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S. B. Cincinnati Decr 20th 1845

My Dear Wife,

We are at this time a few miles above Memphis, on our downward trip with a fine load, our recepts will be upwards of $4,000 if we arrive safely at New Orleans which is the best Cargo I ever took down, or to say the largest recepts. -- I regretted very much that I had given up my trip at Smithland, after I was informed of the rise in the Ohio. But since I have done so well in returning, and the probability of very severe weather above, from what we have here. I think we have escaped an Ice trip, and perhaps detention in the Ohio, very luckily. --

The weather is quite cold here, with considerable floating Ice. I think it must be very cold in Cincinnati at this time. -- Holiday's are soon at hand and I have nothing particularly to cheer me on the Occasion, were I at home enjoying the society of my Own Dear two words underscored & innocent darlings two words underscored, together with our family circle, how different I should feel, but circumstances for my portion, have placed me far off, and a part of the time in a different clime.