.MTI4NA.MTAzMTk1

[written upside down on top.]

 My Present direction is I.J.Metcalf
                                     Asst. Eng. Vt. & Mass. R.R.
                                      Grant's Corner
                                          Mass.
                                                                                                                    Isaac.
                                                                                                                        Northfield, Fr. Co. Map. Oct. 22d, 1848

Dear Brother Yours of the 16th inst. received sometime lately. This letter of mine is not dated at "Mobile Ala." becase I aint thar. But I came as near starting for there this week, as the boy try to getting his pig. I did not go, and probably shall not for two or three months at least. That quotation you refer to, was probably from some periodical I happened to have in my hand as I was writing the letter. I rather think from McClures' "Christian Observatory", a monthly usually lent me by my friend Dea. Dutton. It sounds much like McClure's own style. Some piece I read there some way connected with that subject I recommember. As much obliged for your information with regard to forwarding money etc. I have been quite anxious to settle up the business this month. We get no money yet though. I have been obliged to borrow considerable, thirty or forty dollars round. When it will come know not; strongly hope this week. It is certainly time -- most four months behind The Vt. & Mass. is terribly pressed, pretty fairly covered. Wiggled terribly for a few months. First 90 per cent Bonds then New Stock at half price! Now finally probably a Loan and Mortgage of Road, is being successful. You speak of laying sticks on the Atlantic & St. Lawrence R.R. the trouble is I have no sticks in that direction; not even a peg to hang a hat or a hope on. You say it is the best place on that road. Don't know about that. One thing -- did