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Isaac Springfield Illinois June 21 1837

Springfield Illinois, Sat. Eve. June 21. 1837. Dunbarton

Dear Antoinette What will you think to hear that besides being away in this land, I am here away from every body, with no business, and out of money, in the midst, not of Fever & Ague merely, but of both Cholera & Small Pox! My, I could make out quite a strong case! And "founded on fact" too! However, I guess the case is in reality not quite so bad. I came here, as I think I wrote to you I should, to meet Col R.B. Mason, who was to be here, the 20th. & 21st, incl. The great freshet and roads broken up, have prevented his getting here, and we hear this evening that he has taken another route and gone back to Chicago. Thus leaving me in the lurch. However, I have met here with another gentleman connected with the road, who is pretty fully acquainted with its affairs, and knows where I am most needed. He wishes me to proceed at once to the Southern Division, and I think I will on Monday. I had preferred to remain somewhere toward the Northern part of the state, thinking that would be more healthy; but it seems their lines are running all back on the high grounds, away from the Marshes, and it may really be the healthiest part of the route. Cairo is very low & unhealthy, and now all under water, but their Head quarters are to be at Caledonia, 15 miles above, and they do not go near Cairo, at present.