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I am much obliged for your copy of Rail Road News. If I were now in New England, I would perhaps try to get a place upon that New York and Boston Air Line R.R. Probably however there would be but little chance. There is so little Rail Road building or surveying going on in New England now, and so many there out of business that there is little chance for one without personal acquaintance or favor of those engaged in it. The time for Engineering Employment in N.E. is mostly passed. In New York State there is considerable doing now, under the Nine Million Canal Enlargement, but Canal Engineering I do not consider my business and do not like it either. The present field for RailWay Engineers seems decidedly to be in the Western States and here a great field is just opening. Mr Ashley, our new Div. Eng. here, laughs at the idea of remaining at the East now. I like Mr Ashley very well. He is a regular Yankee, though he has been four or five years in the west. Mrs Ashley is quite a pleasant lady, an Episcopalian. They have three little children. If I will stay here, I can have a very favorable situation, living at Jonesboro, have charge of thirty miles of road through this hilly Country of Union & Pulaski Counties without going into the unhealthy region of Cairo at all. I do not know but I had better conclude to remain here. It certainly appears best both for my present emolument, and future prospects in every way.