself, they seem inclined to make a Draftsman of me. You see Engineers all going off from here on the Mountain Survey, hardly any one was left who could do any thing. They found out I could use a scale & dividers, and in fact I have been in the Office most all the time since we came from Putney. Should not be surprised from present appearances, if I were kept here in the Office now all the time this Winter. On some accounts, perhaps it will be better for me. I shall get to be quite a Topographical Draftsman. It may be less wearing than constant Exposure to all weathers, though more constant. day & evening. I find I shall feel the cold more when I am out. If I had kept right on out all the time I believe I should have felt the need of no additional clothing, over coat, under shirts, even a vest, all winter. Of I stay in a Warm Office most of the time, I shall need to dress warmer when I am out on line.

 Sat. eve. Well. There was a tremendous rain here on Wednesday: it troubled people who wished to go home to Thanksgiving. I went out to Warwick on the Stage Thursday Morning. Mr. Parsons & wife & children went out in the storm, Wednesday! Humphrey S. arrived at 4 1/2 P.M. Wed. from Boston. I went up to Aunt Conant's and spent the forenoon. All Well. Lately heard from Aunt Esther at Barnard, likes well there much pleased all well etc. With great effort & much ingenuity, I escaped from Uncle Ben's in time to meet a positive Engagement at Thanksgiving dinner at Capt. Joe's. Returned to Northfield Friday Morning. Found my Boarding Place upside down & wrong side out from Effects of the great R.R. Ball there held.